In his latest atheist antics, Ricky Gervais has issued an “Easter Message” for all to enjoy. I find Gervais a hilarious comedian, and a rather bold atheist. He avoids the militance of many in the new-atheism camp by disguising a similar agenda in humorous quips and funny faces. Gervais has become a fairly visible voice for the atheist community which has led to the Wall Street Journal publishing a post last christmas similar to the one linked above.
In the post, Gervais explains (again in sarcasm, my love language) how he is a good christian by christian standards, citing his excellent track record following the 10 commandments as proof. What I want to posit is Gervais completely misses the point of the 10 commandments. God uses the 10 commandments to reveal what is in a person’s heart and to show how impossible it is to behave religiously well enough to earn God’s favor (Matthew 5:17-48) We’ve used this set of evaluation questions below in our church to help understand what God is getting at with the 10 commandments:
TEN COMMANDMENTS[1]
You shall have no other Gods before Me: I have never put anything else before God in my life. I have never thought I needed something besides Him to be happy. I have always given God first place in my thinking, affections, and actions. Yes____No____
You shall have no graven images of Me: I have never had any wrong conceptions about God nor worshipped Him in a way not directly recommended by Him. I have always rejected wrong imaginations or images of God and refused to remake God according to my liking. YES_____NO_____
You shall not take My name in vain: I have never slighted the character of God by using His holy name as a swear word or in a thoughtless manner, such as by calling myself a follower of God yet not obeying Him fully. I have always held the name of God, which signifies His character, in highest respect, invoking it with thoughtfulness and reverence. YES_____NO_____
Remember the Sabbath: I have always worked hard and willingly at whatever task is set before me, seeing it as a God-given service each day, and consistently remembered to set apart one day weekly to worship God with others. YES_____NO_____
Honor your parents: I have never disobeyed nor dishonored my parents or any others in authority over me. I have always respected my parents and given them honor and willing obedience, as well as other authorities over me, including traffic laws, tax laws. YES_____NO_____ How’s that working out for you?
You shall not kill: I have never murdered anyone nor had hateful thought or taken the slightest pleasure in seeing harm done to another human. I have always thought more of others than I have of myself and practiced the highest regard for human life and justice. YES_____NO_____
You shall not commit adultery: I have never practiced any sexual impurity, either physically engaging in sex before marriage or mentally having impure thoughts about someone. I have always treated others’ sexuality with respect and dignity in both my physical actions and mental attitudes. YES_____NO_____
You shall not steal: I have never taken anything that doesn’t belong to me nor been deceitful in any attitudes (or unwilling to work for my needs). I have never stolen downloaded music or taken credit that didn’t belong to me. I have always respected the belongings, rights and creations of others and been completely truthful and fair. YES_____NO_____
You shall not lie: I have never lied nor slandered another person. I have always told the truth in every situation regarding every person I have known. YES_____NO_____
You shall not covet: I have never been greedy for something that wasn’t mine, nor jealous of the abilities, looks, or status of others. I have always shared with others and have been thankful for what they have and content with my possessions and situation. YES_____NO_____
[1] Adapted from Will Metzger, Tell the Truth, Appendix A.IV.
