[August 10, 2024] Please take a look at the list of 14 books I have on my Reading List page and the last one in italics is The Holy Bible. If you read good books, the list is a sack of jewels and useful and challenging you as yourself. Today, I want to take a look at one of the most misunderstood of the 10 Commandments.
Dr. Jordan Peterson sat down with broadcaster Piers Morgan to discuss various topics surrounding the idea of free and open speech and how the influence of popular culture has had a significant impact. The video on YouTube is worth viewing and is a recent production from August 5, 2024.
In one segment, Dr. Peterson discusses his psychological interpretation of the Bible. One point he made I found unique and interesting. He says that there’s one Commandment that people misunderstand.
“Thou shalt not use the Lord’s name in vain.” – The Bible, Exodus 20:7
On the face of it, and this is where Dr. Peterson’s look at the Bible is invaluable, he says most people think that means don’t swear or curse, which does mean that in a general sense. Dr. Peterson believes the meaning of this Commandment is something more sacred, deeper, and useful. But that is a fringe meaning.
“That’s not what it means. It means don’t claim Divine virtue when you’re working for your own purposes.” – Dr. Jordan Peterson
He gives us a little background. In the gospel, accounts say that because the Pharisees, who are Christ’s primary enemy, are the people, he accuses them of utilizing the Sacred for their own self-glorification. They’re praying in public; they want the best places in the marketplace and the best seats in the synagogues. That is Christ’s accusation of them.
A more modern term would be ‘virtue signaling;’ an expression of an “unbelievably deep and ignorant narcissism.” Dr. Peterson believes this is part of the victim-victimizer narrative that claims to explain all of history without any intellectual foundation. And this virtue signaling “is what makes you morally virtuous.”
The consequence of this morally virtuous trait is that “you get to specify the victimizer who’s your enemy and tear them into shreds, and that’s a moral act [on your part].”
Dr. Peterson believes this is an unbelievably pathological behavior because it requires no risk, no sacrifice, and no hard work. That is why this Commandment is the least understood.
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NOTE: If you are more interested in delving into a longer list of books that I believe everyone should read for their education and development, see my “Reading List of Leadership Books.” There are over 100, which is a challenging list, I will admit, but a good starting point is to read them starting today. Here is the link: https://www.theleadermaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/MASTER-Reading-List-of-Leadership-Books.pdf
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Please read my books:
One can never be more educated about the Bible and the meaning of the different passages. Sometime in the past, and I cannot remember when, but Gen. Satterfield noted that the Bible was the greatest texts ever written, full of the greatest lessons of mankind, but those lessons are not taught or unevenly taught. This means we are missing much of the real meaning of the Bible and that is sad because those meanings can attract us more to the teachings.
We don’t read or study the Bible enough to realize that this is the most brilliant book of books ever written in the entire history of humans.
Excellent article on the 10 commandments. Gen. Satterfield, I would love to read more of your thoughts on them and what you think about the 10 commandments no longer being taught in public schools.
🙏 My goodness, thanks 🙏 To know more about the 10 Commandments is goodness and righteousness.
I see this – like Gen. Satterfield’s article – to help us all have a closer link to the Bible and the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Thank you Gen. Satterfield for highlighting this for me. I’ve always thought that just memorizing Biblical verses was not adequate but adding meaning means more. I think that is why the stories from the Bible are important in a much needed way because many people will never have a true understanding and they will follow the Bible rightly anyway. Some of us need more and it helps us have a deeper connection with God.
“The consequence of this morally virtuous trait is that “you get to specify the victimizer who’s your enemy and tear them into shreds, and that’s a moral act [on your part].” Dr. Peterson believes this is an unbelievably pathological behavior because it requires no risk, no sacrifice, and no hard work. That is why this Commandment is the least understood. – Gen. Doug Satterfield and the key point here. Read this and don’t forget it. Be careful with your own narcissistic behavior.
Explains alot. Wellington, thanks for bringing this up. Why? Because we see many colllege students across the nation “protesting” war and the “bombing of children” but they are the ones who are do nothings, no job, no risk or sacrifice in their actions. Maybe one day they will wake up from the Woke.
I hope so, for they will live a terrible life. Just look at those who for generations see themselves as perpetual victims.
Excellent comment, Wellington.
Go and read Gen. Satterfield’s READING LIST here: https://www.theleadermaker.com/reading-list/
You will be pleased with your decision. Don’t be thinking it is impossible. Even if you read 10 minutes per day, soon you will be complete.
Sir, well said. And much appreciate the look at “Thou shalt not use the Lord’s name in vain.” – The Bible, Exodus 20:7.
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The full text in King James Bible
“Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” And this is the point better made when the entire line is given, “the LORD will not hold him guiltless…
” which means you will not enter the kingdom of God.
Good connection. Thanks lydia. 👍👍👍👍👍
Gen. Satterfield, you sure do know how to make me think. And, thanks to Dr. Jordan B. Peterson for his ideas about the misunderstood of the 10 Commandments. “Thou shalt not use the Lord’s name in vain.” It is more than cussing, which I thought it was about and that it was somehow an offense to the Lord but now we see it is more, it is about our very own narcissism and vanity. 🤦♂️ It is about us not respecting the Lord or his disciples or others when we cuss. It is more than disgust, it goes far beyond disgust which is a primal emotion that has many terrible results when applied across the spectrum of human condition.
pray for goodness and do not hold gods name in vain
Excellent insights and very applicable for today when we have half the West thinking they are better than everyone else because they ‘virtue signal’ their compassion.
….. yes! so compassionate for others that they wish you killed if you disagree with them.
Amazing how that works. Looks like we’re describing the US Democrat Party that is “for the children” but at the same time wants abortion up to the moment of birth and then after birth if the mother doesn’t want the child. And, give them drugs that sterilize them and cut off their breasts or penises if they have gender dysphoria. Imagine that, the are “for the children” – nutjobs are running the asylum.
Point well made. And while not a new point it is one that must be publlically displayed everywhere so everyone can see its defects. 👀
We all are very lucky that Gen. Satterfield is able to help us understand this better. I also recommend his book. Yeah, I’m hawking his book (as he likes to say) and I do it willingly and voluntarily because it has helped me see a better way to live and now I’m living a better life. So get your copy today – don’t wait one minute … go to Amazon and order your copy. Or simply hit this link at Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/55-Rules-Good-Life-Responsibility/dp/1737915529/
Got my copy, now get your copy.
“55 Rules for a Good Life”