In Church Tradition
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Simplified
Core of Church's Moral Teaching (2064-2065)
The Church remains faithful to the Scriptures and to Jesus by always teaching the importance of the Ten Commandments.
Since St. Augustine, they have had an important place in the preparation of baptismal candidates and the faithful. In the fifteenth century, they were put in rhymed formulas for easy memorizing. Christian catechisms structured moral teaching around them.
The Numbering (2066-2067)
Their division and numbering have varied. The Catholic Church (and Lutheran confessions) follow the order set by St. Augustine. The Orthodox Churches and reformed communities follow the order set by the Greek Fathers.
The first three commandments concern love of God and the other seven love of neighbor. "As charity comprises the two great commandments, so the Ten Commandments themselves were given on two tablets" (St. Augustine).
Obligatory for All (2068)
The Ten Commandments are obligatory for all Christians and the justified man must keep them (Council of Trent). "All men may attain salvation through faith, Baptism, and the observance of the commandments" (Second Vatican Council).
Their Unity (2069)
The Ten Commandments have a unity. The two tables enlighten each other and form an organic unity. Transgressing one command infringes on the others, while honoring another person honors God. Thus, man's religious and social life come into unity.
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