Ten Commandments the right criterion

In a debate not so long ago between a theologian and a philosopher, they touched on the limitations of the principle of consensus. The philosopher could not deny that there exist values that even a majority must simply accept. But what are these values?

Confronted with this problem, the moderator of the debated asked, “Why not take the Ten Commandments as a criterion?” It is perfectly correct to point out that the Decalogue is not the private property of Christians or Jews; it is a sublime expression of moral reasons and as such it finds echoes in the wisdom of the other great cultures.

To take the Ten Commandments as our criterion might be a tremendous help in healing reason so that “right reason” may once again get to work.

Roger W. Smith

Waterloo