Explore the Moral Teaching of the Catholic Church through the Ten Commandments.
What Does the Fifth Commandment Protect? The Fifth Commandment prohibits the direct and intentional killing of innocent human beings. The Catechism teaches that human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative action of God and it remains forever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end (CCC,…
What Does It Mean to Honor Parents? The Fourth Commandment establishes the foundation for all human relationships by requiring honor, respect, and obedience toward parents and legitimate authority. The Catechism teaches that this commandment introduces the second tablet of the Decalogue, which concerns love of neighbor, beginning with the family as the fundamental cell of…
What Does the Third Commandment Require of Believers? The Third Commandment requires believers to set aside one day each week for rest, worship, and spiritual renewal. The Catechism teaches that the sabbath brings everyday work to a halt and provides respite from servitude to work and worship of money (CCC, 2172). For Catholics, Sunday replaced…
You Shall Not Take the Name of the Lord Your God in Vain What Does the Second Commandment Mean? The Second Commandment requires reverence for God’s name and all that is sacred. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “The second commandment prescribes respect for the Lord’s name. Like the first commandment, it belongs…
I Am the Lord Your God: You Shall Not Have Strange Gods Before Me The First Commandment establishes the foundation of the entire moral law by calling believers to recognize and worship the one true God above all else (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2083). This commandment, given to Moses on Mount Sinai, declares God’s…
