Rating: 
Summary: Dr. Laura Challenges The Weak
Review: In this book, Dr. Laura Schlessinger challenges the reader to update his/her thinking to include the most basic of rules: The Ten Commandments. She doesn't mince words and puts forth a challenge to the weak among us (that's all of us, in some way) to live UP to the Ten Commandments, not DOWN to today's moral vacuum. Dr. Laura may not be the best writer around but the message is crystal-clear: Clean Up Your Act, Take Responsibiltiy, And Stop Acting Like A Spoiled Brat. More, she makes the reader examine one's lifestyle, clearly uncomfortable for many. I found the book deliciously challenging and spot on in today's Conservative atmosphere.
Rating: 
Summary: Thought-provoking for those inclined to open their minds
Review: In the words of Earl Spencer, "True goodness is offensive to those on the opposite end of the moral spectrum." I guess that's why those who so vitriolically attack Dr. Laura at every opportunity do so. If you don't agree that the world could use a little more of the Ten Commandments, you haven't been reading the paper. As the book makes clear, no matter what religion you are (even if you espouse no religion at all), these are rules that would benefit us all if we were to all obey them. It is certainly true that Dr. Laura has not kept all ten all her life. What is in her favor is that she has admitted her errors, repented of them, and tried to repair any damage. Funny that a country willing to absolve Bill Clinton of anything and everything is unwilling to give Dr. Laura any slack at all.
Rating: 
Summary: Move over, devil, I'm on my way.
Review: Heaven is vacant and hell will be crammed full. I can never be this good. I pray that God IS merciful and full of pity for me, a miserable sinner. As you read this book, keep in mind that Dr Laura is all about being provocative and outrageous. That's what keeps her on the air. She's opinionated, but she will be the first to say so, and that's what people call to hear. Take her with a grain of salt; she will make you think about your own interpretation of the Ten Commandments. Pay special attention to the areas where you think she's full of prunes; that's probably where you need work.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant insight into God's immutable laws.
Review: I was inspired and uplifted by the brilliant insights into the 10 commandments. By following these simple (or not so simple) declarations from the creator of the universe, the world would know true peace and spiritual freedom. I am grateful that Dr. Schlessinger and Rabbi Vogel have presented such a passionate view of the blessings of doing what is right. I found personal inspiration in their words. I also admire the personal revelations that Dr. Laura shares within the text; hopefully others who read this book will find the courage to acknowledge the need for moral absolutes and the importance of individual accountability for the choices that we make. I will be giving this book to friends and family for Christmas this year.
Rating:
Summary: Insightful and Informative
Review: I was not expecting much from this book. I have listened to Dr. Laura's radio show from time to time, and although I respect many of her views, I had never envisioned her as much of a religious thinker or writer. I was glad to find myself wrong on both accounts.
The Ten Commandments is a nonfiction work that examines in-depth the decalogue delivered to Moses on Mt. Sinai and applies these laws to modern-day life. Dr. Schlessinger writes from a Jewish perspective, although she is careful to also bring in quotes from Christian clergy as well as the New Testament to back up her points and to show the similarities between Jewish and Christian values. She addresses difficult and controversial questions such as "Is killing always wrong?" and "Is it acceptable to tell a white lie?"
The book is a superb review for the practicing Jew or Christian and a useful introduction to anyone who is not well acquainted with Judeo-Christian morality. As a Christian, I found that much of the background explanation the author offered from Jewish tradition helped me to place Christ's explications of the commandments in perspective. For example, Christ tells us that the command, "Thou shalt not murder" also means that you should not hate your brother and that whoever calls his brother "Raca, fool" is in danger of hell fire. (Dr. Laura does not mention this interpretation of Christ in her chapter on murder, but she does quote part of it in her chapter on coveting.) The author points out that rabbinical tradition teaches that the command "Thou shalt not murder" also prohibits publicly humiliating a person or destroying his reputation with gossip. Learning about this tradition gave me some insight into Christ's teaching on this command, and it gave me a more complete idea of what calling one's brother a "Fool" might entail.
The writing in The Ten Commandments is not at all academic, but neither is the text dumed-down This latter flaw is often to be found in many modern religious books, particularly those sold in Christian bookstores. Dr. Laura does not assume her readers have PHD's, but she does write as though she expects them to have some intelligence as well as an ability to "connect the dots" (so to speak).
There were a few minor flaws in the book:
1. It could have benefited from some more editing. As far as I know, God did not mention anything about the "inequities visited upon the generations" (page 74). He might have said something about iniquities, however. The author also attributes to Jesus words that were actually spoken by John the Baptist.
2. Dr. Laura offers an excellent biblical defense of the death penalty, but she does not directly address the serious arguments of a great many Christian denominations that the death penalty is wrong. I would like to have seen her reaction to the specific religious arguments made in opposition to the death penalty.
On the whole, however, the Ten Commandments is well researched, well thought-out, and very insightful. I highly recommend the book to anyone who can approach Judeo-Christian morality with at least an open-mind.
Rating:
Summary: The Cornor Stone of Western Law- must reading
Review: I went to a Christian men's conference once and the speaker asked the audience how many of us believed in the Ten Commandments and, of course, every hand shot up. The next question the speaker asked was a little more troubling- How many of you can repeat the Ten Commandments from memory. The silence was deafening. Not one hand was raised. It was at that moment that I purposed in my heart to buy this book. In light of the recent court challenges on the public display of the Ten Commandments and the increasing hostility towards the Judeo-Christian values, this book is must reading for those of us who hold these values dear. The Ten Commandments are the cornerstone upon which Western law and civilization are based upon. Even as a pastor, this book was convicting. Subtitled: The Significance of God's Laws in Everyday Life, Schlessinger made me reconsider much of my behavior. For instance, the Eighth Commandment, You shall not steal- has implications that many of us have not even considered. At the base of this commandment is that God considers the possession of things of significant importance; thus when we violate someones property, we are violating them. Practical application? How about borrowing and forgetting to return property? I had to go through my bookshelves and garage and return a multitude of items I had borrowed. The lesson of this book is clear: The Ten Commandments have profound implications for how we live. Put this book on your must read list.
Rating: 
Summary: out of place
Review: I've not read this book, but I used to listen to Dr. Laura on the radio. Dr. Laura's books have been popping up in Christian bookstores and I find it somewhat alarming and out of place. If you are a Christian I would suggest reading it to see what the Jewish perspective is. But for a Christian, the commandments only serve to give us a knowledge of sin and then that would lead one to Christ so we can be justified, not by trying to obey the law, but rather by faith in Christ who has obeyed the ten commandments and perfectly loved for us. Just a warning for all you Christians out there.
Rating:
Summary: An Excellent Book!!!
Review: This book is excellent!! At first I feared it would be a "preachy" book, but it isn't! Dr. Laura and her Rabbi wrote this book and it *really* explains the 10 commandments. Each chapter goes into detail about each commandment. I found that this book really made me think. I read this one real slowly (1 chapter a week) and now have the book on tape too. It really goes into each commandment and explains the Christian side and the Jewish side. Through this book I've learned things I didn't know about my religion or had vague knowledge of. A real eye-opener!!!
|
