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Full Description
Is morality based on some essential truth or is it defined by society?
In this highly original critique of American social mores and popular
culture, David Klinghoffer argues that the Ten Commandments are
essential to maintaining a morally healthy society. With the
meticulousness of a scholar, he begins by excavating the meaning of the
Commandments. Drawing on the millennia-old rabbinical work Mechilta,
he explains that the Decalogue was written on two tablets to show that
when a country neglects the Commandments written on the first
tablet—those having to do with the relationship between God and
peoplethe interpersonal relationships described on the second tablet
suffer irreparable damage as well. By shrugging off the Bible as a
guide and turning toward secularism, America has created a crude,
cruel, and dishonest national life.
Addressing such timely
topics as the controversy over public displays of the Commandments and
the battles over Intelligent Design, Klinghoffer demonstrates that
Jews are united in their opposition to the pagan aspects
of our culture. In the tradition of Hebrew prophets like Jeremiah and
Isaiah, he describes our failings with humor and compassion, but also
with anger and disappointment. An unusual, incisive perspective on the
role of religion in society, SHATTERED TABLETS is sure to spark
debate. In the end Klinghoffer arges that by shrugging off the Bible as
a guide and turning toward secularism, America has created a crude,
cruel, and dishonest national life.
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