Christian Morality

The most basic principle of the Christian moral life is the awareness that every person bears the dignity of
being made in the image of God. He has given us an immortal soul and through the gifts of intelligence
and reason enables us to understand the order of things established in his creation. God has also given us
a free will to seek and love what is true, good, and beautiful. Sadly, because of the Fall, we also suffer the
impact of Original Sin, which darkens our minds, weakens our wills, and inclines us to sin. Baptism
delivers us from Original Sin but not from its effectsespecially the inclination to sin, concupiscence.
Within us, then, is both the powerful surge toward the good because we are made in the image of God,
and the darker impulses toward evil because of the effects of Original Sin.( http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-
and-teachings/what-we-believe/morality/)

Nevertheless, we can see in the negative commandments a positive side, a guide to human flourishing.
You could easily take the You must nots and rephrase them in a positive way:
You must not have any god other than me might become Make God first and foremost in all of your
life.
You must not make idols could be Let your relationship with the living God be shaped by his
revelation and by an ongoing experience of who he really is.
You must not misuse the name of the Lord might be rendered Respect God in the way you speak of
him.
You must not murder could be Respect the dignity of every human life.
You must not commit adultery implies Be faithful in your marriage.
You must not steal suggests Respect the rights of others.
You must not testify falsely points to Be truthful in all you say and do.
You must not covet might be Be satisfied with and grateful for all that God has given you.
https://www.theologyofwork.org/the-high-calling/daily-reflection/ten-commandments-different-
perspective-how-flourish-life

1. I am the Lord your God

2. You shall identify falsehoods and treat them as such
3. You shall respect the power of words, names, and language
4. Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy
5. Honor your father and mother
6. You shall let other living beings live
7. You shall honor the relationship contracts that you enter and those of others
8. You shall honor the property of others
9. You shall uphold truth as you have seen it
10. You shall strive for your own happiness
https://maymay.net/blog/2010/03/13/what-if-the-ten-commandments-were-affirmative-instead-of-
negative/