Have you seen those billboards that have popped up next to major thoroughfares that say things like, "If you keep taking my name in vain, I'll make rush hour longer," or "What part of ‘Thou shalt not' don't you understand?" and signed simply, "God"? It is interesting stuff. No doubt you are familiar with the political controversies concerning public displays of the Decalogue on government property. Most folks just shake their heads at the hoopla — they say that the commandments are certainly still valid for today, but then, when pressed, the majority of those cannot name even five of the ten. Hmm.

Understanding the Ten Commandments properly begins by noting that they are prefaced not by an order — "Here are ten rules. Obey them!" — but instead by a wonderful announcement of freedom: "I am…