St. Augustine Commandments

 ### Ten Commandments according to St. Augustine

St. Augustine's interpretation of the Ten Commandments, particularly in how they are divided, differs from other Christian formulations. Augustine's division, commonly followed in Catholic teaching, involves grouping the commandments in a specific manner[2]. He saw the commandment against idolatry as an extension of the first commandment, "You shall have no other gods before me," emphasizing that idolatry is prohibited within the same context[2]. Augustine also distinguished between coveting a neighbor's wife and coveting a neighbor's house as two distinct commandments, highlighting the different objects of coveting[2].

The **Ten Commandments of Augustine** are as follows[3]:

1. I am the Lord thy God and thou shalt not have any strange gods before me.

2. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.

3. Remember to keep holy the Lord's Day.

4. Honor thy Father and Mother.

5. Thou shalt not kill.

6. Thou shalt not commit adultery.

7. Thou shalt not steal.

8. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

9. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife.

10. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s goods.

Augustine's approach to the Decalogue has been influential throughout history, particularly in medieval writings on the Ten Commandments[5]. His belief in the theological significance of numbers contributed to the importance he placed on the unity of the Ten Commandments as a whole[5].

In summary, St. Augustine's unique perspective on dividing and interpreting the Ten Commandments has had a lasting impact on Christian theology and understanding of these fundamental moral principles.

Citations:

[1] https://lonelypilgrim.com/2013/10/09/st-augustine-on-how-to-divide-the-ten-commandments-did-catholics-change-the-ten-commandments/

[2] https://www.catholic.com/qa/st-augustine-and-the-ten-commandments

[3] http://www.english-for-students.com/10-Commandments-of-Augustine.html

[4] https://www.bible-researcher.com/decalogue.html

[5] https://www.academia.edu/8290437/Augustine_and_the_Decalogue

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