Ten Steps on Freedom Road: Why the Commandments are Good News
Ebook
Overview
The purpose of this book is to help those engaged in Christian formation, or those exploring faith perspectives for themselves, to see the Ten Commandments in a positive and liberating, rather than a restrictive, sense. Seen in the context of Israel’s story, the commandments are guidance toward a life of freedom in community. Commonly held meanings of faith, freedom, and love are challenged as social and political dimensions of this journey toward freedom are developed.
“Ten Steps on Freedom Road is a gift for those who yearn
for a time when the wisdom and guidance available in the biblical
tradition for the life abundant is recovered from the authoritarian
and arbitrary caricatures that so often dominate current
conversations about the Bible. By rediscovering the Ten
Commandments through the lens of ‘freedom,’ in a way that speaks to
the present context, Badertscher has created an important resource
for Christian educators.”
—Bill Blaikie, retired member of Parliament of Canada
“In this exploration of freedom and the Ten Commandments, John
Badertscher offers the reader something rare. It is neither
apologetic nor argumentation. Rather, as a Christian, John leaves a
testimony for the children in his life. As readers of his witness,
we are introduced to faith-as-trust and in such trust, freedom is
framed as a communal act and responsibility, not individualistic.
John’s accessible testimony is most needed in this time of
democratic fragmentation.”
—Richard Manley-Tannis, St. Andrew’s College
“This book is a clear call to embrace the gift of freedom through
acceptance of the heritage of the Ten Commandments. The author
challenges the reader to move out of a judgemental ‘thou shalt not’
modality and embrace gifts of openness to new ways of being and
believing in the Christian context. Most helpfully it provides
access to both the Exodus and Deuteronomy texts side by side,
eliminating much confusion from the discussion.”
—Teresa Reilly, Archivist Emerita, University of Calgary
“With insight gained through almost nine decades, John Badertscher
demonstrates experience in journalism, religious and biblical
studies, broad ecumenical and interfaith awareness in teaching, and
local congregational and community service.
The result is Ten Steps on Freedom Road, a contemporary
reflection on the meaning of the Ten Commandments. It is the
product of long and thoughtful integration of ancient wisdom and
modern challenges; offering riches to thoughtful fellow-pilgrims on
the road to freedom.”
—Wayne Holst, Minister, St. David’s United Church, Calgary
“It’s rare to find anyone who thinks deeply about the 10
Commandments. Either they dismiss them as antiquated or turn them
into rules which must be followed. John Badertscher, however, has
thought deeply about the context and challenge they were designed
to provide. A challenge to form our lives along a path of ever
deepening grace and freedom in community. This book is a must read
for anyone who has ever wondered, ‘what is the point of
faith?’”
—Rachel Twigg-Boyce, Priest, St. Benedict’s Table
Product Details
- Title : Ten Steps on Freedom Road: Why the Commandments are Good News
- Author: Badertscher, John
- Publisher: Resource Publications
- Publication Date: 2019
- ISBN: 9781532693977
John Badertscher has been a Methodist minister, the circulation
manager of the Chicago Journalism Review, an Associate Professor of
Religious Studies at the University of Winnipeg, and a member of
the General Council of the United Church of Canada. In retirement,
he is a volunteer at the drop-in center of the West Broadway
Community Ministry, a husband to Lynn, and a father, stepfather,
and grandfather.