{"product_id":"the-ten-commandments-a-short-history-of-an-ancient-text","title":"The Ten Commandments: A Short History of an Ancient Text","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe complex and surprising history of one of the worlds most famous texts  In this lively and provocative book  Michael Coogan guides readers into the ancient past to examine the iconic Ten Commandments  also known as the Decalogue. How  among all the laws reportedly given on Mount Sinai  did the Ten Commandments become the Ten Commandments? When did that happen? There are several versions of the Decalogue in the Old Testament  so how have different groups determined which is the most authoritative? Why were different versions created?  Coogan discusses the meanings the Ten Commandments had for audiences in biblical times and observes that the form of the ten proscriptions and prohibitions was not fixedas one would expect since they were purported to have come directly from Godnor were the Commandments always strictly observed. In later times as well  Jews and especially Christians ignored and even rejected some of the prohibitions  although the New Testament clearly acknowledges the special status of the Ten Commandments. Today it is plain that some of the values enshrined in the Decalogue are no longer defensible  such as the ownership of slaves and the labeling of women as mens property. Yet in line with biblical precedents  the author concludes that while a literal observance of the Ten Commandments is misguided  some of their underlying ideals remain valid in a modern context.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44986514440245,"sku":"ByrdShop_0300178719","price":27.64,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0627\/8139\/0901\/files\/9780300178715.jpg?v=1770908190","url":"https:\/\/atxbooks.com\/products\/the-ten-commandments-a-short-history-of-an-ancient-text","provider":"ATX Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}