The Decalogue Decoded: What You Never Learned about the Ten Commandments

by Fr. Brian Mullady

Because the Ten Commandments seem harsh and unyielding to modern ears, few today realize that they embody the most perfect expression of human freedom. Only by abiding by the Commandments can you have a fully human life and achieve union with God. But you need more than a tenth-grade understanding of them to unleash their remarkable spiritual power in your daily life...which is why Fr. Brian Mullady has written this remarkable book that reveals the many often-overlooked, soul-nourishing elements and implications of each of the Commandments. Here you’ll come to understand how the Commandments are not just ten individual rules; they are an entire plan of life that draws you ever more into God and brings you enduring peace with others—and with yourself. With the help of the wise Fr. Mullady, you’ll soon come to see how the Commandments not only distill the teachings of Christ in the Beatitudes but are themselves fulfilled when you live in accordance with those Beatitudes. You’re sure to close the pages of this book with renewed gratitude for the incredible divine gift of the Commandments and with a greater resolve to believe in them, to meditate on them, and to strive ever to live in accordance with them. From Fr. Mullady you’ll learn: How obedience and love are necessary companions How the moral truths revealed by God complement the truths of nature How the First Commandment speaks of a kind of “marital love” God shares with us How “tempting God” involves doubt about God’s nature The two conditions that mark any legitimate Sabbath rest Four ways you can place your anger under the control of reason The two kinds of “natural” rights you have as a human — and its relation to the right to own property The five main categories of sinful speech How the “negative” commandments complement the “positive” commandments

128 pages, Paperback

Published August 15, 2019

Reviews

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives a more in depth description of the ten commandments and how they affect our life and our relationship with God and others. A nice introduction to those who think they are just "rules."

[John C Prejean Sr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye Opening

Anyone who has ever said “I don’t understand the Ten Commandments and what they truly mean” should read this book. Father Mullady does an excellent job breaking down the Ten Commandments and makes them digestible for the everyday Christian. A great read and great food for the soul.

[Fred Christopherson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is a thin book it is meaty. It is not hard to read, but has plenty to think about regarding each of the commandments. Fr. Mullady's review of the commandments, based on the tradition of the Catholic Church, includes applications and connections which may not be obvious at first.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is somethings that traditionalists can agree on with this decoded Ten Commandments examination, and there might be some disagreement. For right now, I want to be charitable and give this priest the benefit of the doubt. Which, if you read, doubt is an impediment to Faith, and we could be totally wrong, but youth and hindsight both believe their vision is 20/20. Time will tell.