Commandments Quote by Herman Wouk
““The Second Table of the Ten Commandments reads in Hebrew something like this: 'Don't kill; don't be vile; don't steal; don't tell lies about others; don't envy any man his wife or house or animals, or anything he has.' This sounds shockingly wrong in English. For the English genius, religion is solemn and stately; Canterbury Cathedral, not a shul. The grand slow march of "Thou Shalt Nots" is exactly right. Religion for the Jews is intimate and colloquial, or it is nothing.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview in The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial, 1954
The quote contrasts Jewish religious language as intimate and everyday with Christian religious language as formal and distant, suggesting cultural differences in how sacred rules are expressed.
In simple terms: Jewish faith feels personal; Christian faith feels formal.
Key Takeaway
Recognize cultural context in religious expression.
Themes
culture
religion
language
communication
identity
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
analytical
observational
When to use this quote
- interfaith dialogue
- theological study
- personal spirituality
- community worship
Key Concepts
Intimacy
formality
cultural nuance
Questions to Reflect On
- How does cultural context shape your perception of sacred rules?
- Can formal language make faith feel less accessible?
A Different Perspective
Religious language can be misinterpreted when removed from its cultural setting.
![“Scholars call it [the Torah] the Masoretic text. The Masoretes were Hebrew scribes of the first centuries of the present era. They fixed the wording and spelling of the Bible; since then it has not changed. It has long been a matter of critical controversy as to just how accurate the Masoretes…” quote by Herman Wouk](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5b8/herman-wouk-7342_bible_scholars-call-it-the-torah-the-masoretic_39518.jpg)
![“the precepts of an absolutely perfect life, since they are the same in each Testament, have pointed out [to us] the same God, who certainly has promulgated particular laws adapted for each; but the more prominent and the greatest [commandments], without which salvation cannot [be attained], He has…” quote by The Church Fathers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/415/the-church-fathers-1438_life_the-precepts-of-an-absolutely-perfect-li_33593.jpg)
