To the editor:

The correct numerical order of the Ten Commandments was discussed in a recent Forum article, placed under Faith Forum in last Friday’s paper.

Paragraphs, verses, chapter headings and even vowels were not in the original Hebrew text of the Old Testament of the Bible. These were added by translators. The Roman Catholic Church established one way of listing the Ten Commandments, which were not numbered in the Hebrew text. After Martin Luther translated the Bible into German so his countrymen could read the Bible for themselves, as Latin was used in the Church, he wrote a catechism for the purpose of parents being able to instruct their children in the chief teachings of the Bible. Luther also taught such a class in his home.

Exodus 20:3 commands, “You shall have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:4 forbids bowing before idols. Since this action would be included with having no other gods, Luther did not list verse 4 as a separate commandment, as the Roman Catholic Church did. So, “Remember the Sabbath Day by keeping it holy” is stated as the Third Commandment in his catechism, the second having to do with not misusing God’s name. Luther listed the Ninth Commandment as, “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house.” The Tenth Commandment includes the list of personal possessions that might more easily be taken by a covetous person.

Being judgemental was also a concern about my last Forum article. My intent in writing about the LGBTQ flag in a public setting is to promote respect for all. Teachers who bash the Bible in a history class, distort the truths of American history, or present evolution as the only explanation for our and our world’s existence are not being inclusive. Name-calling, profanity, or words suggesting contempt or violence toward others should not be acceptable to any respectful person.

Tiger colors are black and orange. It would be totally inclusive to hang a black and orange flag in the Marshall Middle School cafeteria with a message like this: “BE KIND — RESPECT OTHERS.”

Liberty for all does not mean a “free for all.” People may disagree about many things, including what is right or wrong depending on what one relies on for the ultimate Truth. However, without respect for all, our beloved country will have a great fall.

Trudy Madetzke

Marshall