2.1 Discussion.Positive Psychology and God’s Commandments

Getting Started

When we think of the Ten Commandments, many of us usually think of things we either should or should not do, things that we will “get in trouble for” if we do them or fail to do them. The very word “commandment” looms overhead and threatens us with judgment and harsh punishment.

Perhaps we even imagine the Living God revealing Himself in the burning bush to Moses, flames billowing high into the air, scaring poor Moses half to death with the thundering words,

“Do not come any closer; take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground!” (Exodus 3:5)

Then, these commandments were written on tablets of stone by the very finger of God:

“I am the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me.

“You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.

“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.

“Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy, as the LORD your God commanded you. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your ox, nor your donkey, nor any of your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates, that your male servant and your female servant may rest as well as you. And remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God brought you out from there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm; therefore the LORD your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.

“Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may be well with you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you.

“You shall not murder.

“You shall not commit adultery.

“You shall not steal.

“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

“You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife; and you shall not desire your neighbor’s house, his field, his male servant, his female servant, his ox, his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.” (Exodus 20:2–17)

What if God intended the Ten Commandments not to loom over us or to threaten us, but rather to keep us safe and to help us to flourish in our lives? What if these commandments are meant to guide us into deeper and deeper experiences of lasting “happiness”?

Upon successful completion of this discussion, you will be able to:

· Share your perspective on the Commandments.

· Identify ways in which the Commandments can be linked with well-being and life satisfaction.

Background Information

What might the basic constructs from positive psychology have to do with God’s Commandments? First, let’s consider the perspective that the Commandments were not meant to harm us, but to heal us, direct us, and lead us into lives of abundance and goodness. God’s plans for us are those that bring about prosperity. If this is so, then wouldn’t it stand to reason that the Commandments are to be followed for our own safety, prosperity, and goodness?

In positive psychology, happiness, flourishing, and well-being are all important constructs—not only to researchers in the field but to most others who pursue overall success and satisfaction in life. But in our pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness, we may have taken the wrong path. We may have forgotten that the path to true “happiness” is through righteousness and right action. Instead, many if not most of us have pursued material things, financial success, and even higher educational goals. Research is now showing that well-being and life satisfaction are not linked to money, higher education, or even physical attractiveness.

So what does this insight have to do with the Ten Commandments? Perhaps the things that will bring us true happiness and well-being are found in our relationships—relationships with others and with God. Perhaps the things that will bring us true happiness and well-being are found in healthy families and in honoring those who are our superiors. Perhaps the things that will bring us true happiness and well-being are found in meaningful endeavors and a good day’s work. This is what both the research in positive psychology and scripture are telling us.

As we move through this course, we will give careful consideration to how the basic constructs and research findings from positive psychology underscore the Truth found in God’s Word, specifically in His Commandments.

Instructions

1. Navigate to the discussion topic and respond to the following prompts:

a. Share your perspective on the Ten Commandments.

b. Identify ways in which the Commandments can be linked with well-being and life satisfaction.

2. Your postings should also:

a. Be well developed by providing clear answers with evidence of critical thinking.

b. Add greater depth to the discussion by introducing new ideas.

c. Provide clarification to classmates’ questions and insight into the discussion.