The Ten(der) Commanments.

Book Review.

Mehl, Ron. The Ten(der) Commandments. Reflections on the Father’s love.
R.M.- pastor and author in Portland, Oregon.

Comment. Henry
My review of this book is a bit of a departure from the normal format. I will not be presenting key concepts, etc. of the author but rather my own evaluation of the presentation.

As the title and subtitle suggest this is a ‘commentary’ on the Ten Commandments. Ron wants us to see these commands as a love letter. The theology is very simple. The concepts presented to support this message are very ‘black and white’. The illustrations are simplistic and at times irrelevant. Ron strikes me as a traditional pastor whose strength is ‘solid, biblical preaching and teaching’ acceptable by many who are not comfortable with a contemporary post-Christian culture.

To suggest that commands are indeed an expression of love is not an irrational concept or a contradiction. The person giving the command may be totally motivated by love; however the person attempting to carry out the command may be having a different experience. What with failure, guilt and shame as part of the experience the love focus can be easily threatened.

The truth of boundaries being the basis of true freedom is a very solid principle. Loving and honoring those boundaries are part of that freedom. When we learn and practice the presence of those boundaries (commands) we begin to appreciate the love aspect of the commands.

Ron is preaching to the choir and I have no problem with a very enthusiastic response from that choir.