There are transcendent laws to life, laws that we do not create; they precede us. They exist apart from us but for us. The laws can be found by examining history, ancient texts, but then also, by examining our hearts, and the hearts of the people around us. On occasion, men have captured these laws with ink and scroll and have shared them with the world.
10 Laws of a Free Society (rough draft – 1c)
- God is the bedrock on which society’s foundation must be set, if it is to be a loving and just society.
- Family is the building block of society; the healthier the family, the stronger the society will be.
- Government’s primary purpose must be to protect the family from:
- External forces (with Military)
- Internal forces (with Police/Judges)
- Government, itself
- Man is fallen, prone to selfishness and sin; given enough time, he will corrupt everything.
- The power and size of government must be limited or corruption, an ever-present evil, will metastasize, kill liberty, and enslave society.
- The most free and prosperous societies utilize economies built on a free-market capitalist model.
- Ingenuity and innovation which result from curiosity, competition, and meritocracy, drives progress and improves society’s well-being.
- Bureaucracy is a malignant evil that pollutes and poisons everything; it breeds corruption.
- Checks and balances must be implemented to fight corruption in both the private and public spheres.
- Capitalism is not an idle to be worshiped; it is a tool to be used to fortify liberty and prosperity.
The 10 Commandments
1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.
3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
4. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
5. Honor thy father and thy mother.
6. Thou shalt not kill.
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
8. Thou shalt not steal.
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness.
10. Thou shalt not covet.
2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.
3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
4. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
5. Honor thy father and thy mother.
6. Thou shalt not kill.
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
8. Thou shalt not steal.
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness.
10. Thou shalt not covet.
Follow the link for context: Exodus 20
The Bill of Rights
From the U.S. Constitution
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment II
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment III
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.
Amendment VII
In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
Follow the link for context: Bill of Rights