The 10 Commandments of Common Sense by Hal Urban

The 10 Commandments of Common Sense: Wisdom from the Scriptures for People of All Beliefs by Hal Urban.

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Fireside (September 18, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416535632
• ISBN-13: 978-1416535638

Table of Contents

Contents

Introduction

Author's Note on Bible Terms and Translations

One World, Many Beliefs

Part One: Five Things the Scriptures Teach Us to Avoid Because They're Bad for Us

Prologue: The Root of All Our Flaws

Commandment 1: Don't be seduced by popular culture

• It prevents you from thinking for yourself

Commandment 2: Don't fall in love with money and possessions

• It will make you greedy and shallow

Commandment 

3: Don't use destructive language

• It hurts others as well as yourself

Commandment 

4: Don't judge other people

• It's better to work on your own faults

Commandment 

5: Don't let anger get out of control

• It can wreck relationships and ruin lives

Part Two: Five Things the Scriptures Tell Us to Do Because They're Good for Us

Prologue: The Root of All Our Virtues

Commandment 

6: Keep a positive outlook on life

• It's the first step toward joy

Commandment 

7: Bring out the best in other people

• It's better to build up than to tear down

Commandment 

8: Have impeccable integrity

• It brings peace of mind and a reputation of honor

Commandment 

9: Help those in need

• It really is better to give than to receive

Commandment 

10: Do everything in love

• It's the only way to find true peace and fulfillment

Conclusion: Love God, Be Good, Do Good, Love Others

Books Cited

The Author's Spiritual Journey

Thank You

Synopsis

The author of Life's Greatest Lessons presents ten principles of practical wisdom to live by, drawn from readings of both the Old and New Testaments for people of all beliefs.

Readers love Hal Urban's books for their common sense, their wisdom, and their inspirational affirmation of timeless values. With The 10 Commandments of Common Sense, he continues to build on his central theme -- that there's a direct relationship between good character and the quality of life. He also shows how the teachings of Scripture and the genuine practice of faith can be integral parts of a fulfilling existence.

Urban draws on his own lifelong spiritual search -- which has included Protestant churches, the Catholic church, some Eastern philosophies, and human potential psychology -- to produce an ecumenical and nondogmatic examination of the Scriptures, finding in them clear and simple guidance for increasing both purpose and joy in our lives. Five of his principles are do's, as in "Keep a positive outlook on life" and "Bring out the best in other people." The other five are don't's, as in "Don't be seduced by popular culture" and "Don't judge other people." These ten commandments of timeless wisdom will inspire people of all faiths who are searching for more meaning and direction in their lives, no matter where it comes from.

Publishers Weekly

Psychologist and former teacher Urban (Life's Greatest Lessons) offers a new set of Ten Commandments, which he hopes will appeal to people of all faiths. Drawn from Christian scriptures, they include five things to avoid, e.g., "Don't be seduced by popular culture," but learn to think for yourself; "Don't fall in love with money and possessions"; and "Don't judge other people," recognizing that pride is at the root of negative behaviors. He also offers five positive commands, including "Keep a positive outlook on life," "Have impeccable integrity" and "Help those in need." Perhaps out of his desire to find unity among people of any faith or no faith, Urban finds the "central message" of the scripture in the Bible's more general commands to "love God, be good, do good, and love others." His ideas on avoiding judging seem to encompass critical thinking as well. For example, those who oppose Norman Vincent Peale's Power of Positive Thinking are described as "self-righteous, judgmental fundamentalists." While Urban's easy-to-read book is full of both common and uncommon sense, ultimately it lacks depth, and its goal to use scripture to appeal to every possible audience may backfire. (Sept. 18) - Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information