The Ten Commandments in the Law of Christ (4 Man in Society, Society in General, Family, the Lesser Groups, the Natiuon, the Failure of the Social Order)

Let us know the Author Dr. Felix Podimattam OFM Cap. Dr. Felix Podimattam is one of the best known Indian authors in the field of ethics and morality. He holds a Master's degree in Political Science from the University of Mysore, a Licentiate degree in theology from Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome and a Doctoral degree in Moral Theology from the Alphonsian Academy, Rome. His doctoral thesis 'The Relativity of Natural Law' is acclaimed as exceptionally excellent. The thesis was guided by the eminent Moral Theologian, Bernard Haering, who influenced the renewal of Moral teachings of the Church during and after the Vatican II. Dr. Podimattam is resident professor at St. Francis Theological College, Kottayam and has been the founding member and first president of the Indian Moral Theologians Association. Most of his books, numbering over 120, are published by Media House, Delhi. Having gone through most of his books, let me highlight the most significant characteristics of his writings. First of all, he engages in a creative dialogue with other authors on every topic of discussion. Second, he tries to compare and integrate, as far as possible, the visions and views of other religions. Third, he holds a very positive attitude to life in general, especially to human body, sexuality, etc. Fourth, he is a keen observer of the socio-political and religious happenings in the society and responds to them immediately. His book on 'Fast unto death' during the upheaval of fisher people's struggle in the eighties and his book on 'Da Vinci Code' a few years ago, where he gives a theological response to journalism with half-truths, are worth mentioning here. Fifth, he has taken keen interest on equal rights and dignity to women in the Church as well as in the society. In the context of widespread discrimination against women in the Church and society he published a six-volume work titled: 'In praise of the woman'. Sixth, he holds on to the sacredness of life in all its forms and he has published books on topics like abortion, euthanasia, etc. Seventh, we find in his writings a harmonious blending of the traditional wisdom with its emphasis on fundamental Christian values as well as the findings of modern sciences like psychology, sociology, anthropology, etc, as well as the latest fruits of biblical exegesis. The latest contribution of Dr. Podimattam, which may be acclaimed The Making of a Masterpiece The latest contribution of Dr. Podimattam, which may be acclaimed as his masterpiece, is: The Ten Commandments in the Law of Christ, a 20 volume work on the Decalogue. His vast knowledge on the subject gained through painstaking research, his teaching experience in various theological institutes stretching out over four decades and frank discussions with eminent thinkers have gone into this work. These books provide us with a re-interpretation of the commandments keeping in mind the genuine concerns of the people of God and at the same time remaining absolutely loyal to the teaching of Christ - "Christ did not come to abolish the law and the prophets, but to fulfil them". CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 1. MAN IN SOCIETY 2. SOCIETY IN GENERAI 2.1. Origin and Nature of Human Society 2.1.1. The Ontological Root of Society 2.1.2. The Nature of Society 2.2. Mutual Relationship of Individual and Community 2.3. The Power to Command and the Duty to Obey 2.4. Basic Laws of Social Order 2.5. Charity in Social Life 3. THE FAMILY 3.1. Nature and Functions of the Family 3.1.1. Definition of Family 3.1.2. The Family as the Cell of Society 3.1.3. Family as the Primary Economic Community 3.1.4. Family as the Primary Educa-tional Unit 3.1.5. Family as the Primary Cultural Unit 3.1.6. Family as the Primary SpiritualCommunity for Man 3.1.7. God's Pattern for the Family 3.3. Parental Duties and Rights 3.3.1. Duties Preceding Birth of the Child 3.3.2. Duties at the Moment of Birth 3.3.3. Duties after the Birth of the Child 3.4. Duties of Children towards Parents 3.4.1. Love and Gratitude 3.4.2. Reverence and Honor 3.4.3. Obedience due to Parents 3.5. The Wider Family 3.6. Relation ofTeacher and Student 3.7. Pastoral Aspects of the Family 3.7.1. The Family Dwelling 3.7.2. The Family Inheritance 3.7.3. The Family Economy 3.7.4. Education for Family Life 3.7.5. Threats to the Home 3.7.6. The Normal Size of the Family 3.7.7. Share the Joy of Reading 3.7.8. When Your Child Asks about God 3.7.9. Adoption4. THE LESSER GROUPS 4.1. The Local Community 4.2. The Regional Unit 4.3. The Ethnico-Cultural Group 4.4. Minorities 4.5. The Occupational Group 4.6. Class 4.7. The Political Party 4.8. The Trade Union 4.9. Free Associations