The Power of Ten in a Binary World

 

I was never a stellar student in math -- I managed to get a B.A. from Furman and only take one course (Math 16, subtitled, “Math for Non-Science Majors”). But I do remember learning, with interest, about different mathematical bases. Our standard math is “base ten,” meaning there are ten digits used in counting. All of our mathematics is based on this ten-digit system. In the world of computers, however, “base two” is used. This binary system uses only two digits, “0” and “1.” For computers this is convenient because each digit can be represented by a physical switch. (Like a light switch, up is “0” and down is “1.”) There are billions of these tiny switches in a computer, which allows me to type into this bundle of metal, silicon and plastic, and for it to translate my English into “machine language” (all those binary switches) and then back again – into a printed file, letter, or an e-mail message.

 

In a ten-week preaching series this summer, Amy and I want to take a look at a familiar “code” that was written, long ago, in “base ten.” It’s the “Decalogue”(which means “ten words”). You know this code better as the Ten Commandments.

 

Though Moses presented this Law several thousand years before anyone even thought of a computer and its Binary World, we believe that there is still a very contemporary and appropriate Power in this Ten-digit code. From June 9th – August 11th we will be exploring the Ten Commandments, especially as they relate to current ethical, religious, and social issues. We hope that you will join us in a dialogue throughout the summer as which we consider

 

The Power of Ten in a Binary World.

 

   Relationship with God:

            June 9 – Russ – No other Gods

            June 16 – Russ – No graven images

            June 23 – Amy – Taking God’s name in vain

            June 30 – Russ – Keeping the Sabbath Day

   Relationship with Neighbors:

            July 7 – Russ – Honoring father and mother

            July 14 – Russ – On murder

            July 21 – Amy – On adultery

            July 28 – Amy – On stealing

            August 4 – Russ – On bearing false witness

            August 11 – Ed Stallworth – On coveting

 

It’s a digital world – think ten!