At one time I too was against the 7 Laws of Noah until I began to research them. In my research and meditations of the 7 Laws it became clear that they were not given by G-d to make a person religious but righteous.

Ask yourself, how was Adam, Abel, Enoch, Noah, Shem, Abraham, Isaac & Jacob and many others before the giving of the Written Torah at Sinai deemed righteous before G-d?

By what standards was Cain, Pharaoh and the world in Noah’s time judged by that they received punishment for their behavior?

How could the world be condemned of robbery/violence to the point it brought on a worldwide flood if there was not a set of laws against robbery/violence in place?

As there is not a dedicated list written out about the 7 Laws it is evident that by the recorded repercussions of their violation that it was an Oral Law tradition passed down from Adam to his sons on what G-d had expected of His creation.

While so many false religions seek out to make a person religious which does not make a person righteous the 7 Laws are given to mankind so that not only will he be righteous before his Creator but also when kept there is peace in the world.

Look again at this list and see if the keeping of any of them is against G-d or man in any way.

THE 7 LAWS

1.         Belief in one G-d

Acknowledge that there is only one G-d who is infinite and Supreme above all things. Do not replace that Supreme Being with finite idols, be it yourself, or other beings. This command includes such acts as prayer, study and meditation.

2.         Do not blasphemy

Respect the Creator. As frustrated and angry as you may be, do not vent it by cursing your Maker.

3.         Do not murder

Respect human life. Every human being is an entire world. To save a life is to save that entire world. To destroy a life is to destroy an entire world. To help others live is a corollary of this principle.

4.         Incestuous and adulterous relations are forbidden.

Respect the institution of marriage. Marriage is a most Divine act. The marriage of a man and a woman is a reflection of the oneness of G-d and His creation. Disloyalty in marriage is an assault on that oneness.

5.         Do commit any theft.

Respect the rights and property of others. Be honest in all your business dealings. By relying on G-d rather than on our own conniving, we express our trust in Him as the Provider of Life.

6.         Do not eat a limb torn from a living animal.

Respect G-d’s creatures. At first, Man was forbidden to consume meat. After the Great Flood, he was permitted – but with a warning: Do not cause unnecessary suffering to any creature.

7.         Set up courts of justice.

Maintain justice. Justice is G-d’s business, but we are given the charge to lay down necessary laws and enforce them whenever we can. When we right the wrongs of society, we are acting as partners in the act of sustaining the creation.

Again the goal of these Laws are to make one righteous not religious before G-d.

Terry W. Hayes

10/2012