The Fifth Commandment (Sadler's Church Teacher's Manual)

The Fifth Commandment (Sadler's Church Teacher's Manual)

The Fifth Commandment is Section XXXVIII of The Church Teacher's Manual of Christian Instruction, Michael Ferrebee Sadler's 1872 expansion of the Church Catechism in question-and-answer form.

Summary

This section extends honor of father and mother to ordered relations of authority and care. Sadler applies the commandment to parents, rulers, pastors, teachers, masters, and neighbors.

Sadler's Text

Sadler's catechetical treatment of this topic is anchored in the statement, "Christ teaches us by the Parable of the Good Samaritan that every man, even though he be the enemy of our Church and nation, is our neighbour. (Luke x. 36, 37.)" He further explains the section by saying, "Because, under God, we owe our being to them, and they tended and nourished us when we could not support ourselves."

Theological Themes

• Honor and authority
• Family and society
• Obedience and care
• Mutual duties

Scripture References

The following references are representative biblical texts used or implied in this section of Sadler's catechetical exposition:

• Exodus 20:12
• Luke 2:51
• Romans 13:1
• 1 Peter 2:13
• Ephesians 6:1-6
• Colossians 3:22

Anglican Context

This section belongs to Sadler's treatment of the baptismal promise to keep God's commandments. It is connected with the Decalogue in the Church Catechism and with the use of the commandments in Anglican moral and liturgical instruction. Sadler's treatment reflects nineteenth-century Church of England catechesis and should be read as a historical Anglican source alongside current provincial formularies and catechetical resources.

See Also

• The Church Teacher's Manual of Christian Instruction
• Ten Commandments
• Church Catechism
• Anglican Ethics
• Book of Common Prayer