Ten rules of civilisation that can help instil a moral code

From: Mrs Elizabeth M Jones, Sandy Lane, South Crosland, Huddersfield.

I AM a retired assistant headteacher who worked in an “inner city” state technology college [now an academy] with a very large ethnic mix of pupils, the majority of whom were of Asian origin.

I now work one afternoon a week as a Reading Friend in the local C of E infant school, which also has, ironically, a similar intake.

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I am a committed Christian but I accept and value the beliefs of others and, contrary to the opinions of many, the Muslims respect the values taught in our Christian school and flock to our annual nativity plays.

My point is that, in the wake of the recent “riots” and the unrest among many of the “lost souls” of our large conurbations, I think we are all seeking ways as to how best we can direct them – as well as support them, of course.

I am a great believer in making each individual feel important and I am sure that one part of that means realistic funding of such things as youth activities but it also strikes me that, as a nation, we need a general moral code that is instilled and supported by all our national institutions.

We are, at least nominally, a Christian country, so what better place to start than the Ten Commandments, presented in a way that can be accepted by all faiths.

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I do understand that humanists and atheists might have a problem with some of them.

Nevertheless, why not insist that a version like [but no doubt better than] the one I suggest is displayed prominently in all schools, prisons and other institutions?

The Rules of Civilisation

1. Try to believe in and always respect a powerful Designer and Creator who made you and always wants the best for you. [God]. Never put anything before this belief and respect. “He” will guide you if you let “Him”.

2. Never worship anything that is man-made.

3. Never dishonour or treat lightly a holy name.

4. Always keep one day of the week free for worship, rest and relaxation.

5. Respect your parents or guardians.

6. You must never kill.

7. Never betray your loving relationships. Keep faithful.

8. You must never steal.

9. You must never tell lies.

10. Don’t be envious of what others have.

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To sum up: Always treat others as you would wish them to treat you.

I know it is difficult to try to please everyone these days but I fail to see how anyone could object to the ideas here.

From: RD Leakey, Giggleswick, near Settle.

I LIVE in both a tourist and education area in the Yorkshire Dales, where children and ex-town hikers are prolific.

Sarah Lee, from the Countryside Alliance, could hardly have been more correct in what she said in her article (Yorkshire Post, September 20).

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Our local schools should be merged into being an outdoor university where town-reared children come from the cities on day trips.

On sunny days, they could be taught botany from the local gardens and farms and on wet days receive lectures in the space available in our local schools.