Our Study Manual

For eleven weeks, we will be delving into the book The Ten Challenges, written by Leonard Felder, Ph.D. Felder is not a theologian, but as a psychotherapist he has a unique perspective on the subject of spirituality and religion. This book touches on a wide variety of subjects, loosely based upon the Ten Commandments presented in the Bible. While his personal understanding moves beyond the standard Christian or Jewish understanding of the Commandments, there is no doubt that his application of an inner journey to learning about this alternative form of the Commandments is well worth the read.

As he says in the 2004 preface to his book,

"...while much has changed, in other ways much is still the same. We human beings still struggle with almost exactly the same personal, interpersonal, spiritual, and community issues that we were struggling with over 3,300 years ago when the Ahseret Hadibrot, the ten words or commandments, were received at the foot of Mount Sinai."

The inner cover of Felder's book bears these words, and they are worth repeating:

"Some of the issues addressed in this book can stir up intense feelings and memories. Anyone who has a history of psychiatric disorder, feels emotionally unstable, is taking tranquilizers, or is on antianxiety or antidepressant medication should not do the exercises in this book without first consulting a qualified mental health professional."

That said, if you join us on this study journey, your life will not be the same.