The Hebrew Bible tells of the Flood resulting from the seriously negative behaviour of humanity. Only Noah and his family survived the Flood. This implies a basic moral and religious Code which Noah exemplified. Moses Maimonides (12th century Egypt) explains that there are seven Divine Laws, or categories of Law, which were given to Adam and to Noah. They were later ratified at the Sinai Revelation.
These provide basic and general definitions of the relationship of human beings with each other, with the rest of existence, and with the Divine.
Moses Maimonides (a great scholar of the 12th century who lived in Spain and Egypt) codified these laws and states that any human being who observes them is considered a Sage, and if he or she realises that they come from the Divine, revealed at Sinai, they are considered saintly and will inherit the World to Come.
This idea suggests that every human being has the possibility of saintliness and the World to Come, whatever religion they follow, including no organised religion.
1 Belief in and respect for the Divine: Avoidance of idolatry and also -
2 Not to blaspheme. This expresses the idea that the Deity is aware of human actions and thoughts, and governs existence through Divine Providence.
3 Respect for Life. This prohibits murder, unnecessary abortion and euthanasia.
4 Respect for ownership: The prohibition against theft, leading to a sense of mutual trust in society.
5 Respect for the Family. This implies seeing marriage as a positive ideal, although divorce is possible, and seeks the avoidance of adultery, incest, homosexuality and bestiality.
6 Respect for all living creatures, which means the avoidance of wanton cruelty to animals.
7 Responsibility to society. As well as charity, this implies the setting up of systems of justice and of education, which establish a civilisation in which these teachings are explored and are observed in daily life.
