Dear Tobias,
Thanks for the question.
The use typically refers to the 10 Commandments, as popularly understood, but it can also have an expansive sense which included the moral precepts of the Lord; these are apart from the ritual and ceremonial laws of the Jews.
Precepts such as "love your neighbor as yourself," and "Love the Lord God with your whole heart, mind and soul," form a foundational framework into which the other moral laws would be included.
The distinction from the ritual laws of the Jews is important, because their binding effect was restricted to the people of Israel for the sake of the covenants God made with them to be "His" people, apart from the other nations.
The Council of Trent, which takes place in the Christian world, includes the transcendent moral precepts as amplified by Christ.
Peace,
Bob Kirby |