Ten Steps on Freedom Road

“Ten Steps on Freedom Road is a gift for those who yearn for a time when the wisdom and guidance available in the biblical tradition for the life abundant is recovered from the authoritarian and arbitrary caricatures that so often dominate current conversations about the Bible. By rediscovering the Ten Commandments through the lens of ‘freedom,’ in a way that speaks to the present context, Badertscher has created an important resource for Christian educators.”


—Bill Blaikie, retired member of Parliament of Canada





“In this exploration of freedom and the Ten Commandments, John Badertscher offers the reader something rare. It is neither apologetic nor argumentation. Rather, as a Christian, John leaves a testimony for the children in his life. As readers of his witness, we are introduced to faith-as-trust and in such trust, freedom is framed as a communal act and responsibility, not individualistic. John’s accessible testimony is most needed in this time of democratic fragmentation.”


—Richard Manley-Tannis, St. Andrew’s College





“This book is a clear call to embrace the gift of freedom through acceptance of the heritage of the Ten Commandments. The author challenges the reader to move out of a judgemental ‘thou shalt not’ modality and embrace gifts of openness to new ways of being and believing in the Christian context. Most helpfully it provides access to both the Exodus and Deuteronomy texts side by side, eliminating much confusion from the discussion.”


—Teresa Reilly, Archivist Emerita, University of Calgary





“With insight gained through almost nine decades, John Badertscher demonstrates experience in journalism, religious and biblical studies, broad ecumenical and interfaith awareness in teaching, and local congregational and community service.


The result is Ten Steps on Freedom Road, a contemporary reflection on the meaning of the Ten Commandments. It is the product of long and thoughtful integration of ancient wisdom and modern challenges; offering riches to thoughtful fellow-pilgrims on the road to freedom.”


—Wayne Holst, Minister, St. David’s United Church, Calgary





“It’s rare to find anyone who thinks deeply about the 10 Commandments. Either they dismiss them as antiquated or turn them into rules which must be followed. John Badertscher, however, has thought deeply about the context and challenge they were designed to provide. A challenge to form our lives along a path of ever deepening grace and freedom in community. This book is a must read for anyone who has ever wondered, ‘what is the point of faith?’”


—Rachel Twigg-Boyce, Priest, St. Benedict’s Table