The "Seven Laws of Noah"

The Noahide Movement, follow the "Seven Laws of Noah," as a way of life. It has members throughout North and South America, and Europe.

Its prime mover has been Dr. Vendyl Jones: a Biblical archaeologist, who was the model for Indiana Jones, the movie character.

According to Talmudic sources, these laws were given to Noah, after the Flood referred to in Genesis.

The Seven Laws of Noah, embody these principles:

1. Idolatry is forbidden.
Man is commanded to believe in the One G-d alone, and worship only Him.

2. Incestuous and adulterous relations, are forbidden.
Human beings are not sexual objects, nor is pleasure the ultimate goal of life.

3. Murder is forbidden.
The life of a human being, formed in G-d's image, is sacred.

4. Cursing the name of G-d, is forbidden.

Besides honoring and respecting G-d, we learn from this precept, that our speech must be sanctified; as it is the distinctive sign, which separated man from the animals.

5. Theft is forbidden.
The world is not ours, to do with as we please.

6. Eating the flesh of a living animal is forbidden.
This teaches us, to be sensitive to cruelty to animals.

(This was the first law commanded to Noah, given along with the permission of eating meat. The rest of the laws, were already given to Adam, in the Garden of Eden.)

7. Mankind is commanded, to establish courts of justice, and a just social order.

In order to enforce the first six laws, and enact any other useful laws or customs.
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These seven laws are viewed as, incumbent upon all of mankind; as all of mankind, is descended from Noah.
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7 Mitzvahs of Bnei Noach

1. I will not worship anyone or anything, other than the One Creator.

He cares for the creatures of our world. He renews the Act of Creation at every moment, in infinite wisdom, which gives life for each thing.

In this is included prayer, study and meditation.

2. I will not show disrespect for the Creator in any way.
This may be seen to include, respect for the beauty and life of the Creation.

3. Not To murder.

Each human being, just as Adam and Eve, comprises an entire world. To save a life, is to save that entire world. To destroy a life, is to destroy an entire world.

To help others live, is a corollary of this principle. Every human being that G-d has created, is obliged to provide for others in need.

4. I will respect the institution of marriage.
Marriage is a most divine act. The marriage of a man and a woman, is a reflection of the Oneness of G-d and His creation. Dishonesty in marriage, is an assault on that Oneness.

5. I will not take, that which does not rightfully belong to me.

Deal honestly in all our business. By relying on G-d, rather than on our own conniving, we express our trust in Him as the Provider of Life.

6. I will not cause needless harm to any living thing.

At the beginning of man’s creation, he was the gardener in the Garden of Eden to "take care of it and protect it."

At first, Man was forbidden to take the life of any animal. After the Great Flood, he was permitted to consume meat--but with a warning: Do not cause unnecessary suffering to any creature.

7. Uphold courts of truth and justice, in my land.

Justice is G-d's business, but we are given the charge to lay down necessary laws, and enforce them whenever we can. When we right the wrongs of society, we are acting as partners in the act of sustaining the creation.

May the nations beat their swords into plowshares. May the wolf lie down with the lamb. May the earth fill with wisdom, as waters cover the ocean floor. And may it be very soon, in our lifetime, sooner than we imagine.
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The Responsibilities of the world:

What does G-d require from the world? How can they achieve a moral life in this world, and the rewards of the world to come?

First we will present a synopsis of the commandments, which
are applicable to all of the Gentile nations; and then we will present a detailed explication.
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Seven Commandments for the Gentiles, called the Sheva Mitzvos B'nei Noach: The Path for Gentiles, to Enter into the World to Come; and to Avoid the Flood of Immorality, in this World.

1. No worship or prayer to anyone, except G-d. No images of G-d. No prayers to intermediaries.
G-d is one; not one, not two, not three, not many.

2. No murder.
Execution of criminals is however not murder, and is required. See 7.

3. No sexual iniquity: which means no adultery, no incest, no homosexuality and no bestiality.

4. No stealing, even of an inconsequential amount.

5. No eating flesh, removed from a living animal.

6. No cursing of G-d. No blasphemy.

7. Must set up law courts to judge, on the other six.
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Additional restrictions: No cross breeding of species, nor grafting of trees. No castration.

A gentile, who scrupulously obeys these commandments, has a place in the world to come.