The law of the Old Testament is often seen as an inhibitor to full human potential. Noted author Earl F. Palmer, however. believes that the law enhances life. In this thoughtful volume, he offers a fresh view of the ancient code of Moses and presents positive, practical applications of the Ten Com mandments for today

Based on solid scholarship. Old Law-New Life examines the meaning of the law in its Jewish context and Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5 within the contexts of both the Old Testament and the Bible as a whole.

It also explores each commandment and its converse, pro- posing new ways Christians can use the law here and now. For example, the third commandment tells us not to take the Lord's name in vain. Therefore, says Palmer, it must be taken in earnest. The seventh commandment is a challenge to spouses who claim never to have been unfaithful. It asks, "What have you done positively to grow in your faithfulness? And the ninth commandment, by prohibiting false witness. reminds us that the integrity of truthful communication affects every human endeavor-without it, there can be no science commerce, art, or law.