The New Ten Commandments - or just clever spin?

 

EA Games - or more accurately, Mischief PR - have pulled a creative blinder in an attempt to publicise the new computer game, The Sims 3. To get across the message that the new game allows people to 'play God', they've put together a PR stunt that involves rewriting the Ten Commandments.

They start off with a poll showing that only 28% of British teenagers can name a single one - while just 6% of adults can list them all. So far, so predictable. I'm not sure I could even name them all myself off the top of my head (I hate being put on the spot, you see). But look, everyone! There's even an eyecatching photocall at Westminster, complete with a new set of graven commandments!

Warming up, EA then play what they think is their trump card. Apparently two thirds of the British population think that four of the Ten Commandments should be given the heave-ho. These include those inconvenient rules about not shopping on Sunday, sticking to one religion, refraining from idolising celebrities and the ban on the use of 'Oh My God!'.

The pollsters then got people to suggest replacements for these four. In response, they came up with suitably 21st century suggestions about 'being nice'. The new four commandments (drum roll, please) are:

- Respect all people regardless of race, religion or sexuality
- Do not commit acts of terrorism
- Respect and protect the planet
- Do not be motivated by greed

So what to make of all this? First off, round of applause to the PR merchants. Very creative, people. However, using an online research company means that the robustness of the research must be taken with a pinch of salt. The poll was not of MORI standards. It's just an indication. A more solid poll of Brits in 2008 revealed that 66% believed the Bible to be 'true', while 75% agreed that it was 'interesting'.

However, I think the poll is a fairly accurate reflection of where many Brits stand on the Bible today. It has continuing value, sure, but people do have questions about some of it. But thanks, EA, for bringing the issue of the Bible's value to the fore.