The most recent Catechism of the Catholic Church — the official summary of Church beliefs — devote a large section to the Commandments , which serve as the basis for Catholic social teaching . According to the Catechism , the Church have given them a predominant place in teaching the faith since the fifth century . Kreeft explain that the Church regard them as " a path of life " , and a " path to freedom " just as a schoolyard fence protect children from " life @-@ threatening dangers " .