Assessment of Religious Knowledge (ARK) Practice Exam 2026 - Free ARK Practice Questions and Study Guide

The essence of the Ten Commandments is encapsulated in the idea of loving both God and one's neighbor, which aligns with the teaching that emphasizes the dual command of loving God and your neighbor as yourself. This teaching highlights the relationship between individuals and the divine, as well as the moral obligation towards others in the community.

In the Ten Commandments, the first several commandments focus on the relationship between humans and God, establishing the importance of reverence and loyalty to Him. The latter commandments shift to social ethics and interpersonal relationships, focusing on how individuals should treat one another. This dual-aspect of the commandments reflects the principle that true obedience to God's commandments is expressed through love and respect not only for Him but also for fellow humans.

In contrast, the other options address important moral principles but do not completely encompass the fundamental dual commandment that combines love for God with love for others. Options like loving your neighbor more than yourself, or solely focusing on obedience to parental authority, lack the comprehensive nature of the summarized teaching that binds the entirety of the commandments together.