With just days to go before schools open their doors for the new school year, the fight to get the Ten Commandments in Texas schools is reaching a fever pitch.
Earlier this year, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a law requiring every classroom in the state to display the Ten Commandments. Abbott and others argued that the Ten Commandments are as American as apple pie; a moral compass and a foundational document so quintessentially American that, they insist, history and culture can’t be understood without it.
Some of Texas’ largest school districts disagree. They say the presence of the Ten Commandments in classrooms will alienate non-Christian students and is tantamount to state-sponsored endorsement of the Christian faith. It’s a textbook First Amendment violation, they argue.
When students return to the classroom in a few days, will the Ten Commandments be there to greet them – or will the courts say otherwise?
Thou Shalt Display the Commandments
The effort to move the Ten Commandments into classrooms has been ongoing for years. We posted about the movement on our Facebook page back in 2023:
What once seemed like a long shot is now becoming reality. But some courts are pushing back.
Is This Legal?
On August 20, U.S. District Judge Fred Biery issued a preliminary injunction in response to a lawsuit brought by 16 families and nearly a dozen of Texas’ largest school districts, representing more than 680,000 students. He said that the bill "crosses the line from exposure to coercion," burdening the beliefs of non-Christians “in substantial ways.”
He also pointed out the possibility for “a truly awkward moment” between educators and students when it comes to sex-related Commandments. Should elementary school students really be learning about adultery in the classroom? About coveting thy neighbor’s wife?
And, critics point out: didn’t Texas just wage a massive campaign to ban hundreds of books from schools last year for mentioning sex?
The latest injunction only applies to the school districts named in the lawsuit, and in the meantime, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued his own commandment to the rest of Texas’ school districts: “Thou Shalt Display The Commandments.”
Only those that are “party to the litigation” are exempt from displaying the Commandments. “All other [districts] must abide by the law once it takes effect on September 1, 2025.”
Are the Ten Commandments Part of American Heritage?
The argument put forth by the bill’s advocates is that the Ten Commandments are nothing less than the bedrock of America. They claim students are missing a cornerstone of America’s story if they aren’t exposed to them in class.
“From the beginning, the Ten Commandments have been irrevocably intertwined with America’s legal, moral, and historical heritage,” wrote Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in response to the injunction. “The woke radicals seeking to erase our nation’s history will be defeated. I will not back down from defending the virtues and values that built this country.”
The courts seemingly disagree. Texas is the third state to institute mandatory Ten Commandments displays in classrooms in recent years. Yet all three – Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas – have faced legal setbacks in the last few months.
Legal history isn’t on their side; in 1980, the Supreme Court struck down a nearly identical law out of Kentucky. Yet despite repeated legal hurdles, at least 19 states have introduced bills which would put the Ten Commandments squarely in the classroom.
And this time – at least in some states – they might be here to stay.
What do you think? Should the Ten Commandments be allowed in classrooms as a vital part of America’s heritage, or does it cross the line into government-endorsed religion?
124 comments
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Melinda Fulk
While I can't argue that they may have their place in American history, they have no place constantly displayed in the classroom. A moral compass? Yes, and not necessarily a bad one, once you get past the biggest hurdle - that very first Commandment. THAT is religious coercion.
Maybe some other religions should be arguing for equal time on classroom walls? Hmmmmm?
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Harvey Zeller
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CB Cuff
A prime example why Texas is still a one star state. Government has no legal or moral 'authority' to dictate an individuals religious beliefs. Imagine a government telling an atheist they have to choose from a list of 'acceptable' religions, or else!
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Joseph Grieco
There is a story about David Crockett (Not Davy Crockett - that was a dime novel hero). When he lost reelection to his House of Representatives seat from Tennessee (due to the manipulations of Andrew Jackson) he supposedly said the following. "Y'all can go to Hell. I'm going to Texas." Today, I do believe Congressman Crockett would have difficulty telling the two apart.
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Harvey Zeller
David Crockett was Davy Crockett. Coming to texas, The spanish law was you had to be catholic and speak spanish of which he was neither. He did, however, wind up at the Alamo. Where he did not fight to the death but was taken alive with most of the rest of them and hanged.
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Reverend Paula Copp
When they start paying taxes, they can put stuff in public schools… otherwise, leave your religion OUT of public education!
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James Riggle-Johnson
Whatever happened to Sunday School? Isn’t that where kids are supposed to learn about God—in a place their parents choose and trust? Only about 60% of Americans even identify as Christian anymore, which means nearly half the country doesn’t follow that faith at all.
Yes, some of the Founders were Christian, but they were crystal clear about one thing: government should never be in the religion business. They fought for freedom, not for state-sponsored Sunday School.
This isn’t about morality—it’s about indoctrination. You don’t need the Ten Commandments to teach kids not to lie, steal, or harm others. We’ve been doing that just fine for centuries without dragging religion into the classroom.
If you want your kids to learn the Ten Commandments, great—take them to church. But don’t expect public schools to do your Sunday School homework for you.
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Joseph Grieco
This is being pushed by the "Mega Pastors" on the folks who do not go to Churches, as part of the unholy alliance that the Texas GOP has with its evangelical pastors. Regarding the Founders, most would have identified themselves more as Deists, despite their active membership in Episcopal, Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist or Congregational churches. One thing they all fought for was to prevent one single religion from dominating the country.
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James Riggle-Johnson
I couldn't agree more.
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Jack Gordon Campbell
Spot on, Joseph! i concur and have been a resident of Texas for 7 + decades and can vouch for the veracity of your statement.
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Michael Burton
Mexico doesn't want Texas but isn't there somewhere, someplace we can get rid of it? Making it a separate county is a possibility, but then they would request foreign aid...wait the US did away with USAID...does this ever end?
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David Hinckley
If Texas wants to secede, fine. First, however, they need to repay the rest of us for all the money spent on things like the Johnson Space Center, all 810 federal buildings, highways, etc. Also, give back the money we've given them for disaster recovery.
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Harvey Zeller
We need to get rid of them let them sign a note.
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Ari Joseph Bertine
A lot of Texans are in the same boat as a lot of Americans in general; they are basically hostages of their ultra-conservative neighbors and people just can't afford to pack up and leave a state or a country, especially when it's financially preying on them. What we need to get rid of is all these corrupt, authoritarian politicians that think it's okay to use the Constitution as toilet paper. I bet Texas could clean up pretty nice.
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Donald G Magel
Texans continue to vote for the government that they have. They love it. It is their choice.
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Harvey Zeller
If all the people in state government who have the IQs of a plant were to leave there'd be no one left to administer the state.
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Elizabeth Jane Erbe Wilcox
Given that the 10 commandments have done nothing to make church-goers better why would they do anything positive in school classrooms? They have done nothing to stop child molestation by religious “leaders.”
How amusing the governor brings up the left wanting to “erase” christianity when the right IS ERASING black, indigenous, and LGBTQ+ history.
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Donald J Rothschild Jr
George Carlin said it best. Watch video.
https://youtu.be/CE8ooMBIyC8?si=fF1APyivJy7ORFSn
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Dr. Zerpersande, NSC
I’m guessing this is the one that boils them all down to… Try not to be d*ck.
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Harvey Zeller
Thou shalt keep thou religion to thyself.
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Daniel Todd Kamm
The Torah was given to Jews. The prophet "Jesus" taught the Torah in parables, but nowhere did he "give" the Torah to Rome, or the Roman Church or its rebellious off-shoots: they took it to claim a fictitious descent from the stories told in the Torah to Jesus; which was then passed on to the disciples; and ultimately twisted to justify ascent to power.
There are many ancient codes of conduct, across many cultures seeking ways to help people live together in increasingly complex societies (and probably to assert some kind of "authority" as well.)
Why just display the Ten Commandments? The Code of Hammurabi predates the Torah and the "Big Ten," and contains many of the same ideals and then some.
The "Golden Rule" an idea known by different names across many cultures expressing the same concern and teaching.
But none of these have done much to mitigate man's inhumanity to man. Worse our most important social contracts are being undermined daily by a convicted felon and his minions who was re-elected to administrate our Democracy.
Which proves another age old adage: "there is a sucker born every minute..." Those who think posting the "Big Ten" in schools and elsewhere is a solution to society's problems are suckers... and cheap, and lazy for that matter.
The Big Ten hasn't solved the human condition in 5000 + years, and a few posters are not going to work now.
Idiots.
Its Candle Lighting time... I bid you a peaceful day of rest and reflection...
Out...tk
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John Alex Paxson
Take away anything that has to do with Religion, and it becomes rules for common sense.
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Bishop William Dusenberry, DD
Every politician, who supports posting the ten Christian commandments, in every public school classroom, because they have never broken any of these Cristian ten commandments, and now expect everyone else to abide by these Christian ten Christian commandments too, should make this a campaign issue, that no one should covet their neighbors property (especially their spouse) because “coveting” is what makes capitalism successful; so if we discourage our school kids from wanting what their friends and neighbors have, capitalism would collapse, and we’d all be compelled to become National Socialists. Is this what the Texas State !legislature wants?
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Harvey Zeller
Thou shalt keep thy religion to thyself.
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Harvey Zeller
We wouldn't become Nazis, we would become democratic socialists.
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Min Shar
No. Not unless we allow the main rules of Hinduism, the top ten commandments of the Yoruba religion and the tenets of spiritualism. The ancestral history of judaism should not take precedent over all other cultures.
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Morgan Lewis Williams
Leave them at church. There's no reason to be in schools.
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Walter J. Holbrook
What happen to separation of church and state. You can't force religion on people.
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Jay Curtis Mackail
The rising tide of Christian nationalism represented by this misguided effort in Texas is dangerous to religious pluralism. I'm saddened to see some of the comments attacking non-Christians in the responses from fellow ministers. My view is that public secular schools needn't nor should they advocate any religious creed. Leave that to religious institutions, educational or otherwise, and families. The twin of Christian nationalism is white supremacy, in my opinion. These elements of the current culture and political wars are ideologies to be overcome, not encouraged. Keep the Ten Commandments where they belong, and that is in church not public schools.
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Douglas Robert Spindler
Which 10 commandments are they going to use?
I'm all for using the 10 from the Wicked Bible is best known for the omission of the word "not" in the sentence "Thou shalt not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14), thus changing the sentence into"Thou shalt commit adultery".
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Patricia Ann Gross
I can't wait until a first grader asks her teacher to explain the "adultery" commendment.
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Joseph Grieco
It's easy. She'll show a picture of Donald J. Trump.
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ServantOfJudgement
Actually Joseph, Trump did not commit adultery while in the Whitehouse. While it's true president trump is an adulterer remarried, president Clinton actually did the deal while on the job live. Clinton would therefore be a better picture to show. Maybe Kennedy too, I think he was an adulterer on the job also.
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Pastor George Day
Joseph Grieco
Trump is a man of God.
Thou shalt not speak ill of nor criticize the man of God.
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Dr. Zerpersande, NSC
The commendment??? Actually humans naturally approach it that way. This marriage thing? It’s an unnatural arrangement which forces its participants into an unhealthy monogamy. An accretion of petty fights and resentful compromises which, like Chinese water torture, slowly transforms both parties into howling, neurotic versions of their former selves.
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ServantOfJudgement
Z,
Perhaps you feel it's natural because you believe you're an animal as public education demands. I noticed animals act the way you describe. Its quite the opposite for a Man and a Woman.
Marriage to a woman is the most wonderful thing that's ever happened to me. I knew in my heart the moment I saw my wife we would be married and I'm glad for it 3 decades later. We're still in love, in kindness and in respect.
It's said in the Bible that God arranged the meeting of my wife and I, he does this with his children. Jesus made a good one in my wife.
You'll have missed out of such an arrangement as an atheist, luck of the draw I suppose for you guys.
I know nothing of what you've been through but I've seen it in others, sorry for your loss.
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Robert Edward Szekely
I recommend "Pop-Up Paintball" by students at will wherever those appear, as they see fit.
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Rev Ned
Let’s all sing the Texican (Rooster Cogburn’s word) Evangelical hymn! 🎼 Jesus loves me, but, H can’t stand you!…..
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Travis A. Lee
10 Commandments. Fine, put it in the Schools. So long as there is also the Scriptures for Buddhism, Islam, Satanism, Baha'i Faith, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism, Asatru, Vodoun, Voodoo, Santeria, Wicca. These are all Religions also. So long they get their laws and commandments put up alongside the Commandments.
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Amy Varela
When someone, anyone, can produce good evidence* that their particular version of their particular god exists... nope. Even if anyone could produce that kind of evidence, it would still be a violation of the Constitution to display their, in my opinion, nonsense on public schools.
*good evidence: evidence that convinces EVERY SINGLE HUMAN BEING of the existence of that god, and not just a bunch of easily persuaded people. Nobody ever, in the entire history of humanity, has produced any evidence whatsoever of the existence of any god. Deities are characters in stories people made up to either try to understand how nature works, or to gain power over others. And, again, in my opinion, the Abrahamic god was invented by men who wanted certain men to have power over everyone else and they wanted all women to be property. Why else in these religions are women responsible for the behavior of men? Why did this god tell women to cover themselves instead of telling men to keep their hands to themselves?
Yeah, keep the 10 commandments in the book of myths and fables, where they belong.
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Ari Joseph Bertine
The Ten Commandments begin by commanding the worship of a specific god. So no, it's not a moral core, it's a coercion. This is completely unconstitutional. If they are changing laws to permit displays of religious tenets in schools, that opens it to every other religion out there and other religions should quickly jump on the bandwagon. Otherwise, it's government-sponsored religious proselytization.
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Larry Gooden
over the years, the Christians have lost many of their congregation. this is just another way to try to get people back into their churches, several years ago we had the same sort of battle with the plage of allegiants. for in 1959 is when they added the words "under god" to this date I myself leave that part out. when I was in the Military and was to recite the oath once again, I didn't say so help me god. for I put in so help me Jupiter..
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Carly Danyel Cramblit
I could write a book on this but I'll sum it up. The 10 commandment thing is absolute garbage. only ones worth anything to humanity is - 5. shall not kill, 7. you shouldn't steal, but if someone is hungry and steals a loaf of bread as empathetic human- I saw nothing 9or I'll pay for it) 8. Shall not bear false witness. This make believe crap must stop for humanity to evolve and survive. we cannot move forward holding onto the words of goat herders.
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Paul Johnson
Carly You can't mean what you posted. There is no make believe you either believe are you don't either one is a choice, But when you have missed the opportunity to walk in faith, trusting in God for your next meal and he supplies it, or you are delivering a new born to hold such a beautiful creation, possibly you lost a love one and have never understood their closeness in their passing, To make a statement that you will pay for it(what ever it maybe) remember eternity is forever. Just what if there is a Hell are there is a Heaven and by being foolish you relize that you have made the wrong choice and its too late. What then? Don't miss the big picture God didn't put those commandments in front of us to trick us. They will and do have a place in each and every person doesn't mean that you can't and want be rebellious but the authority is still present. What or who holds the universe together are what holds the mountains up are what holds the seas in check (Nothing but the power of GOD)!!
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Brandon O'Malley
Do you truly think you're aiding your cause? This religious prattle is mindnumbing to many, and will not convince them or us to convert. Believe what you want, but stop trying to force others to follow the same path. Free will exists for a reason, and we have every right to use it without people like you constantly trying to fear monger and guilt trip us as though it means anything to us.
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Donald G Magel
One either make believes or one does not believe. Pretty easy choice between two. Whichever you decide is OK as long as you treat other human beings with respect and acceptance. Our Nation has laws to follow and some folks do and some folks don't. If you have a belief system that works for you, just respect the belief system that works for others as you want them to respect yours.
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Robert Edward Szekely
I also vote Ken Paxton for the 2025 "Pie in Face" award (on prime time network TV).
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Angelic Realms
Conversion or death. That is not the fastest growing it is the appressive regime overthrowing the good and fair countries around them like a plague of locusts. They invade and kill everyone and rape enslave women and children and kill anyone else. We need to ask ourselves why we are tolerant with a violent profoundly intolerant death cult. If we treated them they way they treat others there'd be none left.
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Matthew Mastrogiovanni
Can we give Texas back to Mexico?
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Rev. Mike Eggleston
Would Mexico want it?
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Keith David Harry
Can we give you back to Italy?
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Dr. Zerpersande, NSC
Guarantee you there is one member of the State’s legislature that is fighting against this. And he is a staunch Christian that is on the path to becoming an ordain minister. And I would vote for him in a heartbeat as POTUS.
He’s a prime example of the creatures that I have always existed. All religious people are by the very definition of the word delusional. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be pleasant and reasonable people otherwise. My experiences, however, are that such as not the usual case. Especially when it comes to politics.
The guy’s name is James Talarico. And he is NOT a member of the GOP.
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Gary Dale Brown
Why not post the beatitudes?
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Patricia Ann Gross
That would be considered "woke." Great idea though.
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William Moses
How about this? The Ten Commandments (Secular Version) 1. You shall respect the worth and dignity of every person. 2. You shall not harm or take life unjustly. 3. You shall not take what does not belong to you. 4. You shall honor your commitments and keep your promises. 5. You shall show respect and care for your family and those who raised you. 6. You shall not betray others through infidelity or deceit. 7. You shall not bear false witness or spread lies about others. 8. You shall not exploit, oppress, or treat others unfairly. 9. You shall not be consumed by envy of what others have. 10. You shall live with integrity, so your actions reflect justice and respect.
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Pastor George Day
William Moses
Is that related to Scientology?
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obere mchugh
the only time the 10 commands should be talked about in school is during history class, like any religion, plain and simple other wise it need's not to be in school.
My children will never go to a school in the US, as i dont agree with nor subscribe to the way things are taught the way in which subjects are discussed and presented, my children get a diverse wide education seen from multiple aspects viewpoints and not a rigid viewpoint or stance. to which all people should have.
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Michael Arthur Lueras
The Ten Commandments were issued by Allah to Moses thousands of years ago. The U.S.A. was born 1789. Tom Paxton and Greg Abbot in claiming that the 10 Commandments are a part of The Heritage of The U.S.A. shows that they do not understand Basic Mathematics. And remember that Jesus Himself promulgated the idea of The Separation of The Church and The State 2000 years ago: "...render unto Caesar the things that are his and unto God what is His." (Jesus in Matthew 22:21) So Tom Paxton and Greg Abbot are not only clueless with regard to Basic Mathematics but they make a mockery of Jesus Himself by forcing their Bogus Christianity on the children of Texas in contravention of what Jesus Himself said about the proper relationship between The State and The Church. As Jesus also once said: "There are many who say that they are of Me but they are not really of me." (Jesus in Matthew 7:21) But Paxton and Abbot will not escape punishment for their crimes against Texas Humanity and Allah: "I will fill Hell with jinn and humans all - a multitude from every community." (Quran 32:13) But Paxton and Abbot will have to do more evil than they have done so far in order to become undeniably worthy of The Hole In Hell that Allah has prepared for them. Their Crimes have to fit The Punishment so to speak. Amen!?
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Kathleen Jane Antrim
If the class is on different religions the the 10 commandments as well as all other religious tenants can be posted. If it is not a classroom dealing with religious theory, there is no reason for them to be displayed
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Angela Marie DeLooze-Caswell
All or nothing is only fair.
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Steven Schreibstein
The incipient incursion of the evil of American "Christianity" is, and will be evermore, the fevered dream of the Talibanesque tyrants of the murderous Christian Right. Texas, the vile and viscous venue of vicious, violent and vengeful born-Again sphincters, is the point of the spear White Christian Nationalism points at the heart of American freedom.
The composite manifestation of Trumpery, Jesus, the farcical New Testament (of which 146 disparate versions circulate as we speak) and the Good Ol' KKK, find warm hearths in rural America. Remember this, the Grand Dragon of the KKK said to a reporter, in an interview (and I quote:) "We are, first of all, a Christian organization." They were the SS for the Christian Right. The armed enforcers for Jesus - I'm an American, a former Journalist, and I can speak with some authority regarding my closing statement.
You have never heard, read or seen these two words together in the American press: "CHRISTIAN TERRORIST" Even though the murderous KKK terrorists beat, tortured, raped, shot, bombed and lynched Americans for 150 years. All under the authority of a flaming CROSS. The media would have you believe that the only "Terrorists" are Muslims, "Lone wolves" "Marxists" et al. The media refused to connect the murders of Doctors and bombing of Abortion clinics with the Christian radicals who organize, promote and finance attacks, harrassment, intimidation and violence against abortion practioners and even Planned Parenthood. Those incidents are ALWAYS reported by the lying media as individual acts.
After all, the fundamentalist Christians who helped Trump into the White house, freed the "Proud Boys" and "The Oath Keepers," and have brought their paradise of hate and fear, and their Christian Terrorism into the lives of every American. And while legitimate, educated theologians are a good thing for any free society, this nation was founded on the premise that they must NEVER play a role in the power of governance.
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Angela Marie DeLooze-Caswell
Why the Ten Commandments Don’t Belong in Public School Mandates—And Why That Matters– By: Universal Life Church Ministries, Minister Angie D.C. | September 3, 2025 | Time:11:48 a.m. CDT
I was raised with the Ten Commandments and deeply value their moral teachings. They’ve shaped my personal ethics and spiritual foundation. However, I believe that mandating their display in public schools crosses a constitutional and ethical line. Public education is designed to serve all citizens—regardless of faith. When a government official requires schools to showcase religious doctrine, it risks violating the First Amendment and undermines the pluralistic values our nation claims to uphold. This is not a rejection of morality. It’s a call for appropriate context. The principles found in the Ten Commandments—honesty, respect, integrity—can and should be taught through secular frameworks such as civic education, ethics, and law. These avenues allow for moral development without imposing religious belief. Public schools are not theological institutions; they are academic ones. Just as we wouldn’t consult an oncologist to treat diabetes, we shouldn’t rely on public educators to deliver religious instruction. That’s the role of churches and faith-based schools—specialists in spiritual education. Public schools are inherently diverse. Students, teachers, and families represent a wide spectrum of beliefs: Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, atheist, and more. To mandate Christian doctrine in these spaces is not only exclusionary—it sets a dangerous precedent. If Christianity is given legal privilege in public education, then logically, other religions must be granted equal footing. This opens the door to confusion, division, and legal conflict. As a Christian and a proud American, I believe in the freedoms our Constitution guarantees. Religious liberty means freedom of belief—not forced exposure to religious symbols or teachings in state-run institutions. Mandating the Ten Commandments in public schools is, in my view, unconstitutional, unethical, and contrary to the principles of religious freedom. That said, I do not advocate for the erasure of religion from public education entirely. Religion has shaped history, politics, and culture across civilizations. In history classes, students should learn about world religions in an academic context. This promotes understanding, respect, and awareness—especially in a country as diverse as ours. Teaching religion as history, not doctrine, helps students appreciate the richness of human belief systems and fosters empathy across differences. This kind of education is not just about knowledge—it’s about character. Our public schools must do more than teach facts. They must cultivate emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and respect for others. We need to teach children how to think critically, communicate effectively, and set healthy boundaries. They must understand that rights and freedoms apply to all—not just to those who share their worldview. If we truly want to “Make America Great Again,” we must start with our youngest citizens. From Pre-K onward, we must build strong individuals—mentally, emotionally, intellectually, and physically. That means teaching compassion, integrity, resilience, and the ability to engage with difference. Only then can we raise a generation capable of creating a stronger, safer, and more united America. Greatness is not achieved through forced conformity. It is built through understanding, respect, and the courage to protect the freedoms of all people—especially when those freedoms challenge our own comfort zones.
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David Hinckley
That paragraph is too long to read.
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Pastor George Day
Angela Marie DeLooze-Caswell,
I respectfully disagree. The Ten Commandments represent a significant part of the cultural heritage of the United States. Similarly, when visiting Saudi Arabia, one would expect to see displays of Quranic verses, which is entirely appropriate as they reflect their heritage.
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Frederick Goslin
Just leave the politics out of the equation and you have your answer...
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Tami Tabone
I have worked 8n a school district for 38 years and now serve on a school board. I raised 2 kids and have 2 school age grandsons. My masters degree is in Theology. I attended a parochial school for six years as a child, and finished my secondary years in public school. I have studied a variety of religions and holy books. I do not believe the 10 Commandments have a place in public schools. If private schools wish to adhere to this policy, I am fine with it. But not in public schools. There are many religions and those who do not practice a religion, and I see this as disrespectful of the folks who non Christian, or Atheist, or other. As government run schools, we must be respectful of ALL Americans. Not just some. That is my opinion on this topic.
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Larry Gooden
I live in Texas and Greg Abbott has been in office way to long it's time to toss him out for he is trying to become a dictator. Rick Perry tried the same thing when he was governor. Every year Texas is force to except 100's of new laws. Abbott has forgotten one thing he works for the people. We the people don't work for him
Let's see if Abbott enjoys jail time.
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Donald G Magel
When our President starts to follow Commandments or our Constitution then Posting both in schools would be fine. Role models have more effect than wall posters. Make our government great first.
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Dennis Duggan
• What version of the Ten Commandments? Catholic or Protestant? • Wouldn't it be appropriate to add Hammurabi's Code of Laws and thinkers such as Socrates, who suggest that the power of ignorance is the source of immorality? Not suggesting Socrates with 100% agreement, but he does rhyme with the themes of the Ten Commandments. • What about the fulfillment of the laws of "thou shalt not"? The role of positive "Law". Love God above all, and the second is to love your neighbor as yourself—the way to be great.
Those in favor of Theocracy, which appears to be the thrust of imposed "Christian Nationalism," are not true to the struggles of the founding principles of our country. The authors of the Constitution were deeply concerned about power and its potential to exploit small groups of people, such as freedom from religious imposition and freedom to practice one's personal convictions. Wearing a historical helmet for safety, the only successful Theocracy that had merit was 3000 years of Egyptian history. Still, of course, that is because of polytheism that allows a person, or a community, to create a custom use of God. Not helpful to me (us) who are believers in the Abrahamic Covenant. This is why I can believe in the genius of the "Enlightenment" and the positive understanding of Secularism. Reason (not alone) to discover and serve God as AA suggests, "God as we understood Him" is a profound gift to humanity. Thomas Aquinas shows the compatibility of faith and human reason, integrating Christian beliefs with empirical knowledge and classical philosophy.
Creation suggests that we must have the freedom to form our own beliefs independently. I take solace in the fact that St. Thomas Aquinas couldn't finish his Summa Theologica because he was still overwhelmed with the vastness and wonder of the Almighty. We have so much more to discover, believe in, and follow through in our actions with and for one another. Thank God for our houses of worship. In our schools, may our youth learn to think critically and develop tools for the mind. Under God, not by words on a wall, but formed in the Ideal of the Holy discovered in communion with fellow believers.
• So, NO to the pulpit material displayed in the Public Square. Dwight Eisenhower was correct to say we are under God, not that God is subject to our individual understanding to use as a cudgel on one another. We are under ONE God. • YES, to an authentic understanding of the US Constitution. Both freedom from religion and the freedom to practice religion. • YES, to expand, including the influence of religion in the World History class for Middle/Junior High students. • Yes, to "philosophy of religion" and "Comparative Religion" for high school students. • YES, to encourage people to visit their sacred spaces of faith, such as a Family Church, Synagogue, or Mosque, or to meditate within their own minds. With the right of association, individuals can learn and shape themselves in belief and practice both as a community and as individuals. Inspired and prepared by holy principles, bring those values into the Public Square for democratic debate, shaping and influencing with the best ideas and practices, so that we might be the artists of the art governing in the present moment. To our democracy bring such values as these:
• Islam: "No one of you is a believer until he desires for his brother that which he desires for himself." Sunnah
• Christianity:" Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Matthew 7:12
• Judaism: "What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow man." Talmud, Shabbat 3id • Hinduism: "Do naught unto others what you would not have them do unto you." Mahabharata 5, 1517 • Buddhism: "Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful." Udana-Varga 5, 1 • Many more thoughts could continue these thoughts to be part of the discourse of life in God.
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Robert J Giammarco
It's been in the SUPREME Court, as well as other Government buildings, for DECADES.
There are many instances of other Religions displayed, such as the BLOCKING OF SIDEWALKS, ROADS FOR THE MUSLIMS RELIGION, THEY have taken over, and are also pushing for SHARIA LAW for us all, as well as our courts. YET, NO WHERE in the Koran does not state for them to display THEIR RELIGION OUTSIDE. NO other Religion puts on a display as they do. Yet we are REQUIRED to TOLERATE it Now, there is a big cry over this? You all will TOLERATE that, and argue over this, as being insulting to others. Pure nonsense......
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Joseph Grieco
The only folks pushing for Sharia law are the Christofascists trying to shove their narrow version of Christianity down the throats of the rest of us.
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Pastor George Day
Joseph
Did you previously go by another name here at the Monastery?
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Jimmy Moon
Think how great the world would be if everyone followed the 10 Commandments. Even if the lost don’t care for the first and most important commandment, all the other ones are a wonderful guide to help people get along.
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Dr. Zerpersande, NSC
Hockey dookie.
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Brandon O'Malley
How long have the Ten Commandments existed? And if they were so helpful, why is the world still in chaos? Because, and I'll say this bluntly, no one outside of Abrahamic religions cares. There are thousands of religious beliefs and spiritual practices, and not all follow the same principles. Many religious and spiritual principles have existed significantly longer than the Ten Commandment, but no one talks about them due to Christianity's stronghold on the world (which is slowly fading). Christianity, nor the Ten Commandments, are the only path.
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Jimmy Moon
Congratulations. You are on the highway to Hell. U-turns are permitted.
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Michael Hunt
That doesn't sound too bad. I hear Hell, Michigan is an interesting place to visit!
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Pastor George Day
Brandon O'Malley
The Ten Commandments originate from the Torah.
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Yanel Jay Laroche Jr.
Christians are supposed to learn the ten commandments in the Bible. They are very important for schools to learn them to.
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Dr. Zerpersande, NSC
Brainwash your kids at home. My kids have permission to openly ridicule the religiously delusional anytime the whackjobs express their willful ignorance.
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Pastor George Day
Dr. Zerpersande, NSC
Those unfortunate kids of yours will forever remain in my thoughts and prayers!
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Joseph Grieco
Which version of the 10 Commandments? The ones in Exodus or the ones in Deuteronomy? There are differences. There are a total of 613 Commandments in Leviticus. They incorporate both versions of the above, in addition to many others. Should we be required to follow all of them? If so, that means every farmer who plants two types of crops needs to have his farm sown with salt, and he be put to death. Should we stone people who wear wool-polyester fabric suits for having two different fibers? Can we put our children to death or sell them into slavery if they are disrespectful? Oh, and here's the biggie - the only place in the Bible where they mention abortion is in the instructions on how to safely abort a fetus that does not harm the woman's life.
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Pastor George Day
Joseph Grieco
You raise four key bullet-points:
- Deuteronomy serves as an affirmation of Leviticus. In Jewish tradition, everything requires a second witness, often referred to as the two-witness rule.
- There is no longer a need to impose death penalty on transgressors of the Torah, as Christ has paid the ultimate death penalty for us all in the New Covenant.
- Ancient slavery can be equated to the modern-day jail system, with little to elaborate on. 4 Regarding abortion as endorsed in Scripture, this interpretation is incorrect. The passage (Numbers 5:20), incomplete in original manuscripts, likely refers to the cursing of reproductive organs or “wasting away,” a potential loss of fertility, unrelated to abortion.
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Stacey Owens
Putting the 10 Commandments in schools is powerless. It will mean nothing with out the redemming power of Christ within you: (You must be born again).
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Dr. Zerpersande, NSC
Then here’s a solution… Keep the religious nonsense out of schools, you keep your Bronze Age superstitions to yourself and we all go about our lives.
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Mrknowitall
That is true, you must be born again but it does not take away what every child should learn, the Old Testament is for our learning and those laws are great.
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Stacey Owens
It's the responsibility of the parents to teach our children the difference between right and wrong. If the parents don't then they'll learn it from the social environment they associate with. If that doesn't work the law of life within them will guide them to choose the difference. Then and only then they will realize the truth of life and become born again. In other words, know The 10 Commandments. The results in life will determine what they will be. I AM that I AM.
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Mrknowitall
They are great laws givin by God, do we all keep them, no. Is it a good thing to strive for, Yes. It's 1000% better to teach the 10 commandments than to teach Mark loves Bobby and that's even remotely OK ?
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Richard Conte
It makes a difference between civilization and savagery. Children raised with a frame of reference like the 10 Commandments are headed towards a civilized perspective. Those with no frame of reference other than TV and the media are headed in a different direction.
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Patricia Ann Gross
So, are you okay with a first "edict" to love the one and only God recognized by the Christians, and a commandment about committing adultery, and having a school teacher who may be of a different faith system explain that to your first grader? Posting a poster will not stop bullies or school shootings. These legislators all have their prioritiies in the wrong place. Children should be learning about history that actually happened (not white-washed), mathematics, and getting a sense of how to think for themselves. Everyone wants to be spoon-fed everything anymore, and that's the primary reason we are where we are today.
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Steven Ferrell
They should be in schools. The arguments are of should students learn about not coveting neighbors wife is so lame as that verse goes on to say not to covet several things or anything that is their neighbors. That is a good thing for kids to learn.
The line about should adultery be talked about in school. REALLY?? They can talk about gay sex, trans stuff, all kinds of sexual stuff, but don’t talk about NOT doing things in regards to sex? That is insaneIt would not hurt for kids to learn the other Commandments of things like nit stealing.
If they can put all this secular, woke, alphabet lifestyle stuff in schools, they can put the Commandments in schools.
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Ahmed Abduljabar Al-Hujazi
So, when one of the commandments is that you "...shall have no other god before me..": How are Hindu students supposed to digest that? Stealing, lying, and adultery are wrong, but you can worship Vishnu and Shiva. Talk about a mixed message. What parts of the commandments are we saying kids should follow and what ones can they ignore? And if you're going to say that they don't have to follow them if they don't want to, but have to follow every other posted direction in a school, then you're just kidding yourself.
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Ari Joseph Bertine
They can't put any of that "secular, woke, alphabet lifestyle stuff" in schools in Texas, and many other states. I don't know if this is the first article you've ever seen about religious influence on public schools, but fundamentalists in many state governments have imposed their religious rules on schools for quite some time now.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-LGBTQ_curriculum_laws_in_the_United_States
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Larry Gooden
sorrty Steve but I have to disagree with you. The Wicca states " do as you wish as you harm no one" that is better.
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Pastor George Day
Steven Ferrell
That is truly remarkable! Very well articulated
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TZTX
Yes the 10 commandents should be in schools and government buildings. For those who do not believe in God, The 3rd through 10th commandent guides and instructs how a decent person should live.
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Rev. Carol M Anaski-Figurski
Great topic Yes Definitely the 10 commandments should be allowed in schools. More importantly God is the moral compass that helps you discern right from wrong. It's one way to learn it & religious attendance is at record lows with even churches closing up. Perhaps consider a religious wall in schools & include the types of religions that attended in that area & allow quotes or something from other religions to be known in all fairness. Blest be Amen. Keep the faith. So mote it be.
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Brandon O'Malley
I would highly recommend you do not use the phrase "So mote it be" unless you are Freemason or Wiccan/Pagan. That phrase belongs to us, and we will not let it be commandeered by you. Thank you and Blessed be. Also, your god is YOUR moral compass. Not all of ours. Morals have existed long before your religion, so I take great offense to your saying that your god is the moral compass. Also, the Supreme Court already rule via Stone v. Graham (1980) that the Ten Commandments being displayed in public classrooms is unconstitutional.
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Rev. Carol M Anaski-Figurski
HI Glad to hear from you & thank you for your opinion. All are welcome. & fyi the moral compass is in the body of the article. God place the bible 10x magnified above himself Peace & Prayers We can agree to disagree. My credential's are such Bishop Dr. MA WIICCAN Ms. Carol Anaski-Figurski revx3 (non Denominational) Minister empowered thru ULC Universal Life Church ministry not employed by them. Doctor of divinity & master of Wiccan sole practitioner, faith healer Spiritual Life Coach. Professional Wedding officiant x2 Multifaith based & well rounded Christianity internationally recognized LBGT & Straight, miller high life, Wiccan, Basic exorcism baptisms, etc light studies of hoodoo & voodoo plus blessed tarot readings Independent Christian Clergy Internationally recognized. Reverand empowered thru World Christianship Ministry not employed by them. Professional Wedding Officiant LGBT & Straight Wiccan etc Christian based internationally recognized Independent Christian Clergy Internationally recognized
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Pastor George Day
Rev. Carol M. Anaski-Figurski
None of us are employed by ULC!
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Larry Gooden
just because the governor of Texas is Christian, I don't care for him to shove his unmoral ideals of religion on everyone to whom don't care for it. I am Wicca I believe in the Wicca ways of life. And I will be darn if some have bit person of a man is going to tell me what is right or wrong and to what I should believe in. everyday were get the Christian trash tossed at us. on the internet, television as well as radio. these are people to whom have tried to 100's of years to get everyone to believe in what they say and do. these people haven't a clue to what harm they are doing to the world but at the same time they don't care as long as they think they are in charge over us. as Parent's you can always home school the government has no control over home school for it been here longer than public school. The Ten Commandments were written for a so- called king to control the people. the bible was written to satisfied King James so he could have total control over the people. I am a Wicca Priest, I have my gods and goddess to guide me. Have you ever heard of Wicca being advertise on radio? how about Television? as for the internet everything upon anything is posted there until Government has it removed for they don't care for it. a book is nothing but a book if you don't like it put it down and close it,.but to tell others it's a bad book in't fair to anyone.
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Pastor George Day
Larry Good
What nonsense! The Bible existed long before King James VI of Scotland and I of England translated the KJV!
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Edwin Wilfred Mckinney
Peace be with all humans, Under the law of the land and the law of the word by GOD grace and mercy. Let us really dig deeper into this. Why should the ten commandments be displayed in school when most and if not all, do not practice reading the word of GOD to adhere to the true meaning behind why it is important to have laws.
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Gary Michael Steele
Our Constitution separates church and state. This was no accident. As we have evolved as a nation, we have welcomed people from all faiths, even if originally the First Amendment may have meant Christian denominations. This othering of immigrants has a deeper intention: excluding non-white people.
If parents want their children indoctrinated into religion, they should enroll them in parochial schools at their own expense. Non-Christian parents should not have to subsidize Christianity.
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Harvey Jay Friedman
The Ten Commandments are non-sectarian. They are basically rules to live by for everyone, regardless of religious beliefs. They don’t say which lord to obey, only that you keep him holy and not use his name in vain. Effectively they are rules of behavior for all humans. The thousands of refugees from Egypt were of many nations, Nubian, Isreal, Sudan etc. Anyone that considers the Ten Commandments a religious artifact is wrong.
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Brandon O'Malley
The Ten Commandment specifically are Abramhamic by default. Other practices have similar beliefs, but the Ten Commandments are specific to Abrahamic practices. So yes, they are a religious artifact since only those religions utilize those precise principles.
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Marlena Manygoats
I think it should be up to people who attend the schools for one we don't go to school so it doesn't effect us that much but honestly it should be up to the students and staff
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Paul Johnson
When you contend with the creator its tuff. Do you know if any of us have a right to question God. The Ten Commandments are really not about religion it's about recognizing that the creator of all things and all religions if they are necessary. God is not about religion He is about a relationship if you have any questions just ask JOB when he finally came to his senses he discovered that he was quite foolish to try and play witts with God. If the Ten Commandments are nothing but a refresher when you take the time to consider reading them. Which person can't understand that we all were created.
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Brandon O'Malley
Except in this case it is strictly related to religion. And it's Republican Christians pushing this, and considering the Supreme Court ruled on this very matter, e.g. Stone v. Graham (1980), it is a direct violation of the law. We don't care what you believe in, but keep it out of public schools. Not everyone believes in your god, nor practices the same beliefs, and the Ten Commandments are part of religious doctrine, specifically Abrahamic religions. Attempting to force anyone in this country, especially children, to religious doctrines they don't adhere to is indoctrination by defintion. Again, we don't care what you believe, but keep it out of secular spaces. If students want to pray, by all means do so. But the Supreme Court ruled three times on matters pertaining to religion, especially related to Christian practices, considering Christians continue to try and force everyone in this country to follow the same principles when not all of us do.
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Richard Veerman
Totally agree with your analysis and opinion.
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John T Stark
Why are they pushing so hard to display commandments they themselves don't follow? Why not put up the beatitudes that Jesus himself gave? I suppose because they have already decided to ignore his teachings.
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Donald G Magel
My goodness. The christian right has done enough damage to our Nation by electing Trump? He is the anti-christ and is doing his god's work on us. His god is Satan. What has happened to our once sorta Christian Nation?
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Rev Frankie PG
Though some msy believe that it is the bedrock principle of America, many would disagree noting the Separation of Church and State. Would I personally enjoy seeing them at least in the auditorium and a Bible in every classroom? Absolutely!! But professionally I would not, unless it was a dedicated religious school.
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Ted Smith
It seems to me that this is obviously the time for it, seeing as how the 20 or so years things like this have been missing from schools our society has digressed.
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Rev. Mark
While I see the good intention here... I think the school district needs to come up with their own "Commandments of a Good Student". They can "adopt" some of the original 10, while re-wording them a bit, and yet others like "not commit adultery" are really not needed/appropriate for school aged kids.Be it a commandment of a rule, the school can still incorporate the good principals without getting "religious" about it.
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Richard Veerman
Well intended but I don’t support mandatory displaying. Not just because of the “separation of church & state” argument but because it results in children being indoctrinated and groomed to embrace organized religion. We need to prohibit all of these attempts to indoctrinate children in this regard. Let them pursue their own path to discovery of the world we life in at their own pace without this continuous attempt to force a dogmatic thought process.
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Jim W Bennett
We want Christianity in our children, we are firm believers in Christ a Almighty, our children need discipline and direction,just as the Shepard protects and directs his sheep and lambs
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Michael Shane McGee
American Law was founded on these principles. When you read the commandment how do you see anything wrong as guiding principles? The Ten Commandments are basic Natural Law, not just religious doctrine. I can see why other religions than Christianity and Judaism may not approve, but the fact of the matter remains it’s the guiding principles of this nation. I only serve on Master and do my best to keep his commandments. The politics behind putting it in the classroom is to create more division and drama in my opinion though. Church and state are to be completely separated. As Yeshua (Jesus) seen it that organized religion and gov. Are the most vile and unrighteousness organizations out there. Love One Another
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Dent L. Sweem
🖕🏻
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Reverend Bobbie
No, The Ten Commandments are sound but they belong to a particular religious belief system and that is why they should not be allowed in public schools. You can teach all for ht same values without using the Judaeo-Christian bible as the method. If you allow this then you have to allow tenets from other non-Christian religious organizations. We should always teach the principals but not the religion.
Why not also. “The Five Pillars of Islam” (Shahada/faith, Salah/prayer, Zakat/charity, Sawm/fasting, Hajj/pilgrimage).
Or Hindu “The Five Yamas” (restraints – what not to do) Or The Core Buddhist Code, “The Five Precepts” (Pañca-sīla)
Exactly. If I was a teacher I would put up a display board with the main tenets of all the main world religions which would give students an understanding that there are many religious viewpoints. That is what education is about.
Don't forget the Eight Condiments of Our Lord, The Flying Spaghetti Monster. r'Amen.
That is so cute.
Unfortunately the Leo Plan to replace public schools with religious education and teaching the end times, is right on schedule.
Thanks for expanding the thought. I love being strecthed in possibiltiy.