The Ten Commandments battle is raging again. The Religious Right suggest publicly that prominently posting the Ten Commandments in government buildings and in schools is simply reminding us all of the foundation of our Judeo-Christian culture. They insist that people of all faiths appreciate the wisdom of the Ten Commandments and that there is nothing in them that could cause any offense to any one, even an atheist. They also confidently state that every one of these commandments can be found embedded in U.S. and State legislation.
Two problems with this public posture. First, much of what is stated simply isn't true. Secondly, the public statements are quite different from the statements made behind (partially) closed doors.
First the untruths (a kinder expression might be exaggerations). Take a look at a version of the Ten Commandments (remember, there are multiple versions).
- You shall not worship any other god but YHWH.
- You shall not make a graven image.
- You shall not take the name of YHWH in vain.
- You shall not break the Sabbath.
- You shall not dishonor your parents.
- You shall not murder.
- You shall not commit adultery
- You shall not steal.
- You shall not commit perjury.
- You shall not covet.
We do not have civil laws concerning numbers 1-3. The so-called blue laws regarding the Sabbath (number 4) are almost extinct, plus different faith traditions have different ideas of when the Sabbath is. Honoring your parents (Number 5) is only referenced incidentally in legislation, and the President's Social Security plan should take care of eliminating that requirement. We do have laws regarding 6 depending on your definition of kill or murder. Adultery (number 7) is technically illegal in some places, but a lot more common than abortion or homosexuality (the Religious Right's favorite sins). Stealing (number 8) is definitely illegal unless you are an officer of a large company or a public official and don't get caught. Perjury (number 9) is illegal, especially if you are a philandering Democratic President. The entire Republican platform depends on people coveting (number 10) more than caring.
So, U.S. law only refers in any serious way to 5 of the 10 commandments. The rest are religious law and have no place in the public square. I am a Christian, and, in fact, a member of the same denomination as the President. I am not opposed to the Ten Commandments, but they are not foundation of our Republic.
But, you see, there is a hidden agenda here. The Religious Right does not believe the Ten Commandments are a religiously neutral document, despite their public statements. They do not want a religiously neutral public square. They want a public square consecrated to God as they know Him. They want no separation between public and private expressions of faith. Their intent is evangelical. They want a government dedicated to Christian principles, led by evangelical Christians.
Check out this web site: http://www.ten-commandments.us/ten_commandments/index.html
I have no problem with Evangelical Christians in public service. What I object to is the stealth tactics many of these people use, pushing a religious agenda, while loudly denying it.