The Ten Commandments in Public Space

Recently, the local school district decided to thwart the threat of the Freedom from Religion organization and post again the Ten Commandments in all the county's schools. The document had been posted in local schools for about 10 years without any serious opposition. This recently changed when an anonymous letter was received expressing offense at the posted moral code. Based upon legal counsel, the school took down the display late last year. Of course, the Ten Commandments do command reverence for God--nothing to upset followers of the monotheistic religions, but they mostly express sensible laws for a civilized and considerate population.

This story has received considerable local news coverage, and the dispute continues. The school system is apparently seeking to frame the Ten Commandments with additional historical documents to solidify the document's intended purpose in the schools. While many expressed opinions in public dialogue express doubts about the legal viability of the school systems' decision due to current precedents, I believe there is a justifiable place in public space for this well-known historical document given our national history. Other documents in United States history exemplify the spiritual and moral consideration of our early leadership. Inclusion of the Ten Commandments does not seem out of place in a nation who respects people and their property, the family unit, and a belief in God.

In time, this situation will probably be debated in a courtroom. Legal assistance has supposedly been offered to the school system. A resolution will take considerable time, one may expect. I understand this is a delicate issue with many implications, but I respect the school board for taking a stand. The county's Board of Supervisors also expressed its support of the school system. The bottom line is that the Ten Commandments is much closer to a moral code than an evangelistic document. There can only be positive influence from the presence of God's commands. Indeed, the Ten Commandments do fit amongst other historical documents important to our society. It is unfortunate that a small minority are so often able to disrupt reasonable expressions of conviction derived from our Christian heritage.

A Reminder of Our Heritage

Last weekend, we had the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C., once again. Each time I visit I want to return. In our three-day weekend, we walked many miles and saw much. The Smithsonian Institution museums and other nearby attractions are a great treasure. The National Park areas at and around The Mall are special to me. I remember being there in October 1997 to pray for our nation with perhaps a million other men.

Sometimes, our history and rich heritage can become commonplace or forgotten. It is good to remember our national heritage. I include this thought in this blog due to the depth of spiritual commitment by so many of our history-makers. Walking by the church Abraham Lincoln attended, a quotation indicative of Lincoln's spirituality was prominent. Reflection at the World War II Memorial, glances at the Korean and Vietnam war memorials, and thoughts about the ongoing work in the Capitol allowed me to recognize the importance of our national leadership and our nation's leadership at various times (for better or for worse).

We are an imperfect nation, populated by imperfect people, amidst a flawed world. It is good to remember, in spite of our shortcomings, our nation has often sought to aid the oppressed and uphold religious freedom while declaring itself to be a Christian nation. While our public claim to be a nation under the Judeo-Christian Deity has quieted, this reality does not change our heritage or spiritual ties. We have been blessed as a country so far, and Washington offers many examples of our unique history.