Ten Commandments
An Associated Press article by Sara Cline and Kevin McGill, published last month, was about Louisiana wanting to display the Ten Commandments in all public buildings. A federal judge struck down the proposed law because it had an “overly religious purpose.” The state is appealing.
Most people believe the Ten Commandments are among the finest guidelines for a virtuous life. I disagree.
The First Commandment, “Thou shalt have no gods before me,” conflicts with the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion, including freedom from the imposition of other people’s religion.
The next three commandments (no graven images, not taking God’s name in vain, keeping the Sabbath day holy) appear to describe how to worship and pay homage to a jealous and vindictive God.
The Fifth Commandment, about honoring parents, says nothing about parents honoring their children or treating them humanely.
The next four proscriptions against murder, adultery, stealing and lying existed in cultures long before the Ten Commandments were written.
The last commandment, “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house, wife, slaves, ox, donkey, or any other property,” condones slavery and treats women as property.
The Ten Commandments are notable for what they omit. Why not condemn slavery, racism, sexual assault, child and spouse abuse, and torture? This is an attempt to impose the Christian religion on all schoolchildren, regardless of what their parents may have taught them about religious beliefs.
HERB SILVERMAN
Charleston, SC