| Issues > Religious Displays > Ten Commandments |
|
Government-supported displays of the Ten Commandments tend to harm religion and government. The debate is not about whether the Commandments teach sound theology or wholesome ethics. The question is, Who is the right teacher: politicians or parents, public officials or pastors, government committees or families? By choosing and displaying a religious text, the government is presumed to endorse the text's message and to show favoritism. Reducing the Commandments to just another secular, historical influence on America devalues their religious significance. The Decalogue holds a unique place in the history of particular religious faiths. Those faiths, not the government, should define their place in society. Recent cases Van Orden v. Perry (2005) McCreary County v. ACLU (2005) Related Articles Making sense of the Ten Commandments cases Supreme Court's review of Ten Commandments cases an opportunity for education on religious liberty Religion harmed, not helped, by Ten Commandments display Where do the Ten Commandments belong? Faith's influence undermined, not helped, by Alabama display Hanging Decalogue raises theological, constitutional issues Hanging Ten News Stories August 22, 2006 |
| More Resources Ten Commandments December Dilemma |