Should They Require the Ten Commandments to be Displayed in Public Schools?

I say “No.”

“The Law is good if a person uses it lawfully.” (1 Timothy 1:8)*

Other than the fact that the 1st Amendment of the Constitution prohibits it, I think it’s a bad idea. I propose a theological reason. My study of the Old and New Testaments shows me that the law has its place, but it’s no longer on stone tablets or classroom walls. It belongs in the hearts of people who love Jesus.

Let me be clear, like David, I love God’s law (Psalm 119:47). And like Paul I count on God’s law written in my mind and heart to inspire me to obey the God I love (Romans 7:22; 8:4; Hebrews 8:10; 10:16). I know the law can’t justify me (Romans 3:20). Only Jesus’ sacrifice can do that as I trust its efficacy (Romans 3:24). It also can’t sanctify me (Romans 7:5), i.e., make me more like Jesus. Only the Spirit can do that as I cooperate with him (Galatians 5:16-18).

Do this and live the Law commands

But neither gives me feet nor hands

A better word the Gospel brings

It bids me fly and gives me wings!

When the Law was written on stone as an extrinsic code, it couldn’t empower or inspire us. But it’s no longer an external transcript looming over us with demands and threats. It’s a powerful internal principle that makes performance possible. It transforms duty into delight!

Rep. Candy Noble argues for the Bill that requires the Ten Commandments be displayed in schools. She says she believes having the commandments in the class would help the teachers with classroom management. In other words, it will help them behave better if they see the Ten Commandments on the wall.

Paul tells us what the law actually does when we relate to it for behavior modification: “But sin used this command to arouse all kinds of covetous desires within me! If there were no law, sin would not have that power. At one time I lived without understanding the law. But when I learned the command not to covet, for instance, the power of sin came to life, and I died.” (Romans 7:8-10)

In practical terms, putting the law on the wall might very well have the opposite effect on the students that the teachers are looking for. Instead of making them more compliant, especially if reinforced by the educator, could “arouse” less than desirable behaviors. Have you ever touched a bench that had a sign on it saying, “Don’t Touch, Wet Paint!”? Or step on grass with a “Don’t Step on the Grass” sign?

I don’t advocate we put any Scripture (Christian or otherwise) in classrooms, but I wonder why Rep. Candy Noble doesn’t choose to display the list of the “fruit of the Spirit” in Galatians 5 for instance?

Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Just sayin’

*For a deeper dive on the law of God, see: “The Lord, His Law, and Those Who Love Him”