The question is, where is the line to be drawn? I do not think that the display of the Ten Commandments, despite the religious references, is the right place.
I think that such a display in any government building, including schools, is precisely a place to draw the line. It's not simply a religious reference, it's a doctrine mandating a specific faith.
Should students not read the Iliad because it invokes the Muse, and has various scenes with an array of gods in it?
Studying the Iliad as a literary and historical work is a bit different than displaying the Ten Commandments on the wall as Official School Doctrine. Again, in a private school this would be no problem. Indeed, I would have no philosophical objections to the study of religions in public schools if it could be done in an objective manner. Unfortunately, I don't think it's possible and it would open a huge can of worms.
If the Ten Commandments are presented as an important element of tradition, without proselytizing, I see no offense...
I don't either, under those specific conditions. Posting them in hallways and classrooms as School Policy crosses the line, IMO. Exposing students to the widest range of ideas possible and teaching them how to use their minds to draw their own conclusions is healthy and life affirming. Telling them what they must think and believe is most definitely not! |
