Critics of public schools say that the Ten Commandments of Exodus 20 (Old Testament) are not being taught as part of the educational curriculum in every school. Really? Let’s find out. Take the questions below to any public school teacher--the person actually responsible for teaching--and ask as follows:
1. Thou shalt have no other Gods before me: Do you teach students that there is a God? That there is no God? Or, do you remain neutral and leave religious instruction to parents, families, churches?
2. Thou shalt not worship graven images: Do you teach students that they should not worship idols? That it is okay to worship idols? Or, do you remain neutral and leave religious instruction to parents, families, churches?
3. Thou shalt not take the name of God in vain: Do you teach students to use the name God reverently? That it is okay to use the name God irreverently? Or, do you remain neutral and leave religious instruction to parents, families, churches?
4. Thou shalt not labor on the sabbath: Do you teach students that they should not work on the seventh day of the week? That it is okay to work on Friday evening, Saturday, Sunday? Or, do you leave religious instruction to parents, families, churches?
5. Thou shalt honor your father and your mother: Do you teach students to respect parents? That it is okay to disrespect parents?
6. Thou shalt not murder: Do you teach students that they should not murder other people? That it is okay to murder other people?
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery: (Teaching this commandment requires sex education.) Do you teach students that a husband and wife should not have sex with anyone except each other? That it is okay for a husband and wife to have sex with persons other than each other?
8. Thou shalt not steal: Do you teach students that they should not steal? That it is okay to steal?
9. Thou shalt not lie: Do you teach students that they should not lie? That it is okay to lie?
10. Thou shalt not covet: Do you teach students that they should not covet? That it is okay to covet?
After you have obtained answers to the above questions, here are two questions for you: Are the predominantly Christian public school teachers of America promoting the social, ethical, and family values of the Ten Commandments and appropriately leaving religious instruction to parents, families, churches? In regard to this issue are public school critics right or wrong?
Copyright 1997 Gene Garman