In debates of posting the Ten Commandments in government buildings or constructing monuments to them, there is one crucial issue that is often missed: there is more than one version of the Ten Commandments. Any listing of the Commandments necessarily picks one version and excludes others, thus taking sides in a theological/religious dispute.

In a letter to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Joseph Forbes writes about this and addresses the fact that the Ten Commandments on the Allegheny County Courthouse:

I cannot help noting that it is a Protestant version of the Ten Commandments that is being displayed. Seeing only the Protestant version on public display makes me feel that I am to some extent a second-class citizen because I am Catholic rather than Protestant.

Unfortunately, Forbes doesn't reach the obvious conclusion that perhaps the government doesn't have the authority to support one religion or denomination over others — he continues to express support for the Ten Commandments and says that the Catholic version should be posted next to the Protestant one. But why stop there? Jews have their own version and there are many smaller religious groups that have altered the list to suit their own needs. Then, of course, there are religious groups that have their own lists of affirmations, principles, etc. Why not have hundreds of lists, all in a row?

Giving equal support to all religious perspectives is impossible; any attempt to try becomes an exercise in futility and absurdity. At some point the government will be forced to simply put a halt to all the nonsense and, as a consequence, support certain religious positions over others — at least, that's what has to happen if we follow Forbes' lead.

On the other hand, we can refuse to play that game and instead insist that the government doesn't have the authority to express support or endorsement of any religious doctrines, dogmas, scriptures, etc. Just get the government out of the religion-business entirely and leave such matters to individuals churches and individuals' consciences.

What's so wrong with that?

Read More:

• Separation of Church and State 101
• Church and State News
• Ten Commandments
• Secularism 101