Ten Commandments & Law: Social, Political, and Legal Issues
The Ten Commandants are first and foremost a religious document, describing the covenental relationship between the Jews and their god. It is, however, a religious document with many social and religious implications. Such implications are obvious in the case of the Jews themselves since the commandments serve to constrain what sorts of social and political options might be available to them. There are also implications for societies in which non-Jews take the Ten Commandments very seriously and think that others should as well.
Ten Commandments: Basis for American Law?
One of the arguments most frequently offered for the creation of Ten Commandments plaques, monuments, or displays on government property is that they are the foundation of American (or Western) law. Having the Ten Commandments displayed is thus supposed to be a way of acknowledging the roots of our laws and our government. But is this really valid?
One of the arguments most frequently offered for the creation of Ten Commandments plaques, monuments, or displays on government property is that they are the foundation of American (or Western) law. Having the Ten Commandments displayed is thus supposed to be a way of acknowledging the roots of our laws and our government. But is this really valid?
What Do People Believe About the Ten Commandments?
Many people today believe that the Ten Commandments are in and of themselves a proper moral code, but this position is very dubious. Although it does contain some basic moral prescriptions that one can find in other religions, it doesn’t even begin to address some of the most important moral problems that face people today.
Many people today believe that the Ten Commandments are in and of themselves a proper moral code, but this position is very dubious. Although it does contain some basic moral prescriptions that one can find in other religions, it doesn’t even begin to address some of the most important moral problems that face people today.
Do People Follow the Ten Commandments?
There are lots of debates over the cultural and political status of the Ten Commandments, but in all of those debates there is a common assumption that devout religious people are already following them and everyone else should start. Is it true, however, that religious people currently follow the Ten Commandments with any degree of consistency?
There are lots of debates over the cultural and political status of the Ten Commandments, but in all of those debates there is a common assumption that devout religious people are already following them and everyone else should start. Is it true, however, that religious people currently follow the Ten Commandments with any degree of consistency?
Should People Follow the Ten Commandments?
In all of the political and cultural debates over the Ten Commandments, one question that receives far too little attention is whether anyone should be expected to adhere to the Ten Commandments in the first place. They are, after all, Jewish laws, so why should any non-Jews bother with them?
In all of the political and cultural debates over the Ten Commandments, one question that receives far too little attention is whether anyone should be expected to adhere to the Ten Commandments in the first place. They are, after all, Jewish laws, so why should any non-Jews bother with them?
Ten Commandments & Context: Does It Matter?
An interesting aspect of the legal questions surrounding government monuments to the Ten Commandments concerns the context of those monuments. Courts have made it clear that in certain contexts a display or monument can be acceptable; in other contexts, it isn’t. Neither supporters nor opponents are entirely happy with such conclusions - but are those decisions justified?
An interesting aspect of the legal questions surrounding government monuments to the Ten Commandments concerns the context of those monuments. Courts have made it clear that in certain contexts a display or monument can be acceptable; in other contexts, it isn’t. Neither supporters nor opponents are entirely happy with such conclusions - but are those decisions justified?
Costs of the Ten Commandments: Paying to Defend the Indefensible
Whenever a monument, plaque, or some other posting of the Ten Commandments is challenged as a violation of the separation of church and state, the government involved (local, state, or federal) usually defends them in court. These court battles can drag out for years and go through several levels of the judicial system - and, just as often, the government loses.
Whenever a monument, plaque, or some other posting of the Ten Commandments is challenged as a violation of the separation of church and state, the government involved (local, state, or federal) usually defends them in court. These court battles can drag out for years and go through several levels of the judicial system - and, just as often, the government loses.
Arrogance and the Ten Commandments
Scattered across the nation are numerous monuments displaying the Ten Commandments. Most were donated to various local governments by private organizations like the Fraternal Order of Eagles during the 1960s and 70s. Recently many have been challenged as a violation of the separation of church and state, but such challenges are met with passionate reactions...
Scattered across the nation are numerous monuments displaying the Ten Commandments. Most were donated to various local governments by private organizations like the Fraternal Order of Eagles during the 1960s and 70s. Recently many have been challenged as a violation of the separation of church and state, but such challenges are met with passionate reactions...
Ten Commandments & Congress
Federal and State governments keep trying to get involved with the debate over the Ten Commandments, usually for the purpose of trying to have them posted rather than for the purpose of remaining neutral in matters of religion.
Federal and State governments keep trying to get involved with the debate over the Ten Commandments, usually for the purpose of trying to have them posted rather than for the purpose of remaining neutral in matters of religion.