Ten Commandments: News, Information, Court Cases
Should displays of the Ten Commandments be allowed in public buildings? Should large monuments be erected on the grounds of courthouses or legislative buildings? Should there be posters of the Ten Commandments in schools and other municipal buildings? Some argue that they are part of our legal history, but others say that they are inherently religious and, therefore, cannot be allowed. Here you can find recent news and events dealing with the Ten Commandments and the separation of church and state.
Politicians Editing the Ten Commandments
Should politicians have the authority to edit the "Word of God"? You'd think that devout Jews and Christians would be the first to object to this, but they are the ones who gave politicians this authority when they voted to approve of putting the Ten Commandments on public property. Someone now has to decide which version will appear and how it will read.
Should politicians have the authority to edit the "Word of God"? You'd think that devout Jews and Christians would be the first to object to this, but they are the ones who gave politicians this authority when they voted to approve of putting the Ten Commandments on public property. Someone now has to decide which version will appear and how it will read.
North Dakota: Ten Commandments Monument Upheld
Yet another Ten Commandments monument has been upheld by yet another judge who either misrepresents or misunderstand recent precedent. Van Orden v. Perry is being used as if it justified any Ten Commandments monument because judges just don't care about the narrow context behind the decision.
Yet another Ten Commandments monument has been upheld by yet another judge who either misrepresents or misunderstand recent precedent. Van Orden v. Perry is being used as if it justified any Ten Commandments monument because judges just don't care about the narrow context behind the decision.
Looting in New Orleans Because Ten Commandments Not in Schools
Lacking any basic moral decencies, some Christians are arguing that people are looting in New Orleans because the government didn't promote Christianity by teaching them the Ten Commandments in public schools. Apparently, it's not the job of Christian churches to teach such things, so only the government gets blamed.
Lacking any basic moral decencies, some Christians are arguing that people are looting in New Orleans because the government didn't promote Christianity by teaching them the Ten Commandments in public schools. Apparently, it's not the job of Christian churches to teach such things, so only the government gets blamed.
Nebraska: Ten Commandments Monument Upheld
Blatant misuse of the Supreme Court's decision in Van Orden v. Perry has already begun: the Eight Circuit Court has ruled 11-2 that a Ten Commandments monument in Plattsmouth, Nebraska can remain. Unfortunately, that monument isn't much like the one in Texas that they used as a model for their ruling.
Blatant misuse of the Supreme Court's decision in Van Orden v. Perry has already begun: the Eight Circuit Court has ruled 11-2 that a Ten Commandments monument in Plattsmouth, Nebraska can remain. Unfortunately, that monument isn't much like the one in Texas that they used as a model for their ruling.
Utah: Religious Group Seeks Addition to Ten Commandments
The Summum faith teaches that after Moses brought the Ten Commandments down from the mountain top, he went back and retrieved a few "lower laws" that serve as minor additions. Summum adherents who live in Utah want those additions placed with a Ten Commandments monument in Pleasant Grove.
The Summum faith teaches that after Moses brought the Ten Commandments down from the mountain top, he went back and retrieved a few "lower laws" that serve as minor additions. Summum adherents who live in Utah want those additions placed with a Ten Commandments monument in Pleasant Grove.
Ten Commandments Decisions: More Good than Bad
There are lots of reasons to criticize the Supreme Court's recent decisions in the two Ten Commandments cases, but on balance there are more good things to say than bad. The end results is that the Supreme Court upheld the basic principles of separating church and state, even if they didn't do such a great job at applying them.
There are lots of reasons to criticize the Supreme Court's recent decisions in the two Ten Commandments cases, but on balance there are more good things to say than bad. The end results is that the Supreme Court upheld the basic principles of separating church and state, even if they didn't do such a great job at applying them.
Respect Your Neighbor's Religion
The Ten Commandments instruct people to respect neighbor's property, but not their religion. This is understandable because the Ten Commandments were not written for a pluralistic, democratic society. That's also why they are incompatible with modern America.
The Ten Commandments instruct people to respect neighbor's property, but not their religion. This is understandable because the Ten Commandments were not written for a pluralistic, democratic society. That's also why they are incompatible with modern America.
Blogsnark: Political Dogs on the Ten Commandments
A lot of religious conservatives are upset that the Supreme Court invalidated the Ten Commandments display in Kentucky counties. They sincerely believe that the government of all citizens should endorse the religious beliefs of just a few citizens - their religious beliefs, naturally.
A lot of religious conservatives are upset that the Supreme Court invalidated the Ten Commandments display in Kentucky counties. They sincerely believe that the government of all citizens should endorse the religious beliefs of just a few citizens - their religious beliefs, naturally.
Idaho: American Legion Seeks Ten Commandments Monument
The American Legion, a group that has proved itself no friend of religious pluralism or liberty in America, is now looking at helping erect a Ten Commandments monument in Rupert, Idaho. They think that the recent Supreme Court decisions will support them, but I don't think that they have a clue about what they are doing.
The American Legion, a group that has proved itself no friend of religious pluralism or liberty in America, is now looking at helping erect a Ten Commandments monument in Rupert, Idaho. They think that the recent Supreme Court decisions will support them, but I don't think that they have a clue about what they are doing.
Nebraska: Man's Name Revealed in Ten Commandments Case
In Plattsmouth, Nebraska, an atheist is challenging the presence of a Ten Commandments monument in the public park. His identity had been kept secret because of fears he had for his safety, but a federal judge decided not to stop newspapers from revealing his name so the Omaha World-Herald decided to go ahead and do so.
In Plattsmouth, Nebraska, an atheist is challenging the presence of a Ten Commandments monument in the public park. His identity had been kept secret because of fears he had for his safety, but a federal judge decided not to stop newspapers from revealing his name so the Omaha World-Herald decided to go ahead and do so.
The Ten Commandments and the of Rule Law
Some people think that the law cannot survive unless religion is the foundation of it - and not just any old religion, either, but their religion in particular. This is an argument too often heard from conservative Christians, as if there were no "rule of law" in atheist, Hindu, or Buddhist nations.
Some people think that the law cannot survive unless religion is the foundation of it - and not just any old religion, either, but their religion in particular. This is an argument too often heard from conservative Christians, as if there were no "rule of law" in atheist, Hindu, or Buddhist nations.
Kentucky: People Upset Over Commandments Ruling
In Kentucky, people are upset at having lost the case of ACLU v. McCreary County. They wanted their Ten Commandments display to remain but they still don't get it: the government doesn't have the authority to promote their religious beliefs.
In Kentucky, people are upset at having lost the case of ACLU v. McCreary County. They wanted their Ten Commandments display to remain but they still don't get it: the government doesn't have the authority to promote their religious beliefs.
Ten Commandments: Bigger 'Christian' Issue than War, Poverty
You might imagine that war, health care, poverty, AIDS, and other serious issues might top the list of concerns for Christians in America. You'd be wrong, though, at least according to Charles W. Colson. In Colson's mind, the biggest issue by far is the Ten Commandments.
You might imagine that war, health care, poverty, AIDS, and other serious issues might top the list of concerns for Christians in America. You'd be wrong, though, at least according to Charles W. Colson. In Colson's mind, the biggest issue by far is the Ten Commandments.
Where Could Van Orden Lead?
One of the problems with the two different decisions on the two Ten Commandments cases is that people will misinterpret them. The decisions were heavily context-dependent, as they should have been, but too many observers seem unable or unwilling to appreciate how much of a difference context can make.
One of the problems with the two different decisions on the two Ten Commandments cases is that people will misinterpret them. The decisions were heavily context-dependent, as they should have been, but too many observers seem unable or unwilling to appreciate how much of a difference context can make.
Justice Antonin Scalia: Monotheists Deserve Government Favoritism
One of the issues debated in church/state separation cases is whether a law or government action somehow favors a particular religion or religious belief. Strict separationists object to any such favoritism; others advocate varying levels of favoritism. Now, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia has made it plain that atheists, deists, and polytheists can be actively disregarded...
One of the issues debated in church/state separation cases is whether a law or government action somehow favors a particular religion or religious belief. Strict separationists object to any such favoritism; others advocate varying levels of favoritism. Now, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia has made it plain that atheists, deists, and polytheists can be actively disregarded...
Ten Commandments Decisions: Why the Split?
The Supreme Court has ruled on two different Ten Commandments displays, upholding one as constitutional and striking down the other as unconstitutional. Some observers have criticized this split, saying that the issue is now even more confused than before. Perhaps that is true, but it is also unavoidable.
The Supreme Court has ruled on two different Ten Commandments displays, upholding one as constitutional and striking down the other as unconstitutional. Some observers have criticized this split, saying that the issue is now even more confused than before. Perhaps that is true, but it is also unavoidable.
Van Orden v. Perry Decision: Analysis, Background
Court houses and public parks all around the nation have had Ten Commandments monuments of one sort or another erected in them. Many Ten Commandments monuments were erected by the Fraternal Order of Eagles in the 1950s and 60s. One six foot tall monument was placed on the Texas state Capitol grounds in 1961.
Court houses and public parks all around the nation have had Ten Commandments monuments of one sort or another erected in them. Many Ten Commandments monuments were erected by the Fraternal Order of Eagles in the 1950s and 60s. One six foot tall monument was placed on the Texas state Capitol grounds in 1961.
ACLU v. McCreary County Decision: Analysis, Background
Many Ten Commandments monuments in America are decades old, but various local governments put up new displays as well. McCreary County, Kentucky, put up a Ten Commandments display in the county court house. In 2000, this display was declared unconstitutional. The court noted that the County selected only documents or portions of documents expressing favoritism towards certain religious ideas...
Many Ten Commandments monuments in America are decades old, but various local governments put up new displays as well. McCreary County, Kentucky, put up a Ten Commandments display in the county court house. In 2000, this display was declared unconstitutional. The court noted that the County selected only documents or portions of documents expressing favoritism towards certain religious ideas...
Ten Commandments Not Basis for American Law
There are many Christians who try to argue that American law is based upon the Ten Commandments; therefore, posting the Ten Commandments in public buildings like courts is not only permissible, but perhaps necessary. We can show how wrong this view is by pointing out some of the logical implications which defenders don't (and hopefully won't) accept.
There are many Christians who try to argue that American law is based upon the Ten Commandments; therefore, posting the Ten Commandments in public buildings like courts is not only permissible, but perhaps necessary. We can show how wrong this view is by pointing out some of the logical implications which defenders don't (and hopefully won't) accept.
Mississippi: Commandments, Sermon to be Posted
Both the House and the Senate in Mississippi have passed a bill that would require all public buildings in the state to post the Ten Commandments, "In God We Trust," and excerpts from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. It's an obvious promotion of religion and religious beliefs, but Governor Haley Barbour is likely to sign it.
Both the House and the Senate in Mississippi have passed a bill that would require all public buildings in the state to post the Ten Commandments, "In God We Trust," and excerpts from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. It's an obvious promotion of religion and religious beliefs, but Governor Haley Barbour is likely to sign it.
Ten Commandments: Dummy's Guide to Christianity?
It is interesting that defense of government-funded Ten Commandments monuments comes almost entirely form conservative Christians. This is, after all, text from the Jewish scriptures. Why don't Christians argue for monuments with text from their own scriptures? What are they hoping to accomplish... or not accomplish?
It is interesting that defense of government-funded Ten Commandments monuments comes almost entirely form conservative Christians. This is, after all, text from the Jewish scriptures. Why don't Christians argue for monuments with text from their own scriptures? What are they hoping to accomplish... or not accomplish?
Making Scripture Secular
More people are starting to take notice of the fact that religious "conservatives" who defend government endorsement of their religious beliefs do so by arguing that their beliefs aren't "really" religious to begin with. This, opponents argue, is itself heretical and anti-religious.
More people are starting to take notice of the fact that religious "conservatives" who defend government endorsement of their religious beliefs do so by arguing that their beliefs aren't "really" religious to begin with. This, opponents argue, is itself heretical and anti-religious.
Blogsnark: Defense of the Ten Commandments
There are a lot of conservative Christians out there who want to "defend" the Ten Commandments. Every time they do, though, they end up giving more ammunition to those who want to make sure that religious monuments stay on private property and stop being promoted by the government.
There are a lot of conservative Christians out there who want to "defend" the Ten Commandments. Every time they do, though, they end up giving more ammunition to those who want to make sure that religious monuments stay on private property and stop being promoted by the government.
No Middle Ground on Ten Commandments
There are many Christians who want very badly for the government to erect monuments to the Ten Commandments. If they are smart, they know that this won't work so long as the monuments are seen as expressing a religious message. Then again, if it's not a religious message, what's the point? Can they find a middle ground?
There are many Christians who want very badly for the government to erect monuments to the Ten Commandments. If they are smart, they know that this won't work so long as the monuments are seen as expressing a religious message. Then again, if it's not a religious message, what's the point? Can they find a middle ground?
Blogsnark: You Can't Tell Me What I Shalt and Shalt Not Do!
Why do people support Ten Commandments displays chosen by, paid for, and endorsed by the government? Because they believe that those Commandments are a part of their religious ideology - that's it. Some try to construct non-religious rationales for their position, but they inevitably fail.
Why do people support Ten Commandments displays chosen by, paid for, and endorsed by the government? Because they believe that those Commandments are a part of their religious ideology - that's it. Some try to construct non-religious rationales for their position, but they inevitably fail.
Unholy Moses
It's an accepted principle of constitutional law that the government is not permitted to overtly favor one religion over others. When Christians want their religion favored, they have to accomplish this through more subtle means - one of which includes arguing that their beliefs and symbols are really "secular."
It's an accepted principle of constitutional law that the government is not permitted to overtly favor one religion over others. When Christians want their religion favored, they have to accomplish this through more subtle means - one of which includes arguing that their beliefs and symbols are really "secular."
Hindu Foundation Opposes Government Commandments Displays
Do all religious groups support government monuments endorsing and promoting the Ten Commandments? Absolutely not. A Hindu group submitted a brief to the Supreme Court supporting the removal of the Ten Commandments monument in Texas.
Do all religious groups support government monuments endorsing and promoting the Ten Commandments? Absolutely not. A Hindu group submitted a brief to the Supreme Court supporting the removal of the Ten Commandments monument in Texas.
Supreme Court Debates Ten Commandments
Well, the Supreme Court has heard arguments in two Ten Commandments cases and now we have to wait for them to render a decision - probably a split decision, I think, in which one will be upheld and the other struck down. Comments from the justices during the oral arguments reveals something about their thinking.
Well, the Supreme Court has heard arguments in two Ten Commandments cases and now we have to wait for them to render a decision - probably a split decision, I think, in which one will be upheld and the other struck down. Comments from the justices during the oral arguments reveals something about their thinking.
Michigan: Governor Opposes Ten Commandments Display
Governor Jennifer Granholm originally expressed some support for putting a Ten Commandments display in the Capitol Rotunda, but not anymore. She has concluded that such a display would be unconstitutional - though for some reason it wouldn't be unconstitutional over at the Statehouse.
Governor Jennifer Granholm originally expressed some support for putting a Ten Commandments display in the Capitol Rotunda, but not anymore. She has concluded that such a display would be unconstitutional - though for some reason it wouldn't be unconstitutional over at the Statehouse.
Alabama Judge Explains: Jews and Christians Have Special Rights
Remember the Alabama judge who had the Ten Commandments embroidered on his robe? As many surely expected, his viewpoints are rather extreme - even to the point of apparently thinking that Jews and Christians should have special rights that other religions don't.
Remember the Alabama judge who had the Ten Commandments embroidered on his robe? As many surely expected, his viewpoints are rather extreme - even to the point of apparently thinking that Jews and Christians should have special rights that other religions don't.
Court Sued Over Ten Commandments Seal
A lawyer in California is suing the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals because its seal includes what seems to be a representation of the Ten Commandments. According to Ryan Donlon, promoting the Commandments in this way is unconstitutional.
A lawyer in California is suing the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals because its seal includes what seems to be a representation of the Ten Commandments. According to Ryan Donlon, promoting the Commandments in this way is unconstitutional.
Georgia: Protection Order Granted in Ten Commandments Case
The lawsuit filed against a Ten Commandments display in Barrow County, Georgia, will continue to proceed anonymously. A judge has ruled in favor of an ACLU motion to keep the identity of the plaintiff sealed, but Christians defending the display are upset. I wonder why?
The lawsuit filed against a Ten Commandments display in Barrow County, Georgia, will continue to proceed anonymously. A judge has ruled in favor of an ACLU motion to keep the identity of the plaintiff sealed, but Christians defending the display are upset. I wonder why?
Atheists May Bid for Land to Prevent Monument
Christians who want to ignore the separation of church and state sometimes try to save Ten Commandments monuments by selling the land under them to Christian organizations that promise to keep the monuments where they are. What happens, though, when another organization bids against them?
Christians who want to ignore the separation of church and state sometimes try to save Ten Commandments monuments by selling the land under them to Christian organizations that promise to keep the monuments where they are. What happens, though, when another organization bids against them?
Wisconsin: Court Upholds Ten Commandments Decision
A split three-judge panel of the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago has ruled that the city of La Crosse, Wisconsin, could sell to a private group the land around a Ten Commandments monument in a public park. This ensures that the monument remains right where it is, regardless of its religious content.
A split three-judge panel of the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago has ruled that the city of La Crosse, Wisconsin, could sell to a private group the land around a Ten Commandments monument in a public park. This ensures that the monument remains right where it is, regardless of its religious content.
Idaho: Ten Commandments Taken Down at Airport
In Caldwell, Idaho, a complaint from a pilot has led to the removal of a Ten Commandments sign at the town's airport. The airport manager, Curt Hawkins, put it up last year - apparently without approval or discussion about the implications of a public airport endorsing a set of religious doctrines.
In Caldwell, Idaho, a complaint from a pilot has led to the removal of a Ten Commandments sign at the town's airport. The airport manager, Curt Hawkins, put it up last year - apparently without approval or discussion about the implications of a public airport endorsing a set of religious doctrines.
Rhode Island: Removal of Ten Commandments Monument Decried
In Providence, Rhode Island, city officials are upset that a Ten Commandments monument was removed from a public park at the request of the city's law department. Apparently the lawyers shouldn't be taking legally correction action when it's also politically unpopular.
In Providence, Rhode Island, city officials are upset that a Ten Commandments monument was removed from a public park at the request of the city's law department. Apparently the lawyers shouldn't be taking legally correction action when it's also politically unpopular.
New Hampshire: Ten Commandments Monument Questioned
In Somersworth, New Hampshire, city officials want a Ten Commandments monument to remain on city-owned property despite complaints from a local resident. Apparently officials believe that local government has the authority to have a "monument" to particular religious believes, even at the exclusion of all other religious beliefs.
In Somersworth, New Hampshire, city officials want a Ten Commandments monument to remain on city-owned property despite complaints from a local resident. Apparently officials believe that local government has the authority to have a "monument" to particular religious believes, even at the exclusion of all other religious beliefs.
Public Servants and the First Amendment
I've already written about the Alabama judge who has embroidered the Ten Commandments on his robe. There is no excusing or justifying what he has done, although some have tried anyway. The arguments against him, however, are decisive.
I've already written about the Alabama judge who has embroidered the Ten Commandments on his robe. There is no excusing or justifying what he has done, although some have tried anyway. The arguments against him, however, are decisive.
Blogsnark: Defending the Alabama Judge
You've probably read about the Alabama Judge who had the Ten Commandments embroidered on this robe. As you can imagine, he does have his supporters - so let's take a quick look at what one person says in defense of the judge's actions.
You've probably read about the Alabama Judge who had the Ten Commandments embroidered on this robe. As you can imagine, he does have his supporters - so let's take a quick look at what one person says in defense of the judge's actions.
Judge's Robes Display Ten Commandments
Presiding Circuit Court Judge Ashley McKathan in Covington County, Alabama, has begun appearing in his court wearing a robe embroidered with the Ten Commandments. He did it with his own money, but he says it's to make a statement about his personal religious convictions. That will be sufficient to invalidate the practice.
Presiding Circuit Court Judge Ashley McKathan in Covington County, Alabama, has begun appearing in his court wearing a robe embroidered with the Ten Commandments. He did it with his own money, but he says it's to make a statement about his personal religious convictions. That will be sufficient to invalidate the practice.
Georgia: Ten Commandments Removed from Police Department
In Hartwell, Georgia, a Ten Commandments plaque has been removed from a wall in the police department. It was placed there by Mike Griffin, a reserve police officer and chaplain who was also a member of Ten Commandments - GA. Talk about a conflict of interest...
In Hartwell, Georgia, a Ten Commandments plaque has been removed from a wall in the police department. It was placed there by Mike Griffin, a reserve police officer and chaplain who was also a member of Ten Commandments - GA. Talk about a conflict of interest...
SPLC Attacked Over Ten Commandments Stand
The Southern Poverty Law Center is frequently involved in court cases defending the rights of various minorities and, because of this, groups representing majorities tend to attack them. Although these things usually involves race, nothing seems to change when it involves religion.
The Southern Poverty Law Center is frequently involved in court cases defending the rights of various minorities and, because of this, groups representing majorities tend to attack them. Although these things usually involves race, nothing seems to change when it involves religion.
Catholic vs. Protestant Commandments
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 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.
Supreme Court Takes Ten Commandments Cases
The Supreme Court last ruled on the Ten Commandments in 1980, but now they will do it again - this time by combining two cases from two different Circuit Courts. This could have a dramatic impact on the legality of government displays of the Ten Commandments.
The Supreme Court last ruled on the Ten Commandments in 1980, but now they will do it again - this time by combining two cases from two different Circuit Courts. This could have a dramatic impact on the legality of government displays of the Ten Commandments.
Alabama: Police Wearing Ten Commandments Pins
As if Roy Moore's Ten Commandments weren't enough, police in Birmingham, Alabama, have started to wear Ten Commandments pins. Apparently they feel the need to promote Christianity in order to honor a couple of fallen police officers. Can you see the connection? Neither can I.
As if Roy Moore's Ten Commandments weren't enough, police in Birmingham, Alabama, have started to wear Ten Commandments pins. Apparently they feel the need to promote Christianity in order to honor a couple of fallen police officers. Can you see the connection? Neither can I.
Pennsylvania: Appeals Court Upholds Ten Commandments Plaque
The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia has ruled that a Ten Commandments plaque on the Allegheny County Courthouse in Pittsburgh is not a violation of the separation of church and state. Such a plaque hung today would be a violation, but because there is a statue of limitations on First Amendment violations, the age of the plaque protects it.
The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia has ruled that a Ten Commandments plaque on the Allegheny County Courthouse in Pittsburgh is not a violation of the separation of church and state. Such a plaque hung today would be a violation, but because there is a statue of limitations on First Amendment violations, the age of the plaque protects it.
Supreme Court Rejects Roy Moore's Appeal
It has taken a while, but just about everyone even remotely familiar with the case expected things to turn out this way: The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected an appeal from Roy Moore over expulsion from the bench by a state ethics panel for refusing a court order to remove his Ten Commandments monument in Alabama.
It has taken a while, but just about everyone even remotely familiar with the case expected things to turn out this way: The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected an appeal from Roy Moore over expulsion from the bench by a state ethics panel for refusing a court order to remove his Ten Commandments monument in Alabama.
Georgia: New Ten Commanments Display Posted
Commissioners in Henry County, Georgia, have decided to hang up a new Ten Commandments display. They figure they can get away with it because it includes the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Commissioners in Henry County, Georgia, have decided to hang up a new Ten Commandments display. They figure they can get away with it because it includes the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Lawsuit Against Roy Moore Dismissed
Those who went to court to fight Roy Moore's Ten Commandments monument in Alabama also tried to recover some of their court costs from him, but a judge has dismissed their request. The total sought was $550,000.
Those who went to court to fight Roy Moore's Ten Commandments monument in Alabama also tried to recover some of their court costs from him, but a judge has dismissed their request. The total sought was $550,000.
Christian Hate Mail over Ten Commandments
I'm not the only one who gets hate mail from loving Christians who are incensed at the things I write and positions I advocate. Recently the Southern Poverty Law Center helped in the case against Judge Roy Moore and his Ten Commandments Monument; Moore lost, but his supporters are giving the SPLC a piece of their minds!
I'm not the only one who gets hate mail from loving Christians who are incensed at the things I write and positions I advocate. Recently the Southern Poverty Law Center helped in the case against Judge Roy Moore and his Ten Commandments Monument; Moore lost, but his supporters are giving the SPLC a piece of their minds!
Missouri: School Official On Leave Over Ten Commandments
Several court decisions have made it clear that government entities cannot promote the Ten Commandments by erecting displays for them - and this includes schools. In Missouri, Humansville School Superintendent Gregory Thompson has been put on leave without pay for refusing to abide by those court decisions.
Several court decisions have made it clear that government entities cannot promote the Ten Commandments by erecting displays for them - and this includes schools. In Missouri, Humansville School Superintendent Gregory Thompson has been put on leave without pay for refusing to abide by those court decisions.
Ten Commandments Road Show
Roy Moore's Ten Commandments monument has hit the road to visit loyal far-right religious believers all over the South. First stop: Dayton, Tennessee, the site of the infamous Scopes Monkey Trial.
Roy Moore's Ten Commandments monument has hit the road to visit loyal far-right religious believers all over the South. First stop: Dayton, Tennessee, the site of the infamous Scopes Monkey Trial.
Church Erects Ten Commandments Display
When the government is prevented from promoting a particular religion, some churches take the amazing and unprecedented step of doing the promotion themselves. Imagine that: a church that spends its resources on spreading the message about their beliefs instead of on a lawsuit to ensure that the government spreads their beliefs for them.
When the government is prevented from promoting a particular religion, some churches take the amazing and unprecedented step of doing the promotion themselves. Imagine that: a church that spends its resources on spreading the message about their beliefs instead of on a lawsuit to ensure that the government spreads their beliefs for them.
Ten Commandments Monument Declared Historic
In Utah, a federal judge has decided that a Ten Commandments monument is more historic than religious. Therefore, it doesn't have to be moved from public property. This appears to be one of the monuments erected in the 1950s on account of the movie 'The Ten Commandments.'? Just how old does something have to be before it becomes 'historic'??
In Utah, a federal judge has decided that a Ten Commandments monument is more historic than religious. Therefore, it doesn't have to be moved from public property. This appears to be one of the monuments erected in the 1950s on account of the movie 'The Ten Commandments.'? Just how old does something have to be before it becomes 'historic'??
Copyrighting the Decalogue
It's coming up on a year now since Judge Roy Moore's Ten Commandments fiasco in Alabama, but that doesn't mean that the story is over. Every so often something new happens or some tidbit of information comes out - like now, for example: apparently, Moore thought he could copyright the Ten Commandments.
It's coming up on a year now since Judge Roy Moore's Ten Commandments fiasco in Alabama, but that doesn't mean that the story is over. Every so often something new happens or some tidbit of information comes out - like now, for example: apparently, Moore thought he could copyright the Ten Commandments.
Alabama Judge on the Ten Commandments
One of the Alabama State Supreme Court Justices who voted to boot Roy Moore out of office has come forward to explain why he took that action. Unfortunately, he reveals that his understanding of the separation of church and state is just as deeply flawed as Moore's.
One of the Alabama State Supreme Court Justices who voted to boot Roy Moore out of office has come forward to explain why he took that action. Unfortunately, he reveals that his understanding of the separation of church and state is just as deeply flawed as Moore's.
Ten Commandments Looms Large in Alabama Elections
Judge Roy Moore may be out of office, but he is not out of the spotlight and his influence has not disappeared from Alabama. Across the state, his supporters are running for one congressional district and all three state Supreme Court seats currently up for election.
Judge Roy Moore may be out of office, but he is not out of the spotlight and his influence has not disappeared from Alabama. Across the state, his supporters are running for one congressional district and all three state Supreme Court seats currently up for election.
Bills Mount in Ten Commandments Case
Whenever a Ten Commandments monument is challenged, the government usually defends them in court. These court battles can drag out for years and cost a bundle. That doesn't seem to matter to the governments who keep losing, though. Why?
Whenever a Ten Commandments monument is challenged, the government usually defends them in court. These court battles can drag out for years and cost a bundle. That doesn't seem to matter to the governments who keep losing, though. Why?
Land Transfer to Save Ten Commandments Monument?
Communities trying to keep Ten Commandments monuments often try to sell the land under the monument to a private entity. They hope that this will allow them to keep the monument in the exact same public place (like a park or courthouse lawn) but without violating the separation of church and state. Of course, courts usually see through this...
Communities trying to keep Ten Commandments monuments often try to sell the land under the monument to a private entity. They hope that this will allow them to keep the monument in the exact same public place (like a park or courthouse lawn) but without violating the separation of church and state. Of course, courts usually see through this...
Evangelizing with the Ten Commandments
There's a different breed of evangelist out there: instead of trying to tell you about how much God loves you, their tactic is to tell you how much God is going to punish you if you don't start obeying what the evangelist claims God wants from you. Sounds a lot like how extortionists operate.
There's a different breed of evangelist out there: instead of trying to tell you about how much God loves you, their tactic is to tell you how much God is going to punish you if you don't start obeying what the evangelist claims God wants from you. Sounds a lot like how extortionists operate.
Monument Divides Congregation
It is common for Christians in some areas to defend the idea of the government giving special support to their religion. Common - but not universal. Some Christians oppose such activities, and when members of both groups are in the same congregation, it can lead to conflict.
It is common for Christians in some areas to defend the idea of the government giving special support to their religion. Common - but not universal. Some Christians oppose such activities, and when members of both groups are in the same congregation, it can lead to conflict.
Court to Hear Appeal on Ten Commandments
I reported in February that a panel of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that a Ten Commandments monument in a city park in Plattsmouth, Kansas, would have to be removed. Now they have stayed that order and the full court will review whether the monument will stay or will have to go.
I reported in February that a panel of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that a Ten Commandments monument in a city park in Plattsmouth, Kansas, would have to be removed. Now they have stayed that order and the full court will review whether the monument will stay or will have to go.
Judge Agrees: Move Commandments to Private Land
Back in the 1950s, E.J. Ruegemer helped lead the way for the creation of Ten Commandments monuments that were placed in front of county courthouses and in public parks all over America. What does he think of the legal cases and political debates over them today? Apparently, he feels that it is better to just move the monuments to private property.
Back in the 1950s, E.J. Ruegemer helped lead the way for the creation of Ten Commandments monuments that were placed in front of county courthouses and in public parks all over America. What does he think of the legal cases and political debates over them today? Apparently, he feels that it is better to just move the monuments to private property.
Ten Commandments in the Cafeteria
The Humansville School District in southwest Missouri faces a lawsuit because of a Ten Commandments plaque in the high school cafeteria. Thus far, the administration and the local population are defiant, arguing that they have the right to use the government to promote their religious beliefs to any minorities.
The Humansville School District in southwest Missouri faces a lawsuit because of a Ten Commandments plaque in the high school cafeteria. Thus far, the administration and the local population are defiant, arguing that they have the right to use the government to promote their religious beliefs to any minorities.
Elkhart Ten Commandments Monument Ordered Removed
In 2000 the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals ordered a Ten Commandments monument on the lawn of the City of Elkhart's Municipal Building be moved. Now, another Ten Commandments display has been ordered removed from an Elkhart County office building. Can't they learn?
In 2000 the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals ordered a Ten Commandments monument on the lawn of the City of Elkhart's Municipal Building be moved. Now, another Ten Commandments display has been ordered removed from an Elkhart County office building. Can't they learn?
Earlier News on the Ten Commandments and Judge Roy Moore
Read some of the earlier news stories involving the Ten Commandments, including many of those dealing with ex-Judge Roy Moore of Alabama and his infamous monument.
Read some of the earlier news stories involving the Ten Commandments, including many of those dealing with ex-Judge Roy Moore of Alabama and his infamous monument.