Let Churches Teach Commandments

While no longer in a Southern Baptist church, my wife and I spent the better part of 20 years in the denomination. During that time, an historic Baptist principle I developed an appreciation for is separation of church and state.

Not because I want to censor Christian principles or prevent them from entering the public square. But the gospel functions best in a free society, one where the freedom of religion includes the freedom from religion.

Besides, following Christ must be done voluntarily, from a free conscience and without coercion or emotional salesmanship trying to force the decision.

In addition, when we mix faith and government, we end up with the kind of hideous results evidenced in various parts of the world where theocrats reign.

People longing for the return of Christian values may think a theocracy is the best form of government. Until Jesus returns, though, I am skeptical of anyone who thinks they can take His place.

Misguided Legislation

This is why I don’t care for the recent bill passed by the Louisiana legislature that requires the posting of the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms.

The well-intentioned legislators were likely hoping to stem the tide of biblical ignorance that afflicts modern society.

But passing legislation to enforce their views smacks of heavy-handedness. It also stirs fears in many quarters that those behind such a move are indeed hoping to create a theocracy. The very kind of thing the Founding Fathers wanted to avoid.

As expected, Louisiana’s bill immediately drew a lawsuit from several parties. Yet, I’m more intrigued by what the legislation says about the church’s failures.

By and large, the Ten Commandments have had tough sledding in recent decades because the church isn’t teaching enough about their benefits—and the grace that goes along with them.

In other words, we can’t expect posting the commandments in public school classrooms to enlighten young people unless they also receive education about where they came from. That requires exploration of the Bible, a duty best handled by the local church.

Seeking Remedies

Besides, to post the Ten Commandments as a solution to the deep-seated moral and spiritual problems of American society is a Band-Aid sort of remedy.

Without accompanying instruction that (like a primary and secondary education) takes years to accomplish, they will likely bring a shrug of the shoulders in many classrooms.

Louisiana’s action reminds me of something David French said two decades ago. I interviewed him while he was working as an attorney in Lexington, Kentucky.

I wrote an in-depth feature about French and his 2002 book, A Season for Justice. In it, he wrote about how the political approach Christians use sometimes works against the freedoms they seek to protect.

One point the now-New York Times contributor made that I remember so well was how the spiritual life of students prospered after the Equal Access Act of 1984. Upheld by the Supreme Court in 1990, the law says Bible clubs must be student-initiated and led.

Student Evangelists

In returning to the school he attended growing up, French remarked how vibrant and involved students in Bible clubs were after this change. He compared that to the blasé attitude of classmates during the era of school-sanctioned groups.

I see a lesson today in that phenomenon. We need to raise up and send out more student evangelists to discuss the Ten Commandments with their peers. And, teach them about the Jesus who fulfilled the law because humans were unable to complete the task.

That approach will work better than expecting the state to do the church’s job.