At this writing the fate of the Ten Commandments monument in Alabama is uncertain. How ironic, that displaying this monument in a public building is "unconstitutional" (and therefore illegal), yet only a few weeks ago we learned, courtesy of the Supreme Court, that sodomy is perfectly legal. God is out, Gay is in!
Should we be alarmed? In one sense, no. All the human courts in the world cannot remove God from His throne. Christianity depends in no way upon the approval of human governments, nor do we need Biblically-oriented displays to thrive.
In another sense, though, dismay is justified. We are witnessing one more step in the descent of our culture into overt hostility to God. Informed Christians know that people today do not live under the Old Testament Law, including the Ten Commandments. That is beside the point, however. The purpose of the monument was never to say or imply that the State of Alabama had codified the Bible (whether Old or New Testament) into state law. Rather, it was an acknowledgment that this nation was founded upon belief in God, and that the Bible has played a significant role in shaping the moral principles reflected in our laws. (Until lately, anyway.)
U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson said the monument violates the Constitution's prohibition against the government establishing a religion. Pray tell, what religion has been established by displaying the monument? Christianity? Judaism? Islam? All of these acknowledge that Moses received the Ten Commandments from God on Mt. Sinai. The state has not compelled anyone to confess Jesus, Moses, or Muhammad. No one coming before the Court has been interrogated as to his/her religious convictions (if any), nor have such convictions been a factor in the Court's decisions. Establishment of religion? Hardly!
We wonder if Judge Thompson will ban the Bible from the inside of the courtroom as he has banned the monument from the rotunda. Perhaps he will order that witnesses henceforth place their hand on Darwin's *Origin of Species* and swear to tell the truth "so help me evolution." Maybe I shouldn't say that too loudly. Given the current climate, some judge might get ideas . . .This item originally appeared in Gospel Preacher's List (August 22, 2003)
