It’s been a long time since I was a college student. It feels like a lifetime since I attended grade school. As a student period I remember a time getting negative feedback just for putting a Biblical reference in a short story. A couple weeks ago, I read a news topic I thought I would never see. The news story, the state of Louisiana requiring the Ten Commandments to be on display in public schools. Not long after, I read another news topic about Oklahoma following suit by requiring the Ten Commandments and the Bible to be taught in public schools. Some are applauding this change, while others are in outrage.

A man after God’s own heart- King David- once said, “The Law of the Lord is perfect, rejoicing the heart.“ I do not argue with the laws being perfect. Why- because they were designed for all, not just one particular people. As perfect as they are, perhaps it would be better if the separation of church and state continues.

The problem with teaching anything biblical in school is that everyone has their own interpretation and perception of the Bible. Example, one may believe people go to Heaven or Hell after death, while another may believe people sleep until a resurrection. Some may believe in God, while others think He’s dead or nonexistent. Student bodies are comprised of non believers and believers such as Jew; Catholic; Presbyterian; Lutheranism; Mormon; Muslim; Adventist; Pentecostal; Hindu; Baptist; Methodist; Jehovah Witness and many more denominations. There are similarities, yet enough differences to which some of these students may have a problem with the Ten Commandments being on display and taught.

One pro is that everyone will now have a chance to know a little more about God. However, the danger is a student feeling forced rather than having the choice to learn and believe it on their own time. If anything feels forced upon an individual they will resist. Even parents fail to realize that you can teach your sons and daughters the Bible till you’ve run out of air, but once the child leaves home they have the entire free will to apply what they have learned to their daily lives, or throw it to the winds.

Not all teachers are believers. If the display of Ten Commandments is to lead to further teaching of the Bible what happens if the teacher does not feel qualified or comfortable teaching on the book? Will teachers be required to learn theology? Will they loose their jobs if they refuse to adjust how they teach?

As the current generation of students sits in the classroom, may they look at the ten laws and remember that the originator of them is not a being who forces Himself upon anybody. Therefore, let us not force ourselves upon anyone with any belief we have.