This was something I thought about a long time ago, before I knew about sites like these (or even computers for that matter). Many were complaining because the Ten Commandments were going to be removed from various courthouses. I am curious though, by the time the person reaches this level, hasn't he already violated the Ten Commandments (people only have problems with things like "Thou shalt have no other God above me" section--the rest is pretty basic--"Thou shalt not steal" or "Thou shalt not murder," things any of us would agree with Christian or otherwise).
So what purpose is it to have it there. If the person believed it to be the end all be all of things, he wouldn't have gone against it and wouldn't be in the courthouse. In which case he already has seen it and believes in it. And if he did it, its too late. So what is the point of having it on the courthouse grounds?
2007-02-20 07:14:55 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I assure everyone I am a Christian and believe very much in the Ten Commandments. My point is that it is too late if they are at the courthouse, they have already violated the relevant part (the parts that are of all religions and even of those with no religion but believe in society--like no stealing and no killing and so on) of the Ten Commandments.
Seeing them after the violation has already occurred doesn't do them (or us) any good. If you believe in them, learn them before you do something foolish; and teach them to your kids before they do something foolish. And that is for everyone, I assume everyone believes in at least parts like the basics of not killing or stealing. If you believe these things, before the foolishness occurs is when they should be taught; not after.
At the courthouse it is after and already too late. Posting them doesn't help the perpetrator, and it offends those who believe in another God. Let it go there (where it doesn't matter).
2007-02-20 07:35:08 · update #1
Yeah, they will be removed from time to time...and prayer will be outlawed, and the Bible will be disallowed. This happened you know...after Jesus died. Many Christians gave their lives for their beliefs. Funny thing though, you can outlaw something, take it away, make it a crime...but Christianity will never dies. Its true core lies in the heart...from which it can never be taken.
PEG
2007-02-20 07:22:25 · answer #1 · answered by Dust in the Wind 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's being removed from courthouses as part of the separation of church and state and no other reason. Just because a person believes in God and/or tries to follow the Ten Commandments for religious purposes or just in principle being at the court house serves as a reminder. We all slip up and violate some laws at times.
2007-02-20 07:39:08 · answer #2 · answered by BigDaddyRayinLA 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do we really need a purpose?
And if your only complaint is that we don't have a purpose for the 10 Commandments, why are you not complaining about the pagan statue out in the lobby, you know, the one with the blindfold on? What's the purpose of that lady being there?
All of these things are a part of our culture. If we scrub them all from public buildings, we're going to look like a sanitized, lifeless and intolerant society.
What is the purpose for removing them? Do you think they're going to fall off and hit you in the head?
2007-02-20 07:23:54 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It isn't there to just inspire those on trial, but to remind all who enter this country was founded on laws. One of the influences was the Ten Commandments, in addition to other secular and spiritual beliefs. Your assumption that all people know and understand the bulk of the Ten Commandments is very optimistic of you, although I do agree there exists something in us that does allow us, to a degree, to know right from wrong.
Most important, they aren't placed on the court grounds to estabilsh any religion. But, I could care either way. Religion should be a personal thing and completely out of the government sphere.
2007-02-20 08:34:34 · answer #4 · answered by straightup 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Interesting viewpoint.
I don't know why the Ten Commandments were there in the first place.
I think that the church would be more appropriate.
Have you ever seen the ten commandments in a catholic church.
I never have.
I think I have only seen them in a protestant church once.
Perhaps they are the law of God and the court house is a place of law.
2007-02-20 07:25:32 · answer #5 · answered by chris p 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The purpose to have it there is so you will know what not to do. If you break those commandments, then it's all on you. The other point is that America was made with the belief of GOD. If you don't like it, move to another country. The point for laws to be posted is so you won't break them. Satan is working very hard to try to erase GOD, seems like he got to you. Thank you and GOD bless.
2007-02-20 07:21:06 · answer #6 · answered by cookie 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They are awfully general to do any good anyway. "Thou shalt not kill"? What about self-defense or manslaughter? "Thou shalt not steal"? Does that include petty theft, burglary or just robbery? "Thou shalt not commit adultery"? "Thou shalt not covet"? "Thou shalt not make a graven image"? These aren't even in the Constitution!
Perhaps we should come up with a list of early habit-control admonishments to show defendants where they might have gone wrong. "Share your toys", "No cutting in line," "Keep your hands to yourself," "Would you want your mother to see that?" "Stop picking your nose," "Don't tease your sister," "Well I'm not Jimmy's mom," these are commandments that resonate with moral truth.
2007-02-20 08:15:18 · answer #7 · answered by skepsis 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That's foolish.
They contradict the bill of rights for a start - ever hear of freedom of religion - freedom FROM religion perhaps needs to be emphasised in the modern age.
Well the 1st commandement is thou shalt have no other god but me.
2007-02-20 07:20:26 · answer #8 · answered by Goodly Devil 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The presence of the 10 Commandments has about as much effect on me as the Latin Mottoes carved on the wall. I go there to do business, I do my business, and I go home.
2007-02-20 07:19:53 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Maybe it will turn them around.
Nah, it just has been in most of them for decades. Only now some whiney atheist or jew gets offended and in these days, God forbid you offend anyone.
2007-02-20 07:19:16 · answer #10 · answered by virginity buster 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋