This is a fine bit of writing, Jodie. The focus on the Ten Commandments is so typical of Christian fundamentalists. It fits in with their message that people are sinners who are bound for Hell.

The little, rural Presbyterian church of which I’m a member has a different point of view. Ditch the Ten Commandments. That’ll let Sunday school teachers avoid the awkwardness of explaining adultery to little kids. Focus instead on The Beatitudes. “Blessed are the meek…the merciful…the peacemakers.”

Oh, and don’t put either one on posters in public school classrooms. To kids, they’ll just be part of the classroom’s wallpaper: the “Classroom Rules”, motivational, and “In An Emergency” posters,