MaryAnne Block
Annandale
Columnist Ramanathan’s opinion in his July 5 column that the recent Louisiana legislation requiring every classroom in public schools and colleges display the 10 commandments was not wise. His conclusion is the law violates our constitution and values. I beg to differ. I will not discuss the legality, but rather the principle involved.
I agree “a significant chunk of his readers are probably Christian, and some Jewish…” The United States was founded on Judeo-Christian principles. We as a nation were not founded on the Islamic Quran/Koran or other religious beliefs.
The first amendment states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof….” Posting the 10 commandments is not establishing nor prohibiting religious freedom. It is part of our history.
The phrase that is tossed about, “freedom of church and state,” is not in the constitution anywhere. Rather, the constitution is protection written for the religious freedom FROM the state. Government is not to impose laws to prohibit or restrict. That amendment makes it possible for not only Christians and Jews to worship freely, but also those following the Quran/Koran or other beliefs.
Most people have not read, or recently read, the 10 commandments. They are short and to the point: Do not have other gods besides Me (God), Do not make or worship idols, Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God, Remember the Sabbath day (Christians worship on Sunday) to keep it holy, Honor your father and mother, Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not lie, Do not covet.
I personally do not see the 10 commandments forcing a religion on anyone. I see respect and honesty. Most honest freedom-loving people agree with these principles, regardless of their religion.