Musing – Why might someone oppose the Ten Commandments?

 Hebraic Musing – Why might someone oppose the Ten Commandments?

Why is there controversy about posting the Ten Commandments in Arkansas or anywhere?  If people kept the Ten Commandments, wouldn’t we have good neighbors and a much better society?  How could anyone object to that?  Are people afraid that if the students see the commandments, they might obey them?  Absurd!!!

What are the 10 Commandments?  What do they say?  What are some typical objections and/or responses?

1. “You shall have no other gods before me” implies the God of the Bible is the supreme authority.  Objection?  Some people don’t believe in a god with authority; others believe the ultimate authority is government; others have their own “Higher Power”; others have a religion that is not Judeo-Christian.

2. “You shall not worship idols” requires obedience to and worship of only the God of the Bible.  Objection?  Some think our primary allegiance is to ourselves, the government or some other thing they haven’t considered or even thought about.  Besides, who is God that He thinks He has a right to tell me what I can or cannot do?

3. “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain” requires that we speak respectfully of God.  Objection?  Some people do not respect the God of the Bible; they want to ignore, misrepresent or belittle him.

4. “Remember the Sabbath, to keep it holy.”  Objection? Some people do not believe in the seven days of creation; others think God does not have the right to tell them how to spend “their” time.  Who’s time is it!?!?

5. “Honor your father and mother.”  Objection?  Some people do not believe in priority of the family.  Some think our society does not need to be structured around a biological human family and/or their family is broken!

6. “You shall not murder.”  Objection?  Some feel if someone has become a threat to their beliefs or their way of life, they have the right to eliminate that someone and thus restore their “rights” or preferences.  If anyone is angry with his brother…  Is that the same as murder?  See Matthew 5:21-22

7. “You shall not commit adultery.”  Objection?  Some think that sexual fulfillment has no boundaries. Some think that marriage is not a priority relationship; but just one of many options.

8. “You shall not steal.”  Objection?  Some feel if a person has too much money, they or the government should take that money or wealth away and redistribute it.  They think the rich should be forced to share their wealth.

9. “You shall not lie.”  Objection?  Some feel deception is necessary to achieve greater good for them.  If an individual, an organization, the government or journalists feel it will produce a better life or a better society or protect their personal reputation, then deceit (lying) is acceptable and justified.  Whose life are they protecting?

10. “You shall not covet.”  Objection?  Some, seeing others more wealthy than themselves, make plans to remove the wealth from those people and to use it for the betterment of themselves or society.

After considering the purpose of each of the Ten Commandments in contrast to the thinking of many people in our society today, it becomes clear why many people object to the Ten Commandments.  The Commandments promote a standard that opposes their personal preferences and “their” plans for themselves and for society.

Interesting – The Ten Commandments are just as valid today as when God gave them to Moses over 3,000 years ago.  Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” Mathew 5:18

If we want to preserve what’s best for our country, we should not only post the Ten Commandments but also be prepared to explain them; and be ready to tell everyone why they are important!

Points to Ponder

What is the morality promoted by the other religions or belief systems?  What is morality?

Might people accept Biblical Judeo-Christian morality when they see it working in us?

The ten Commandments tell us to “love your neighbor”; but do people really want to?

Are we to worship Me, Myself and I, or the Trinitarian Father, Son and Holy Spirit?

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                           December 30, 2025            
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”
Note – Inspired by Ken Freancis’ Ark.Dem.Gaz. editorial - “Reasons some might oppose the Decalogue”