Denison Forum
Biblical clarity on climate change, Ten Commandments in the classroom, and AI c…
Dr. Mark Turman and team discuss climate change, religious displays in schools, and AI companions, offering biblical insight and practical wisdom for…
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Texas Lawmaker Challenges Ten Commandments Bill in Schools, Citing Religious Freedom
A contentious debate unfolded in the Texas legislature today as State Representative James Talarico challenged a proposed bill mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. During a hearing, Talarico directly questioned the bill's author, asserting that the legislation is "not only unconstitutional and un-American, it's deeply un-Christian." Representative Talarico, identifying himself as a fellow Christian, argued that a religion requiring forced public displays to prove its legitimacy is "a dead religion." He referenced Matthew 6:5, where Jesus advises against public prayer for show, stating, "When you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your father, who is in secret." He further emphasized that "loving your neighbor is the most important law," encompassing students of all faiths, including Hindu, Buddhist, and atheist students. Talarico pressed the bill author on the state's role in mandating religious commandments while simultaneously restricting schools from teaching values like empathy or basic sex education, which are often deemed parental responsibilities. He questioned why displaying religious texts would not require parental consent if other educational topics do. The bill author's responses were brief, stating she would not add parental consent language and that the Ten Commandments are "foundational to being a good citizen." Talarico concluded by expressing his deep offense at the legislation, stating, "This is what gives us religious people a bad name. That instead of living out the way of Jesus, we're instead imposing our beliefs on other people by mandates." The debate highlights ongoing tensions regarding the separation of church and state in public education.
