This morning while flipping through various news sources I came across an interesting article on www.macon.com regarding the Ten Commandments. Of course, being that it's a southern state (Georgia) and the Ten Commandments, I knew that I was in for a real treat... however, I didn't know to what extent. Apparently the Governor of the great state of Georgia is not only requiring that they put the Ten Commandments up on everything in the state, but also that educators in the state (ranked 40th in America) must now begin teaching classes on The Bible.

Just to repeat, public schools in Georgia will now be required to teach Bible study during school hours. This isn't an after school club, this isn't a free speech issue, this is a regulated and mandatory Bible class in a taxpayer funded institution. It doesn't indicate whether or not the class will be an elective or part of a required curriculum, I'd say, "surely it can't be required, they can't do that!" But then again I would have said, "surely they won't just start overtly teaching the Bible in schools!"

So, in my outrage I turned to the ultimate source for humor in today's world, FARK. A glance at the Fark.com message board brought chuckles, a few belly laughs, but most importantly it brought up one very interesting point. Modern day Christians find themselves in a dead sprint to tack the Ten Commandments up on every building and public square within arms reach, however, these same Christians choose not to follow the various other rules of the Old Testament. It should also be pointed out that at least in my opinion posting only the Ten Commandments is, at best, reckless. To give the impression that these are the ten official laws of God not only twists the words of the Old and New Testaments, but also reduces the impact of the statements by providing no explanation as to WHY these particular acts are so reprehensible.

That's why I'm going to make an official request of Evangelical Christians right now. STOP WITH THE TEN COMMANDMENTS! Here's a new idea... instead of chasing shopkeepers down with crude photocopies of commandment lists, instead of spending millions of dollars in court costs trying to keep giant statues erected on public property (don't even get me started on how that relates idolatry), try spending some of that time and money helping the poor. A little compassion goes a long way with people, and the folks you're trying to convert aren't going to see the light just because a statue is blocking the door to the courthouse or an 8 X 11.5 sheet of paper is hanging in the gas station. However, your actions will speak louder than your words.

Finally, one last point. Why not start posting The Eight Beatitudes? After all, Evangelical Christians are certainly more in sync with Jesus than they are with Moses, and the Beatitudes are hardly confrontational. They offer a more open and comforting view of the church, one that's far more inviting than the strict list of ten things that you'd better NEVER do. In case you're unfamiliar with The Eight Beatitudes, here they are:

The text of St. Matthew runs as follows:

• Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Verse 3)
• Blessed are the meek: for they shall posses the land. (Verse 4)
• Blessed are they who mourn: for they shall be comforted. (Verse 5)
• Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill. (Verse 6)
• Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. (Verse 7)
• Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God. (Verse 8)
• Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. (Verse 9)
• Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Verse 10)

Why is it that modern "Born-Again Christians" aren't interested in talking about these laws? Especially being that these laws were handed down directly from Jesus himself. Could it be that they aren't as judgmental? Could it be that they aren't as direct? OR, could it be that the powers that be at the very top of these religious organizations aren't interested in blessing the poor, the meek, the merciful and the peacemakers?

I'll leave that one up to you.