The governor of Louisiana recently signed a law that mandated that a poster displaying the Ten Commandments be hung in every public school classroom from kindergarten through state-funded universities. When I first read about this my immediate reaction was “this violates the separation of church and state law in the constitution”. My next thought was, “it figures this was done in Louisiana“, whose public schools are ranked at 41st out of 50 US States.
As an atheist, I think this law is absurd.
Reflecting more, while thinking about a book I read recently about one man’s substitute teaching experience, and considering my own life experiences I realized – this is not worth worrying about.
I thought about all the other nonsense I was taught in school (and what I assume is still being taught today). I thought about the posters, signs and slogans that covered the walls with sayings about educations, health, patriotism, a “healthy diet”, drugs, sex, patriotism, religion and moral behavior.
I was indoctrinated with ideas like:
- A healthy diet is based on eating sugary breakfast cereal, ultra processed food and 3 square meals a day (including eating school lunches that were at least 50% sugar, 100% highly-processed and of low nutritional value).
- Anyone can grow up to become anything – even President.
- God is all knowing (and so is Santa).
- Prayer can make you healthy, wealthy and wise (as long as you do it right and have enough faith).
- Just Say No To Drugs.
- Consumerism is good.
- The meek shall inherit the earth.
- I am a sinner and life is full of suffering because Adam and Eve ate an Apple.
I could add many more to this list.
Although I was immersed in these teachings, even as a child I was able to discern at least some of the bullshit. As an adult, I got better at it – especially when I “did the right thing” and didn’t receive the promised rewards.
As for the Ten Commandments, I saw people breaking them all the time. Often these were the same people who were preaching that we should follow them. I learned to be more skeptical from observing hypocrisy in adults.
And so, like me, I suspect many kids in Louisiana and elsewhere will have an opportunity to learn the same lessons. They’ll ignore many of the posters and slogans on the walls. They’ll wonder how Trump can be the “messiah” when he cheated on all 3 of his wives and divorced two of them. They’ll pray for things to happen and will be disappointed when they don’t. Many of them will no doubt remain Christians for life (unlike me) – but it won’t be because of a poster of the Ten Commandments on the wall.
Life, their families, and their experiences will guide their beliefs much more than school.
As for what is to be done about the Governor and the law? It’s not my concern. I’m sure some parents and the ACLU will file lawsuits. The Governor said he welcomed the lawsuits. He wants the attention. My personal response is to ignore him and his laws because they will not affect me in the least.
