Part 10: REFLECTIONS:  Why Teaching the Ten Commandments in Public Schools is So important, (Closing comments about this powerful series) 

Pastor Bruce: Howard, we have introduced you to our audience before, but for those who do not yet know him, Howard is the author of the Amazon Best Selling book, The Spiritual Meaning of Scripture. He has advanced degrees in psychology and business management, has over 25 years of teaching experience as a California Community College instructor and as a senior adjunct graduate faculty member at California Lutheran University. He is also a very accomplished business owner, operating a multi-million-dollar company that produces custom-equipped vehicles for many of the world’s most important and best-known people.

Now Howard, this podcast completes our series about the importance of teaching concepts based upon the Ten Commandments in Public Schools. Can you sum up your approach for our listeners today?

Howard B. Becker: Of course, Pastor Bruce, and thank you again for allowing me to share the great benefits this curriculum offers our public schools students, and our American society at large.

We’ve reviewed an article titled; “Pious Pupils in America Perform Better” published in the August 25th 2024 issue of The Economist magazine. The Economist is a British magazine. It’s been published since 1843 and has a weekly subscription of over 1.5 million readers. It is very much based on discussing secular issues of national and international importance.

Their article on “Pious Pupils in America Perform Better” describes the advantages that a religious background provides public school students in America. And although their article voices several points of view about teaching religion in public schools, it reports:

“Amid the arguments, one thing that tends to be overlooked is the evidence of religion’s impact on performance. Research shows that religious pupils do better in schools. Pious pupils have higher grades, better attendance level and complete more years of college.”

Their article goes on to report:
“Studies find that the more religious children drink and use alcohol and drugs less and have fewer sexual partners than their peers.”

The significance of this article in the Economist magazine is underscored by many additional studies confirming that higher grades, better class attendance and more years of college result in improved standards of living and stronger communities. And I think we can all agree that reducing drug and alcohol abuse and sexual promiscuity among our students will act to build a healthier, less risky, and more stable nation.

An additional article underscoring the living standard benefits of higher education was published in the February 2025 issue of Bloomberg Business magazine:

“Americans with no more than a high school diploma make up a little over a third of the US population but captured less than 8% ($5 trillion) of the $70 trillion wealth gains recorded since 2016, according to Federal Reserve data. College graduates, who make up an almost equal share, reaped more the 80% ($57 trillion) of the gain.”

Another example about the economic and health benefits of higher education was recently published by the US Department of Health and Human Services on their Healthy People 2030 website:

“Higher education helps people secure better-paying jobs with fewer safety hazards.

3 Income from these employment opportunities may improve health by increasing people’s ability to accrue material resources, such as higher-quality housing, as well as psychosocial resources, such as higher social status. 3,7
“Overall, higher education can lead to improved health and well-being, as well as reduced risk for premature death.3,7,8,9 College graduates have better self-reported health than high school graduates,9 and individuals with more education are less likely to report conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, anxiety, and depression.7 Furthermore, individuals with more education are more likely to exercise, drink less alcohol, and seek preventive health care when needed.2,3,7

Now, I realize there are notable individual exceptions to these reports, however these studies, and many like them, illustrate the tremendous advantages that higher grades, better class attendance and more years of college offer our students.

Keeping the findings of the “Pious Pupils in America Perform Better” article in mind, if cognition about concepts embodied in the Ten Commandments help students achieve these advantages, doesn’t it make sense to teach them as a integral part of public-school education?

These concepts are fundamental to religions of all major faiths, including Judaism, Christianity and Islam. They have formed the foundations of all ethical and moral civilizations throughout history. And these concepts have certainly played a very significant role in our nation’s development.

Teaching these concepts in public schools will very likely inspire our students’ educational performance, leading to improved economic, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. These benefits offer great advantages to our students, and to our entire American secular society.

And, it wouldn’t cost a great deal to implement this curriculum.
Don’t you think the return on investment would be worth the effort to implement this curriculum.

It’s a bit like 1 + 1 = 2, don’t you think so Pastor Bruce?

Pastor Bruce: 1. So, Howard, as you’ve mentioned throughout this series, you’re not suggesting that we attempt to establish any, one particular religion in public schools, but rather develop a curriculum that explores concepts based upon the Ten Commandments as they relate to what best serves the best interests of our entire nation.
Howard B. Becker: That’s right Pastor Bruce. I’m suggesting that we develop a public-school curriculum that promotes the individual and societal benefits that teaching concepts based upon the Ten Commandments will provide to our students.

During our previous 9 podcasts, we’ve discussed an approach that will keep us within the bounds of the First Amendment of our Constitution. That Amendment begins “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech.”

And so, I’m suggesting that we refrain from attempting to establish any, one, particular, religion in public schools. The approach I’m suggesting will also keep us within the Supreme Court ruling that require all laws to have a “secular legislative purpose.”

It would be a great shame to lose the Opportunity to teach concepts based upon the Ten Commandments in public schools by being over-zealous in our support for any, one, particular, religion.

We must keep in mind that people fleeing religious persecution formed the basis for the First Amendment of our Constitution in the first place. Freedom of belief and freedom of speech are fundamental to our American Dream.
Whether religious or not, a curriculum based upon concepts embodied within the Ten Commandments will help morally and ethically guide our public school students as they mature into adults in our society. This curriculum will serve for the Good of all.

Pastor Bruce: 2. This makes a lot of sense to me Howard. And although, as a Christian Pastor I would love nothing better than to teach the tenants of Christianity in public schools, I respect our Constitution.

As an American I understand why we need to stay within the bounds of the First Amendment.
I’ve said before, I’ve also got a feeling that teaching the Ten Commandments in public schools will plant seeds in the minds and hearts of our students, and as they mature those seeds may very well serve for the good of their mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. That’s a very worthy cause. And this curriculum may also inspire students to seek more information about the Bible, and I can only image where that might lead them!

Howard B. Becker: Agreed Pastor Bruce. And as we’ve stated throughout this series, this is our mission here. Let’s plant those seeds, let’s nurture them, and let’s help them grow in the minds and hearts of our public-school students. Our investment in this curriculum will help give them the tools they need as they navigate through this complex and confusing world of ours. Our society will be much better off than if we choose not to teach these ancient and timeless concepts in public schools at all!

And, as I’ve said before, I wouldn’t be surprised for a moment if these seeds grow into something much more substantial, opening inquisitive minds and hearts to cultivate these concepts further, and of their own accord.
What might come into fruition from this study one day may be something we will all be able to call, truly Marvelous in our eyes.

Pastor Bruce: 3. Amen, brother Howard

Howard B. Becker: Ok, so let’s get started on implementing this curriculum:
Let’s give our students the Opportunity they need to openly discuss how these ancient and timeless concepts affect their mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.

And let’s allow our public-school students to discuss how these concepts affect the wellbeing of our entire secular society.

This discussion may reinforce what many students have been taught since childhood, while giving many others who have not had that Opportunity the platform needed to explore these concepts in an open and objective setting.
Let’s begin a public-school discussion about how the term, “Righteousness.” relates to concepts embodied within the Ten Commandments.

Here’s a verse from Isaiah 32:17 that certainly applies here:

“And the Work of Righteousness shall be Peace; and the effect of Righteousness quietness and Assurance forever.”

What do you think about this approach Pastor Bruce?

Pastor Bruce: 4. Howard, I believe this is a timely and powerful initiative. Giving students space to discuss concepts like righteousness can awaken moral clarity and spiritual curiosity in a generation longing for purpose. Even in a secular setting, truth has a way of shining through. It’s not about preaching, but about planting seeds of understanding that can grow over time.

There is a scripture that comes to my mind found in Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”

Howard B. Becker: Spot on, Pastor Bruce.

It’s very encouraging to learn that according to Wikipedia, the word “Righteousness” can be found in Indian, Chinese and Abrahamic religions and traditions, among others, as a theological concept.”
This reality underscores the importance that Righteousness holds to people throughout the world. That recognition transcends any differences between us. It leads us to a mutual acknowledgement about why and how we must live our lives, and treat others around us.

In Acts 10:34-35, Peter explains this reality further:
“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
“But in every nation, he that feareth Him, and worketh Righteousness, is accepted with Him.”

Here, I think it’s important to point out that to “fear God” does not mean to be afraid of Him. Rather, it means to reverence what He is Showing to be True and Right, for our Good and for the Good of all around us.
When we all come to recognize why concepts based upon the Ten Commandments must always be, and remain, Primary for the Way we live our lives, any arguments that have been used to divide us will lose their ability to do so.

That milestone is clearly proclaimed in Isaiah 19:23-25:

“In that Day shall there be a Highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian unto Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians.
“In that Day shall Israel be the Third with Egypt and with Assyria, even a Blessing in the midst of the Land
“Whom the Lord of hosts shall Bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt My people, and Assyria, the Work of My hands, and Israel Mine inheritance.”

Looking beyond the letter of the Word, these verses from Isaiah address a state of mutual agreement about shared Values. They describe a set of Values that are much Loftier than anything we can devise on our own. They describe the Way concepts embodied within the Ten Commandments act to unite us all in Goodwill and Peace toward one another.

In the “Day” that we shall all come to that mutual agreement. Anything that has caused divisions between us will lose its ability to do so.

In that “Day” we will find the understanding we need to sustain these incomparable Blessings for endless generations to come.

In that “Day” all things that affect our mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing will take their Rightful Place within our minds, hearts and souls.

Isaiah 45:19 proclaims our need to embrace this understanding:

“I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye Me in vain: I the Lord speak Righteousness, I declare things that are Right.”

What do you think Pastor Bruce?

Pastor Bruce: 5. What unites us is far deeper than what divides us. Righteousness is a divine thread woven through every culture, a call to harmony and humility. It is God’s Way for humanity, designed to bring peace—not confusion. When righteousness is honored, division begins to dissolve.

Howard B. Becker: Well said Pastor Bruce.
The tremendous investment we’ve already made in public school education has been designed to serve the benefit of all our students, and our entire secular society. Teaching concepts based upon the Ten Commandments aligns perfectly with that purpose.

We just need to invest in this curriculum by teaching this ancient and timeless Wisdom to our children, and to our children’s children, for their Good and for the Good of everyone in this great nation of ours.

And yet there are two critical dangers that threaten our ability to do so.
The first comes from those who argue that any mention of God has no place in American public education, no matter how objective this discussion may be. They errantly attempt to use the Establishment clause of the Frist Amendment to support their arguments.

The second danger comes from those who are so zealous about the correctness of their own religious affinity that they will strive to impose it upon public school curriculums. By doing so they give those who oppose this curriculum the Constitutional arguments they need to defeat it.

Both dangers pose stumbling blocks to our ability to implement this curriculum.
And what Good will that serve to anyone in our society, whether they are religious or not?

Isaiah 5:7 underscores our need to recognize these dangers:

“For the Vineyard of the Lord of Hosts is in the house of Israel, and the men of Judah His pleasant plant: and He looked for Judgment, but behold oppression; for Righteousness, but behold a cry.”

To counter those who employ the First Amendment to argue against implementing teaching concepts based upon the Ten Commandments in public schools, we must guard against attempting to establish any, one, particular, religion, to exclusion of all other beliefs, whether religious or not. Rather, we must allow our students the freedom they need to determine their own beliefs, and of their own accord.

For those who argue that their own religion is exclusively correct, and should dominate this public-school curriculum, they should consider the self-defeating legal consequences of attempting to do so. Rather, they should take solace and rejoice in giving our students the Opportunity to explore and discuss the meaning and implications of concepts embodied within the Ten Commandments. Learning, questioning, seeking, and introspection all lead to discovery and understanding about why and how we must live our lives, and treat all those around us.

The importance of this Opportunity is further expressed in Isaiah 32:15-16:

“Until the Spirit be poured upon us from on High, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest.
“Then Judgment shall Dwell in the wilderness, and Righteousness remain in the fruitful field.”

Our students represent the fruitful field of our American society. Giving them the Opportunity to explore these subjects openly, in a public-school setting serves the benefit of all.

They deserve the Opportunity to discuss these concepts regardless of their religious backgrounds, or whether they are religious or not.

They deserve the Opportunity to discuss how these ancient and timeless concepts affect their mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing, and the well-being of our entire secular society.

As adult citizens of our county, isn’t our responsibility to offer our public-school students this invaluable Opportunity?

And so, at this point I’d like to encourage all concerned to review our series about the importance of teaching the Ten Commandments in Public Schools. This 10 Part series can be found in archives of Talks for Christ, and on the Podcast page of my website; TheSpiritulMeaningofScripture.com.

I invite parents, teachers, PTAs, school board members, state and Federal legislators, and all citizens to debate, fine tune, sharpen and improve on my approach to legally implement this curriculum. I would also like to invite Constitutional scholars to pitch in by applying their knowledge and skills to help overcome any objections that would be used to prevent the implementation of this curriculum.

Having reverence for this Golden Opportunity should only unite us. It should never divide us.

All religious overzealous should remember Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 3:16:

“All Scripture is Given by Inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in Righteousness.”

And all naysayers should examine their own conscience in the Light of Day.

Pastor Bruce: 6. Thank you, Howard, for sharing your thoughts with us about the importance of teaching the Ten Commandments in public schools. It's clear that their meaning and implications has so much to offer to our students, and to our secular society at large.

Your approach certainly acts to plant seeds, while staying within the bounds of the First Amendment of our Constitution. Teaching these timeless concepts in the manner you’ve suggested should help all concerned, while offending none.

For those who want to move deeper into these ideas, Howard’s book, The Spiritual Meaning of Scripture, offers a great place to start. You can find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble or at your favorite bookstore.

His website, TheSpiritualMeaningofSpriture.com offers innumerable background details, contains revealing blogs, and additional podcast interviews about the incomparable benefits of teaching the Ten Commandments in public schools. It also provides a free download of the first two chapters of his book. You will find a wealth of valuable information there.

Dear audience, you do not want to miss listening to this entire series!

Howard B. Becker: Pastor Bruce, I’d like to mention one last thing before we end today’s podcast;
For those who don’t yet know him, Dr. Bruce Oliver is the founder and director of Bruce Oliver Ministries. He is the popular host of Talks For Christ - formerly Abundant Living Podcasts. Bruce has pastored churches from Texas to Georgia, his experience is vast, and his ministry is truly inspiring. Pastor Bruce, thank you for all you do!