Part 3: Why Teaching the Ten Commandments in Public Schools is So important,
(the 4th Commandment; “Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it Holy.”) (KJV)

Pastor Bruce: This episode features our returning guest, Howard B Becker, who will skillfully unwraps the relevant subject of Teaching The Ten Commandments in Public Schools. Today’s podcast is the third in our very important series. Our listeners are in for an engaging and thought-provoking experience, as Howard is ready to share his insights with us all.

For those who do not yet know Howard, he 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 faculty member at California Lutheran University, and is also a very accomplished business owner providing custom-made vehicles to some of the world’s most important and best-known people.

Now Howard, let’s continue our discussion about Why teaching Biblical concepts in Public Schools is so Important.

Howard B. Becker: Thank you, Pastor Bruce.

We have been discussing the advantages of teaching concepts about the Ten Commandments in public schools. We’ve discussed how this study offers students a unique opportunity to openly explore subjects that affect their mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. During our last podcast we reviewed a recent survey reported in the August 25th issue of the Economist magazine stating: “Research shows that religious pupils do better in schools. Pious pupils have higher grades, better attendance level and complete more years of college.” The article goes on to report “Studies find that the more religious children drink and use drugs less and have fewer sexual partners than their peers.”

For those unfamiliar with The Economist, it’s a British magazine. It has been published since 1843, and according to Wikipedia it has a weekly subscription of over 1.5 million readers. It is very much based on discussing secular issues of national and international importance.

Bruce, I think almost everyone can agree that higher grades, better class attendance and more years of college generally result in improved standards of living and stronger communities. These accomplishments provide many benefits to the secular world around us.

I also think most of us would also agree that a reduction in alcohol and drug abuse and sexual promiscuity among our students will result in a healthier, less risky, and more stable nation.

So, our discussion continues about the educational, vocational and behavioral advantages that teaching concepts embodied within the Ten Commandments in public schools offers our students, and society at large.

Pastor Bruce: 1. So, Howard, you’re not suggesting that we attempt to establish a particular religion in public schools, but rather develop a curriculum that explores Biblical concepts as they relate to what best serves our individual and collective wellbeing.

Howard B. Becker: That’s right Bruce. I’m suggesting that we develop a curriculum that address the secular benefits that teaching concepts based upon the Ten Commandments in public schools offers our students. This approach will keep us within the bounds of the First Amendment of our Constitution, which begins “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech.” It also will keep us within the Supreme Court rulings that require all laws to have a “secular legislative purpose.” It would be a great shame to lose our right to teach these concepts in public schools by being over-zealousness in our support for any one particular religion in this curriculum.

Rather, we must keep in mind that people fleeing religious persecution formed the basis for the inclusion of the First Amendment in our Constitution in the first place. Freedom of belief and freedom of speech are fundamental American institutions.

Pastor Bruce: 2.  Ok, Howard, Freedom of belief and freedom of speech are fundamental American institutions. So where do we go from here?

Howard B. Becker: Well, first let’s review how we’ve approached this curriculum up to this point.

During our first interview, we discussed a starting point of having objective public school classroom debates about the existence of our souls, asking students whether they think our souls exist, or not. We also discussed asking students whether they thought their lives might continue after their physical life on earth, or not. We discussed exploring both subjective and scientific evidence about these questions. The idea here is to get the ball rolling, stimulating student engagement about these concepts for future thought and discussions.

During our second interview we explored ways to approach teaching the First 3 Commandments in a public classroom setting. With respect to those who may not believe in God, we described the 1st Commandment as a Principle that requires us to keep certain Values as Primary for the Way we live our lives. We described those Values as being Primary due to the invaluable beneficial effects they bring into our lives.

We then described the 2nd Commandment as a Principle that warn us to refrain from placing any other values in front of those Primary Values. We discussed why this warning only has our best interests in Heart.

As for the 3rd Commandment, we discussed the loss we would cause to ourselves, and to society at large, by wasting our Opportunity to keep those Primary Values above any others in our lives. To waste that Opportunity would be to take their invaluable benefits in vain.

Throughout this discussion we explored the secular Rewards that keeping these Primary Values above all others will yield to the ethical, moral and spiritual integrity of our nation.

Pastor Bruce: 3. Howard, so far it seems like this discussion shouldn’t offend anyone, as these concepts focus on drawing upon Values that we should all consider as Primary throughout our lives.

Howard B. Becker: Indeed Pastor Bruce, but we also emphasized the importance of keeping these concepts open for discussion, not limiting our students’ right to independent and critical thinking, nor to free speech about these subjects.

We also talked about the importance of managing emotions with mutual respect for the thoughts and feelings of others during these discussions. We talked about the importance of the teacher’s skill in nurturing such a classroom environment, and the great benefits that this nurturing will provide our students as they emerge into adults within our diverse secular society.

To those who are religious, they will hopefully find these Biblical concepts very familiar, and welcoming. To those who have no religious background, we discussed why this curriculum may help them appreciate the underlying benefits of these Biblical concepts. To the students who have not taken the Bible seriously, these discussions may inspire them to look deeper into the value of these Biblical concepts. To those students who have fallen away from religious thought and practice, these discussions may inspire them to revisit their roots.

Regardless of their individual situations, this curriculum offers seeds of knowledge about Biblical concepts that will hopefully find good ground within all involved. And although, at first, those seeds may seem less significant than many of the other subjects studied in public schools, what those seeds might grow into may surprise even the most pessimistic among us.

Pastor Bruce: 4. Well said Howard. Now, can you explain how you might approach the 4th Commandment, which begins “Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it Holy.”? (KJV)

Howard B. Becker: My privilege Pastor Bruce.

To begin, teachers might ask their students, what does it mean to “Remember to keep the Sabbath Day Holy?” If it’s simply a day of remembrance? Remembrance of what?

Then they might ask their students why the Sabbath Day is referred to “as a Day of Rest?” Does it imply that we can’t do any work? Do we do nothing? Can we play sports? Can we go to the movies? Can we do homework? Can we mow the lawn? Can we wash the car? Is it a mandate to attend a house of worship?

What does “a Day of Rest” really mean?

And so, by asking questions like these, and with their own wonderfully creative approaches, teachers might stimulate some very interesting ideas about what Sabath Day actually portrays.

Pastor Bruce: 5. Oh boy Howard, I want to sit in on this class session myself!

Howard B. Becker: Yes indeed, this one should be interesting Pastor Bruce!

So, let’s start this one by talking about the meaning of “work” from a Biblical standpoint.

And to remain consistent in our discourse about these concepts, let’s remember that we’ve been discussing Primary Values that Guide us into developing Good judgement about what best serves our individual and collective wellbeing.
Let’s remember that when applied to the Way we live our lives those Primary Values help us build civility and good relationships through a life well lived. Without them, there is great danger to the secular wellbeing of our society. These Biblical concepts thereby serve an indispensable Purpose, giving us structure and direction about why and how we must live our lives, and treat people around us.

So, here’s something I think we can all agree upon. Keeping these Values as Primary in our lives is not always an easy task for us. In fact, I believe we can all agree that doing so takes work! A lot of work!

What kind of work do you think it takes Pastor Bruce?

Pastor Bruce: 6. Howard, this is a loaded question, and I could talk on this for days… but in the interest of keeping our discussion moving forward, let me give you only 3 types of work I imagine is necessary for people to create good values for their lives.

Self-Reflection: Taking time to examine our own thoughts and actions is essential. This means regularly assessing how our choices align with our values. It’s a conscious effort to ensure that we’re not just going through the motions but actively striving to grow and improve.

2  Another type of work is Building Relationships: Cultivating strong, respectful relationships takes effort. This involves listening actively, communicating openly, and showing empathy. It’s about investing time in understanding others and fostering connections that reflect our values.

3  My third type of work is Serving Others: Engaging in acts of kindness and service is a crucial part of living out these values. This could mean volunteering in the community, helping a neighbor, or simply being there for a friend in need. It’s about making a consistent effort to support and uplift those around us.

Howard B. Becker: Yes, I agree Pastor Bruce!

So, let’s talk about that type of work!

As we grow up, we all go through phases, from infants to toddlers, from toddlers to children, from children to teens, from teens to young adults, and from young adults to mature adults. During each phase, we go through various circumstances, exercising our own free will as we make choices that affect the development of our character along the way. Through each phase we learn to leave some things behind, while embracing other thoughts, affections and behaviors. What we choose to leave behind and what we then choose to embrace will come to define the person who we are allowing ourselves to become.

In this sense, each phase in our internal development is described as a Day in the Bible. With each passing Day, what was once obscure about the meaning and importance of life becomes clearer to us, just as light physically dawns from darkness during each new Day on earth. This progression describes the developing stages of our character, as we evolve into the person we are capable of becoming.

And, because we have all been gifted with free will, the choices we make in life are all important in determining the integrity of the character we are developing within us. That extraordinary gift becomes exercised as we choose right from wrong in our daily lives. Step by step, stage by stage, and Day by Day, students will easily recognize that we will be required to choose between right and wrong many, many times during our lifetimes.

And so, a very interesting question arises when we ask why making choices to turn away from wrong and then choosing what is Right is not always easy for us! Rather, students will recognize that it is often very difficult, for we are constantly pulled into temptations to do wrong instead of Right in our lives. Then discussing the “work” needed to leave wrong behind as we choose to embrace what is Right becomes a very stimulating approach to describe what the 4th Commandments implies by stating “Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work.”

Teachers in public school classrooms might find this approach very provocative in stimulating classroom discussion!

Let’s explore some questions that relate to this subject:

1. With most people, does growing from being somewhat selfish to becoming less selfish require “work”, or does it just come naturally?

2. With most people, does forgiveness for those who might offend them come naturally, or does it require “work” to overcome the animosity and sometimes the hate that can occur at first?

3. Is being true to promises made to others always easy for us? Or do we need some reminders about why keeping our promises to others is important to our own mental and emotional wellbeing, and to theirs?

4. Is overcoming temptation for taking advantage of what is not rightfully ours always easy for us to do?

5. Do we always find ourselves being honest to others around us? And are we always honest to ourselves about our justifications for being dishonest?

6. Do envy, self-serving thoughts and selfish desires sometimes bide us to trespass upon the integrity of our own character, or on the integrity of the character of others?

7. Is learning the hard way about these things beneficial for us? Is learning to forgive ourselves along the way also beneficial to us, and to others around us?

And so, if these answers shed light on the legions of temptations we will face as we work to choose Right over wrong in life, teachers might ask their students about the importance of putting in the “labor” needed to overcome them.

They might ask their students to consider what benefits they should expect to gain by making the Right choices and leaving the wrong ones behind. They might ask their students what benefits that “labor” might offer to those around them? And they might also ask their students what secular benefits they would expect to see develop and grow in the world around them if we all should take this understanding to heart.

I would like to suggest that teachers use this approach to talk about the Biblical meaning of “work”. Doing so addresses the very Essence of the reasons we should study and learn about these invaluable concepts from the Ten Commandants.

Do you think we’re going in the right direction here Pastor Bruce?

Pastor Bruce: 7. Howard, you ask me, Are we going in the right direction? Oh My! The answer is absolutely yes. I love the questions you offer the teachers. Let me offer a few additional thoughts that come to my mind.

When we think about why it’s tough to choose what’s right over what’s wrong, an interesting question comes up. Many of us feel a strong pull toward temptation, making it hard to make the right choices. It’s not just a matter of deciding; it takes real effort to leave behind what’s wrong and embrace what’s right. This is where the 4th Commandment becomes relevant when it says, “Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work.” (KJV) It suggests that making the right choices requires hard work and dedication.

Howard, do you think others will make the right decisions and go in the right direction based on your teachings?

Howard B. Becker: That’s my greatest hope here Pastor Bruce.

And so, after exploring these concepts, I would like to suggest that teachers conclude their discussion about this 4th Commandment by asking their students what they might expect to come into fruition One Day, if they have put in the work required to develop into the person they are capable of becoming. With that focus in mind, they might ask their students if, in that Day they think they will be able to Rest from all the Work they have done to become a Place where Peace and Joy might find their Abode within them, no regrets, no troubled mind, heart or soul.

Teachers might then ask their students, doesn’t it make great sense “to Remember to keep the Sabbath Day Holy” while understanding what we are working toward, and building within our character, for our Good and for the Good of all around us? And doesn’t it make great sense to remember that the “work” it takes to achieve that lofty goal is our responsibility…and that there’s no time to waste!

I think Paul expressed this Biblical concept very well in 1st Corinthians 3:8-9;

“Now he that planteth and he that watereth are One: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor.  “For we are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.”

Here are three more of my favorite Bible verses Bruce:

From Job 5:17-19:

“Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: thereby despise not the chastening of the Almighty.
“For He maketh sore, and bindeth up: He woundeth, and His Hands make whole.
“He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in the Seventh no evil shall touch thee.”

From 2nd Corinthians 4:17&18;

“For our Light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of Glory;
“While we look not at the things which are seen, but for the things that are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

And from the very last chapter of Revelation, verse12 is a kind of summary of everything that has come before it:

“And, behold, I come quickly; and My Reward is with Me, to Give every man as his work shall be.”

And so, are you ready to go to work Pastor Bruce?

Pastor Bruce: 8.  Howard, let me tell you the answer is yes. Now let me tell you why I am so excited about the work available to me and for each of us. I believe the apostle Paul is saying that the struggles and hardships we face in life are temporary and minor compared to the incredible, everlasting rewards that await us. He encourages us not to focus solely on our current problems or what we can see around us, but to keep our attention on the spiritual and eternal things that we can't see right now. The visible things are temporary, but the unseen, spiritual realities are eternal and much more significant. This is why I am excited about doing God’s work.

Howard B. Becker: Fantastic Pastor Bruce…may Peace and Joy be with you!

But now, before we end this podcast I’d like to make one last mention here.

Although we’ve discussed the meaning of this 4th Commandment, I would be remiss not to point out that this Commandment also calls for no work to be done by “thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that within thy gates.”

Public school students might question how this guidance applies to the development of the integrity of their character. And although this subject is very worthy of discussion, the answers lie much deeper than appear on the surface. With your permission, we might discuss these subjects in a future podcast, but for now, I would like listeners to know that I have addressed them in detail in my book, The Spiritual Meaning of Scripture.

And although I’m not suggesting that my book be used for public school education, I am suggesting that inquiring minds and hearts will find my book a very enriching resource for digging deeper into Biblical concepts that affect us all.

Pastor Bruce: 9. Thank you for sharing these wonderful insights with us today, Howard. They are all inspiring!

Howard’s book, The Spiritual Meaning of Scripture, is available on Amazon, in Barnes and Noble and through other bookstores near you.

His website, TheSpiritualMeaningofSpriture.com offers innumerable background details, contains revealing blogs and provides a free download of the first two chapters of his book.

You will find a wealth of marvelous information there, including additional podcast interviews on the invaluable benefits of teaching the Ten Commandments in public schools.

I'm excited about continuing this conversation about teaching the Ten Commandments in public schools!

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!