Part 4: Why Teaching the Ten Commandments in Public Schools is So important,
(the 5th Commandment, “Honor thy Mother and thy Father.”) 

Pastor Bruce: 1  In today’s podcast, my returning guest, Mr. Howard B. Becker and I, will investigate Teaching the Ten Commandments in public schools by looking at the: The 5th Commandment “Honor thy Father and thy Mother: that thy Days may be long upon the Land that the Lord thy God Giveth thee.”

Howard, we have introduced you to our audience before, but for those who do not yet know you, Howard is the author of the Amazon Best Selling book, The Spiritual Meaning of Scripture. Besides being an author, He has advanced degrees in phycology and business management and 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, providing custom-made vehicles to some of the world’s most important and best-known people.

Now Howard, let’s explore why you think teaching concepts based upon the Ten Commandments in Public Schools is so very Important.

Howard B. Becker: Sure, and thank you Pastor Bruce.

During prior podcasts we’ve discussed the advantages of teaching concepts based upon the Ten Commandments in public schools. We’ve discussed how this study offers our students a unique opportunity to openly explore concepts that greatly affect their mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. We’ve also discussed how this study offers them the opportunity to explore how these timeless concepts affect the wellbeing of our entire secular society.

We reviewed an article titled; “Pious Pupils in America Perform Better” published in the August 25th 2024 issue of The Economist magazine. This article describes the advantages a religious background provides public school students in America. And although this 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.”

So, Pastor 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.

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.

Their article on Pious Pupils in America goes on to report:

“Studies find that the more religious children drink and use drugs less and have fewer sexual partners than their peers.”
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, the cumulative results of teaching concepts based upon the Ten Commandments may very well provide positive and lasting benefits among our public-school students… while greatly benefiting our nation’s secular society.

What are your thoughts here Pastor Bruce?

Pastor Bruce: 2  So, Howard, you’re not suggesting that we attempt to establish a 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 our students’ individual and collective wellbeing.

Howard B. Becker: That’s right. I’m suggesting that we develop a curriculum based upon the Ten Commandments to benefit our students’ well-being, and the wellbeing of the secular world around them. 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 ruling that require all laws to have a “secular legislative purpose.”

It would be a great shame to lose our right to teach these invaluable concepts in public schools by being over-zealous in our attempt to establish 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 religion and freedom of speech are fundamental to our American Dream.
Rather, by using the Ten Commandments we are employing timeless Principles that are fundamental concepts to religions of all faiths, including Judaism, Christianity and Islam alike. These Principles also form the foundations of all ethical and moral civilizations.

Therefore, the Principles embodied within the Ten Commandments are perfectly appropriate for teaching our students concepts that benefit them, and benefit all citizens in our country.

What do you think about this approach Pastor Bruce?

Pastor Bruce: 3 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 should stay within the bounds of the First Amendment.

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 inspire them to become better, healthier and more productive people, for their benefit, and for the benefit of all around them. That is a very worthy cause. And this curriculum may also inspire students to seek more information about the Bible, and I can only imagine where that might lead them!

Howard B. Becker: That’s our mission here Pastor Bruce. Let’s plant those seeds, let’s nourish them, and let’s help them grow in the minds and hearts of our students. They will greatly benefit our students as they navigate their lives through this complex and confusing world of ours. Our American secular society will certainly be much better off than if we do nothing at all!

And, I also wouldn’t be surprised for a moment if these seeds grow into something much more substantial, opening inquisitive minds and hearts to explore the Qualities and Virtues of these ancient Principles further, in their own time and of their own accord. What might come into fruition from this study might one day become seen as something truly ‘Marvelous in our eyes.”


Pastor Bruce: 4  Amen, brother Howard.

Howard B. Becker: So, Pastor Bruce, in this series we have arrived at considering how we may best introduce the meaning and implications of the 5th Commandment to our public-school students.

That Commandment reads, “Honor thy Father and thy Mother: that thy Days may be long upon the Land that the Lord thy God Giveth thee.”

I would like to suggest that public-school teachers consider beginning this discussion by asking their students these two questions:

Do we honor our physical parents’ love for us, by returning it with the love we have for them?
And, do we also honor their wisdom by taking their guidance to heart?

At this point teachers might fairly point out that although all parents do not exemplify unselfish love and genuine wisdom toward their children, those students that do have loving and wise parents should count their lucky stars!

Teachers might also point out that although teenage rebellion is a very common trait, thinking twice before rejecting the unselfish love and wisdom their parents offer them should be taken very seriously.

Teachers might point out that this 5th Commandment has been Given to them to for their Good, and for the Good of all around them. Interestingly enough, this Commandment also places a responsibility upon parents to exemplify genuine unselfish love and wisdom toward their children.

This discussion is certain to provoke some very lively class discussion about the benefits of honoring the love and wisdom that our physical parents offer us.

Yet, it also presents an opportunity for teachers and students to explore much deeper considerations about the meaning and implications of this ancient and timeless Commandment. As such, I would suggest that teachers continue, by asking their students these questions:

Mentally, emotionally and spiritually, who are your Father and your Mother?

What do you honor most in life?

Do you see where this might lead Pastor Bruce?

Pastor Bruce: 5 Howard, let me begin by stating scripture from Proverbs 23:22. It says: “Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.”

The 5th Commandment teaches that honoring our earthly parents prepares us to honor our Heavenly Father. In a world where rebellion is celebrated, true wisdom comes from humility and respect. When students learn to value their parents’ love and guidance, they take the first step toward valuing God's eternal wisdom.

Howard B. Becker: These are great inferences Pastor Bruce!

To continue along with this line of reasoning I would suggest that teachers ask their students to consider the following questions, from both a religious and non-religious standpoint.

From a religious standpoint, don’t almost all religions define God as a Loving Father?

And don’t almost all religions agree that God is the Source of all Unselfish Love within our hearts?

From a non-religious standpoint, aren’t we all capable of sensing Unselfish Love within our hearts?

And doesn’t Unselfish Love bring out the best in us?

Thereby, can Unselfish love be considered the Father of all genuine Goodness within us?

And further, from both a religious and non-religious standpoint, does Wisdom give birth to True Thoughts within our minds?

Can genuine Wisdom thereby be described as the Mother of all sound thinking within us?

Concluding this line of reasoning, a teacher might ask their students if honoring Unselfish Love, and the Wisdom that brings Truth forth within our lives, is to honor our Father and our Mother?

This discussion might lead to some animated classroom discussions!

Don’t you think so Pastor Bruce?

Pastor Bruce: 6 This discussion opens the door to seeing honor as more than a family principle—it’s a spiritual law. When we honor unselfish love and wisdom, we align ourselves with truth. Whether religious or secular, a life built on these values leads to peace and fulfillment. True wisdom always leads to God, whether we recognize it immediately or not. (see Prov 9:10 if needed)

Howard B. Becker: Agreed!

Now, as the Old Testament is reverenced by Judaism, Christianity and Islam alike, I’d like to recommend this passage from Proverbs 4:3-7 to illustrate the meaning of these “relationships” even further.

“For I was My Father’s Son, tender and only Beloved in the sight of My Mother.

“He Taught Me also, and said unto Me, Let ¬thine Heart retain My Words: keep My Commandments, and Live. 

“Get Wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the Words of My mouth.

“Forsake Her not, and She shall preserve thee: love Her, and She shall keep thee.

“Wisdom is the Principal thing; therefore get Wisdom: and with all thy getting, get understanding.”

Here again, I would strongly suggest that teachers emphasize that that they are not attempting to establish any, one, particular religion. Rather they are exploring ancient concepts as they relate to what leads to our mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing, and to the wellbeing of our entire secular society.

I would also strongly suggest that teachers explicitly acknowledge that students have the right to believe that God does or does not exist. They should emphasize the fact that all students in our country have every right to their own beliefs and opinions.

Given their legal need to respect this Constitutional imperative, a teacher might then present these questions:
Can our ruling love be described as the Values we hold in highest esteem in life?

Does Wisdom united with those Values bring forth understanding about the most important things of all?

Is it fair to say that the thoughts and feelings we honor most in life are born from that union, and they will form us and shape us into the person we are allowing ourselves to become?

And so, at this point, a teacher might ask their students:

Who is your Father, and who is your Mother?

This discussion might lead to some additional lively classroom discussions, don’t you think so Pastor Bruce!

Pastor Bruce: 7 This conversation naturally invites students to reflect on their deepest values. When wisdom is united with what we cherish most, it produces the truths that guide our lives. Whether from a religious or secular perspective, this principle holds: what we love and what we learn define who we become. Encouraging students to explore this balance fosters meaningful personal and societal growth.

Howard B. Becker: Great and agreed!

When a teacher uses their creative skill to balance beliefs and emotions with mutual respect, I believe these discussions will inspire great introspection among our students. And whether religious or not, I believe that this introspection will inspire them to consider the type of person they are allowing themselves to become. That inspiration may lead them into seeking deeper understanding about why and how they must live their lives, and treat all those around them.

What are your thoughts about this Pastor Bruce?

Pastor Bruce: 8  By exploring these timeless Commandments through the lens of wisdom and love, students gain insight into the kind of person they are becoming. This is more than just moral instruction—it’s an opportunity for self-examination. Understanding these principles helps students recognize that ethical living isn’t about restriction, but about the freedom that comes from integrity and respect for others.

Howard B. Becker: Exciting!

Now, just between you and I Pastor Bruce, did you ever wonder why just after being questioned by the Scribes and Pharisees, when Jesus was informed that “His mother and brethren stood without, desiring to speak with Him” He replied by saying “Who is My mother? And who are My brethren?”

I’m not so sure that His mother and brethren were initially thrilled to hear that response!

Nevertheless, do you think that Jesus was attempting to get the Scribes and Pharisees to think a bit deeper about the meaning of this 5th Commandment?

And do you think by then explaining that “whosoever shall do the Will of My Father which is in Heaven, the same is My brother, and sister and Mother” He was attempting to help us all focus upon what it Truly means to “Honor thy Father and thy Mother: that thy Days may be long upon the Land that the Lord thy God Giveth thee?”

What do you think about this Pastor Bruce?

Pastor Bruce: 9  I second that motion!!

Howard B. Becker: So, now let’s continue to use this line of reasoning as a segway to begin our classroom discussions about the second tablet of the Ten Commandments, namely:

Thou shalt not kill.

Thou shalt not commit adultery

Thou shalt not steal

Thou shalt not bear false witness.

Thou shalt not covet.

During our next podcasts together, I’ll look forward to exploring how teachers might incorporate the invaluable Principles embodied within these Commandments into their public-school curriculums.

For many of our religious public-school students, this curriculum may be a welcome reinforcement of what they have been taught since childhood. For others it may be one of the only places that they will be able to consider these Principles in a setting that allows them to honestly and sincerely express their thoughts and feelings about them.

All of this presents an invaluable opportunity for our public-school students to explore ancient and timeless concepts that greatly affect their mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. We should never treat giving them that Opportunity lightly, for it affects the wellbeing of our entire secular society, both now, and for future generations to come.

Pastor Bruce, with all this in mind, I think we can all agree that public school teachers are some of the most passionate and compassionate people in our country. When it comes to promoting the wellbeing of their students, they are deeply committed to bringing out the very best in them as they guide them into achieving a successful and fulfilling life.

Allowing our public-school teachers to use their passion, compassion and creativity to reach the minds and hearts of their students through discussion based upon concepts embodied within the Ten Commandments fits perfectly with their heartfelt mission. Allowing them to do so without violating the First Amendment of our Constitution is crucial for maintaining this invaluable curriculum.

And so, Pastor Bruce. I want to thank you once again for the opportunity to discuss and explore these wonderful concepts with you and your audience today. I think we can all agree that our nation needs this discussion, maybe now more than ever.

Pastor Bruce: 10 Thank you, Howard, for sharing your thoughts with us today. It's clear that teaching concepts about the meaning and implications of the Ten Commandments in public schools has much to offer to our students, and to our society at large.

Your approach acts to plant seeds, while staying within the bounds of the First Amendment of our Constitution. Therefore, implementing this approach 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, Barns 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.
I'm excited about continuing this conversation on the Ten Commandments in public schools!

You do not want to miss listening to this entire series!

Howard B. Becker:  Thank you again, Pastor Bruce. And for those who don’t know him, Dr. Bruce Oliver is the founder and director of Bruce Oliver Ministries Inc. He is the popular host of Talks For Christ. Bruce has pastored churches from Texas to Georgia, his experience is vast, and his ministry is truly inspiring.