Part 7: Why Teaching the Ten Commandments in Public Schools is So important, (the 8th Commandment, “Thou Shall Not Steal.”) 

Pastor Bruce:  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. 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, providing custom-made vehicles to many of the world’s most important and best-known people.

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

Howard B. Becker: Of course, Pastor Bruce and thank you once again.

During our prior podcasts we’ve discussed how teaching the Ten Commandments in public schools offers our students a unique opportunity to explore concepts that greatly affect their mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. We’ve also discussed how these timeless concepts can positively affect the wellbeing of the secular world around us.

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 that 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.”

As I’ve said before, 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 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 alcohol and drugs less and have fewer sexual partners than their peers.”

I also think most of us would agree that reducing alcohol and drug abuse, and sexual promiscuity among our students will offer important benefits to our society, acting to build a healthier, less risky, and more stable nation.

And so, the goal of teaching concepts based upon the Ten Commandments is to provide lasting benefits among our public-school students… while greatly benefiting our entire American secular society.

Promoting and implementing this curriculum is a move in a very positive direction, don’t you think so Pastor Bruce?

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 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 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 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 ruling that requires all laws to have a “secular legislative purpose.”

It would be a great shame to lose the opportunity to teach these timeless Principes 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 religious belief and freedom of speech are fundamental to our American Dream.

Rather, the Ten Commandments embody timeless concepts that are fundamental to religions of all faiths, including Judaism, Christianity and Islam alike. These concepts also form the foundations for all ethical and moral civilizations.
Therefore, the Ten commandments are perfectly appropriate for teaching our public-school students’ concepts that serve their mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. They are invaluable for serving the wellbeing of our entire secular society.

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. This curriculum will give them the tools they need to navigate through this complex and confusing world of ours. Our society will be much better off than if we choose not to offer our public-school students’ education about these invaluable concepts.

And, I wouldn’t be surprised for a moment if the seeds we plant 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 curriculum may one day become something that we will all be able to call, truly Marvelous in our eyes.

Pastor Bruce: 3. Amen, brother Howard

Howard B. Becker: So, Pastor Bruce, in this series we have now arrived at how we might best discuss the meaning and implications of the 8th Commandment, “Thou Shalt Not Steal” with our public-school students while staying within the bounds of the First Amendment.

I would like to suggest that teachers begin this discussion by asking their students these questions:

Do they think that stealing can ever be justified?
Can it be justified, even by a starving person stealing a piece of food they can’t afford to buy?
With very little exception, would they agree that stealing is fundamentally selfish?
These questions are aimed at getting students engaged in discussing what motivates people to justify theft.
What are your thoughts here Pastor Bruce?

Pastor Bruce: 4. Yes, these questions will spark discussion because they test our moral boundaries. Stealing is often rationalized, yet at its core, it disregards both God’s law and human dignity. Even in desperation, trust in God's provision is the higher path. Instead of debating justification for theft, we should teach students about faith, hard work, and charity.

Howard, a scripture comes to mind found in Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Howard B. Becker: Well said Pastor Bruce.
Student engagement is what we are after at this point!

So now, a teacher might ask their students if theft, motivated by selfishness, harms the victim in more ways than one?
They might ask their students if theft causes a loss to the victim’s mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
Can that loss rob a victim of their trust and goodwill towards others?
Can it rob them of their sense of inner security and peace of mind?
Can it cause the victim to worry, and harbor suspicion, anger, and animosity toward others?
Can it cause anxiety and depression to infest the victim?
Can it rob the victim of their sense of self-worth?
Can stealing harm our wider secular society much more deeply than might appear on the surface?

What do you think about this perspective Pastor Bruce?

Pastor Bruce: 5. Well Howard, these questions highlight the deeper consequences of theft. Beyond material loss, theft wounds the heart, breeds distrust, and erodes the foundation of community. A victim not only loses possessions but may also suffer fear, anxiety, and emotional scars. When theft becomes normalized, society crumbles under suspicion and division. Teaching students to value integrity over immoral gain is crucial.

Howard B. Becker: Agreed Pastor Bruce!

Now, let’s reach a bit further into these issues by asking our students these questions:

Do you think that justifying stealing causes harm to the thief themselves?
Do you think thieves unwittingly rob themselves of the integrity of their own character?
Do you think that loss of integrity opens a door for more of the same to enter into their thoughts and feelings?
Do you think those thoughts and feelings become more difficult to contain over time?
Do you think they are likely to act themselves out when a tempting situation occurs?
If you could see a thief’s character in the light of day, what do you think it would look like?

Here’s an Old Testament Bible verse from Proverbs 29:24 that a teacher may wish to share with their student here:

“Whosoever is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing and betrayeth it not.”

Here a teacher may wish to ask their students to describe the importance of having, and maintaining a good “conscience.”

All these questions are meant to stimulate student discussion about the need to consider, and manage, the type of person they are allowing themselves to become.

These subjects might inspire some very lively class discussion, don’t you think so Pastor Bruce?


Pastor Bruce: 6. Howard, I believe your suggestion that students may wish to discuss this meaning further is right on! In 1 Corinthians 15:33 we learn about an important warning, “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” Justifying theft leads to deeper moral decay. When someone steals, they not only take from another but also destroy their own sense of righteousness. Sin, if unchecked, grows like weeds in a garden, corrupting the mind and heart. This discussion encourages students to reflect on who they are becoming, and whether their choices align with true integrity.

Howard B. Becker: I couldn’t agree more with you Pastor Bruce!

And so, at this point I would like to suggest that a teacher asks their students this next set of questions:
Is anyone immune to experiencing temptations that attempt to justify taking unfair advantage of others?
Is it always easy to reject those temptations?
Is anyone perfect at defeating them?
Is it virtuous to try?
Do efforts to reject those temptations help develop integrity and strength within our character?
Is integrity and strength of character attractive?
How is that attractiveness displayed to others around us?
What do people mean when they say, “beauty is only skin deep?”

What are your thoughts here Pastor Bruce?

Pastor Bruce: 7. Temptation is universal, and failure is inevitable at times. But the effort to resist and grow in integrity is what refines a person. Strength of character shines through kindness, honesty, and wisdom. True beauty is more than physical appearance—it’s the radiance of a heart that seeks truth and justice, visible in one’s words and actions. Howard, do you think I am on target or way off sir?

Howard B. Becker: I think your focus is right on the money Pastor Bruce!
And so, with this in mind and heart, I’d like to suggest that a teacher asks their students these next set of questions:
What is the meaning of the saying; “You can’t take it with you when you die?”
Does that include the integrity, strength and beauty of your character?
If you do take these with you, then, what will investing in the development of the integrity and strength of your character in this life, return to you in the life to come?
A teacher might then ask their students, “What do you treasure most in life?”

How do you think students will react to these questions Pastor Bruce?

Pastor Bruce: 8. Howard, these questions invite students to consider what truly lasts beyond this life. Wealth and possessions fade, but the integrity and strength of one’s character endures. If our soul carries our character into eternity, then investing in righteousness now is the wisest choice. Teaching students to treasure virtues over material things shapes not only their lives but their eternity.

Here is an important scripture that I believe should be thought about.
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Found in - Matthew 6:19-21

Howard B. Becker: Terrific Pastor Bruce!

Offering our public-school students understanding about what shapes and forms them into the person they are becoming is all important for promoting their mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. That understanding is also crucial for developing and maintaining the wellbeing of our entire secular society.

Here is an Old Testament Bible verse from Deuteronomy 32:29 that illuminates the importance of promoting these concepts:

“O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!”

And so, at this point I’d like to suggest that teachers congratulate students on their efforts to develop and build the integrity and strength of their character. Our nation’s secular society will be very well served by the work of those efforts!

Don’t you agree that congratulating the efforts students make in this regard is very fitting here Pastor Bruce?

Pastor Bruce: 9. I wholeheartedly agree! Teaching students to prioritize character over convenience is a powerful step toward a better future. Wisdom calls us to think beyond today and live in a way that honors both God and others. When students embrace this mindset, they don’t just build better lives—they help shape a stronger, more just society.

Howard B. Becker: Well said Pastor Bruce!

Now, let’s work together to plant these seeds of understanding about the meaning and implications of this 8th Commandment, “Thou Shalt Not Steal” among our public-school students.

For many of them, this curriculum may be a welcome reinforcement of what they have been taught since childhood. For others it may be the only place where they will be able to discuss these ancient and timeless concepts in a setting that allows them to honestly and sincerely express their thoughts and feelings about them.

Teaching the meaning and implications of the Principles embodied within the Ten Commandments offers our public schools an invaluable opportunity to explore concepts that greatly affect their mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.

We should never treat that Opportunity lightly, for it affects the wellbeing of our entire secular society.
Pastor Bruce, 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 their students’ well-being, they are deeply committed to bringing out the very best in them.  

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

And so, in parting with you today, I would like to share three of my favorite New Testament Bible verses with you, from John 15:10-12;

“If ye keep My Commandments. Ye shall abide in My Love; even as I have kept My Father’s Commandments, and abide in His Love.

“These things have I spoken unto you, that My Joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
“This is My Commandment, That you love one another, as I have Loved you.”

Pastor Bruce: 10. Thank you, Howard, for sharing your thoughts with us today. It's clear that teaching the meaning and implications of the Ten Commandments in public schools has much to offer to our students, and our society at large.
Your approach acts to plant seeds, while staying within the bounds of the First Amendment of our Constitution. Therefore, 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, 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 about teaching the Ten Commandments in public schools!
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!