Why is society opposed to the Ten Commandments being posted in public schools?

on Apr 16, 2026

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: Some of my friends are screaming because a ruling was passed in Louisiana that the Ten Commandments can be posted in public schools. I know personally that many people believe these are good guidelines for living. Why is society opposed to the Ten Commandments being posted in public schools to remind children that there are rules for life and there are consequences when we break them? – P.C.

A: People do not want to feel condemned. The Ten Commandments reveal our hearts. The Apostle James wrote that even one commandment broken would be enough to destroy us.

If we are suspended over a pit by a chain of 10 links, how many links would have to break for us to fall into the pit? “Whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all” (James 2:10, NKJV).

The Bible and our consciences tell us that we have seriously missed the target and are sinners. How can God forgive us?

To help us see that something is terribly wrong in our lives, God gives us “the law,” that is, a set of standards to sharpen our moral judgment so that we can recognize sin. The Ten Commandments form the backbone of the law. They are a giant X-ray machine to reveal the bone structure of our sinfulness. The first four X-ray plates concern our direct relationship to God. The last six concern our relationships with others.

The Ten Commandments reflect the moral character of God, and they provide the foundation of right living with others. If we’re honest, we know that no one is able to keep them completely. In other words, we can never be saved by keeping the Ten Commandments – only Christ – and He is the only One who can forgive our sins and give us joy in living for Him.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)