Traditional Morality Needed

Wednesday, November 5th

The subject was teenage violence. One of the women on the television talk show had a son who was shot to death. It's an ugly topic which is tragically real. Teenage boys and girls are carrying guns. Schools are using metal detectors and confiscating weapons. Why is it happening?

Let me offer an explanation. We have determined that teaching absolute moral standards is taboo. We cannot do it in our schools or in any of our public institutions. The Ten Commandments are out of bounds. Why? The Ten Commandments are plainly religious. And so we have not taught our children the precept, "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13). No matter that obedience to this commandment saves lives! No matter that the Ten Commandments are supremely practical. No matter that growing up under the standard of absolute commandments has a salutary effect.

Couldn't we say the same thing about teenage pregnancy? But shame on you if you talk to teens about the commandment, "You shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14). Shame on you if you preach this "religious" value! No matter that millions of families could have avoided untold turmoil and expense. No matter that obedience to this commandment is supremely practical and healthy!

Amazing. Seventy years of atheism was too much for many in the former Soviet Union. They now want what we reject, the Ten Commandments.

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