Can the Ten Commandments be posted in a classroom without endorsing a particular religion?
Posting the Ten Commandments in a classroom need not endorse a particular religion. Their basic laws simply establish a good society, regardless of a child's religion, even pagan. They are not a criteria for salvation or a legalistic system; they remain foundational tenets for society.
Les explains that when the Ten Commandments sit on a classroom wall, it is not demanding of a Jewish child a particular set of teachings, nor of a Muslim child, because regardless of what their religion may be—even pagan—the basic laws or rules of the Ten Commandments simply establish a good society. He notes that when a society rebels against those tenets, it is in trouble, and empires have fallen one after another for ignoring these basic tenets of God's law. He also clarifies that not being under the law does not mean the Ten Commandments are verboten or cast aside. They are not a criteria for salvation, nor a set of doctrines, and believers are not under them as Israel was with its legalistic priesthood and sacrifice. Under grace is as different from law as daylight is from dark.
More Questions
Why is it appropriate to display the Ten Commandments in a classroom?
Displaying the Ten Commandments in a classroom does not impose a particular religion on children; their basic laws simply establish a good society for everyone, including pagans.