Ten Commandments Day Brings Up Separation Debate

Two Christian groups with similar names but very different agenda`s are celebrating the first annual "Ten Commandments Day." The debate is raising questions about separation of church and state. The group called the Ten Commandments Mission emphasizes religious freedom and the separation of church and state. Even though he`s not a mission member, Christian Dean Mausolf understands the groups intent. Mausolf said, "That`s why our four fathers came to this country. They came for freedom of religion because of the lack of that separation. We have lots of citizens who are different religions who are all patriotic americans so patriotism isn`t just Christian. My faith is based on my faith in Jesus Christ." Fellow christian david miller feels the same way. "An Atheist has the right to practice that just like I have the right to practice my christianity." The pledge of allegiance and even the dollar bill can raise questions about how much separation there really is and Miller says that separation can get confusing. Miller said, "As far as I know every senate session is opened with prayer but I`m told my kids can`t pray in school and I kind of question that." Wyatt Park Christian Church Pastor Scott Killgore says that`s because the founding fathers sought separation for a different reason than what it`s being used for today. Killgore said, "I think what`s happened unfortunately is that we have taken the concept of freedom of religion and turned it into freedom from religion." Another organization, Ten commandments Commission wants to peacefully restore the word of god into every aspect of society, including legislation. A dividing line for many Christians who say it depends on how it`s done. Miller said, "I think there`s a lot of places where religion is excluded and no matter what religion you practice it could really help to use those morals when making a decision." Killgore agrees that individuals shouldn`t exclude their religion from their decision making but is wary of religion as an institution. "When the religion also becomes the state that gets pretty dangerous and I could not advocate that." The one thing the Mission, Commission, and many local Christians can agree on is the Commandments themselves. Killgore said, "If we actually lived those we`d be amazed about how well society would work." Both the Ten Commandment Mission and Ten Commandment Commission plan to push their agendas in various events across the United States.