ten commandments

Court’s Commandment Decisions Create More Confusion

By John Jessup
Washington Correspondent

CBN.com – WASHINGTON - Both sides claimed at least some victory in the Supreme Court's split decisions on the Ten Commandments.

But some experts are not sure who won. The court created more confusion with its splintered rulings.

The rulings not did have a clear answer about when it is appropriate for the government to intersect with religion. Instead they further fueled passions on both sides of the debate.

“If that's the standard, surround something religious by secular symbols, what can't you put up? Nothing,” American Atheists spokesperson Ellen Johnson remarked.

But those who support the display of the Ten Commandments on government property said it is appropriate because the Commandments reflect the country's ethical and legal framework.

And according to polls, most Americans agree. More than 70 percent support public displays of the Commandments.

Ruling first on a Kentucky case, where the Commandments originally hung alone in a county courthouse, the high court said it was unconstitutional, because of its intent. They said it clearly promotes religion.

But in another case, regarding a 6-foot monument at the state capitol in Texas, the court said the display was okay because it had a secular purpose, saying that when it comes to religion, government must remain neutral.

The White House supported both displays, filing briefs in the case of Kentucky, and the Texas case, Bush's home state.

White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan said, “…and the court agreed that it is consistent with the First Amendment. Now, the court took a different view than we had on the Kentucky case. But again, we respect the court's decision.”

People on both sides of the issue said the court's rulings will result in confusion in future cases.

Some predict more fighting over future displays, but others say the rulings also set the stage for an even bigger fight- the battle over the future of the court.

Suffering from thyroid cancer, many suspect that Chief Justice William Rehnquist may step down soon. And some believe one or two aging judges may follow- if not in the near term, then possibly before Bush leaves office.

Possible openings on the high court have liberal and conservative groups ready to spend millions in ad wars for a future nominee.

Both sides pointed to Monday's decision, saying it shows how extremely critical one vote can be in tipping the scales on key decisions which affect the nation.

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