While I am sure it would be nice if more Americans shared my faith and Biblical-based values, the move in Louisiana to require posting the Ten Commandments in public classrooms does not accomplish that. In fact, it is counterproductive. Faith cannot be compelled. The very nature of faith is an attribute of the heart born out of conviction from the Holy Spirit. Faith, as the writer of the book of Hebrews explains, is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. It is not the byproduct of a state mandate, no matter how well-intentioned the designers of such a mandate may be.
From a historical perspective, these types of efforts always fail. In the early years of the fourth century, the Roman Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity after he claimed to see a vision of the cross and heard a voice saying, “Under this sign, conquer.” Think about that for a moment. Under the sign that exemplified the humility, sacrifice, and passion of Christ, Constantine believed heaven empowered him to kill and destroy his military and political opponents. The state endorsed Christian faith, but at what cost?
Again and again throughout history, when governments have sought to utilize the tools of faith to impose change on the human heart, they have failed. Worse than political failure, they do significant damage. Many in the media over these next few days will point to these historical examples. Still, as a true believer, my concern is less about how governments historically bungle these types of laws than their effects on the approach to authentic Christian faith.
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