*Yes, this is a beat-the-dead-horse sort of post on an over-argued topic of discussion: the placement of the Ten Commandments in courtrooms. But I found myself biting my lip when a conversation drifted this direction just yesterday, so I feel the need to articulate a few of my thoughts on the subject.*

There are two types of law: spiritual law, and practical law. Spiritual law is that which has been established by God through His Word. It is unchanging. It is an unattainable standard, which is part of the point, because the law is not meant to cure, or save, or really have any power at all except to show us our own inability to live up to God’s holiness. Not that we are allowed to disregard the law, but we are to attempt to follow its precepts because God is holy.

Practical law is established by men. It is constantly changing. It should be attainable for all, because if we could not follow the law, we would all be in jail. (And besides, those in power would not define their own actions as illegal.) We are to follow it as a check in the midst of corrupt humanity. It is to save us from the baser aspects of such fallen-ness. It provides consequences as a way of encouraging right living.

Practical law is that which our court system represents - fallible humans deciding whether someone is enough of a threat to everyone else that he or she should be punished and/or confined. These human beings we call judges and juries may set precedents, but such precedents can easily be overturned by legislative action or subsequent precedences. In other words, practical law is neither eternal or immutable.

The Ten Commandments are part of spiritual law. They are, yes, seemingly practical in nature; however, the shear unattainability of such laws lands them squarely in the spiritual realm. We all will, at some point, covet our neighbor’s donkey. We will dishonor our parents. We will concoct an idol that at least for a time distracts our gaze from the one true God.

If we want to mix the Ten Commandments in with our practical law system, then it would follow that any violation of such laws should land someone squarely in front of a judge or jury. Adultery is now a felony. Jealousy can get you 10 months. A lie equals a $1000 fine.

This is where the paradox rears its ugly head: spiritual law cannot be “enforced” through practical law. Godliness cannot be legislated. Human institutions are not capable of sitting in judgement on conditions of the heart. While sometimes there are similarities - both law systems condemn murder, for example - the two systems exist for different reasons and represent two different realms.

Why then so many feel it appropriate to attempt to intermarry the two is beyond odd. It borders on sacrilege as they attempt to degrade God’s eternal commands by placing them on the same level as human legalities and ever-changing ideas.

Now that should be a crime.