Yesterday just before leaving for Oklahoma City, I checked my e-mail to discover two "breaking news" notes. I read them both and was not surprised to learn the United State Supreme Court, in a 5-4 ruling, declared that the Ten Commandments cannot be posted in government buildings if the intent is to convey a religious ethic. The court found such a posting a violation of the separation of church and state.
That ruling pertained strictly to the case in Kentucky.
Ironically enough, the court also ruled the display of the Ten Commandments on a granite monument outside of the Texas legislature was permissible on the grounds that it delivers a "predominately secular message."
Huh?
For a two-sided opinion in the ruling, click this link. I have to agree with the Wall Street Journal's take -- the court's ruling on these two matters does create more "confusion."
My position from the outset, which I have shared with our church family during my "Summer At Sinai" series, is that the most prominent display of the Ten Commandments is in the heart of God's people; not on the walls of public buildings. My view is people are more moved by seeing the Ten Commandments lived out by Christians rather than a cursory reading of the Ten Commandments on a plaque or a granite monument.
When God's people choose to live according to God's ethical call, it raises the moral standard of life. God's intent was that in living the Ten Commandments, his people would be "holy" i.e. set apart, unique, different. It is in the living out of God's ethical call that the boldest statement of faith is made!
------------------
Rick and I had a great time in Oklahoma City last night. Though the Redhawks dropped the game, 10-7 to the Nashville Sounds, it was great to see future Rangers like super-prospect Ian Kinsler in action. We also got to see Justin Thompson pitch in relief of Josh Rupe. Rick and I opined that if Thompson had been healthy for the last five years -- since the trade of Juan Gonzalez to Detroit that brought him to the Rangers -- all those times of longing for "one more starter" would have been moot. It would be awesome to see him get one more chance to pitch in a major league game.
------------------
As expected, giving the starting pitching matchup of C.J. Wilson versus Bartolo Colon, the Rangers dropped game one to LAA of A 13-3, falling to 7.5 games behind the Angels.
Tonight, emergency starter John Wasdin goes for the Rangers, filling the spot of Kenny Rogers who is recovering from a broken finger in his non-throwing hand. The injury occured when Rogers took out his frustration on a water cooler when lifted by Buck Showalter in a recent start against Washington.
Could there be something to this issue of veteran players taking issue with Showalter?
------------------
Finally, with the Rangers fading fast in the AL West standings, will Texas assume a buyer or seller role at the trade deadline? The Rangers are still only 3 games back in the Wild Card standings.
