Moore opinion: Are Commandments Five through Ten secular?

[Will Esser]

I'm intrigued by Judge Thompson's statement in the Moore opinion (page 20) that:

"The second tablet, of course, is entirely secular -- from 'Thou shalt not kill' to 'Thou shalt not covet' -- but the first tablet also has secular aspects."

http://www.almd.uscourts.gov/

If the second tablet of the Ten Commandments is "entirely secular," could the establishment problem be fixed by removing the first tablet?  Is there anybody on this list that would argue that "Thou shalt not covet" is secular?  While the statement is certainly not necessary to the opinion, it's an interesting perspective nonetheless.

Will


Will Esser  --- Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein
Three First Union Center
401 South Tryon St., Suite 3000
Charlotte NC 28202
704-372-9000


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