John P... well said, and I understand what you mean. Notice that nowhere have I stated my religion, or lack of religion, it is irrelavent to this discussion. But, I would like to point out that I have yet to see a judge condemn a man for 'worshipping a false idol.'

I do not find the 10 commandments hanging in the halls of justice as something that is ominoous. It is not until a judge, decides that he should sentence a man for being pagan. But then, as I have repeated, Is it the Commandments, or is it the judge to blame? Have faith in your fellow man to do what is right. Then condemn those that don't. Don't look at the 10 Commandments as the flaw in our system. They have little to do with it. But, there are many laws that are reflected in those 10 Commandments. Killing, theft, and adultery spring to mind. Others may not be laws, and that is good, because they are religious in nature. But again, I don't know of any case where a man was convicted of 'worshipping false idols.'

This is not meant to put down your own feelings John, but to give you another perspective. I support your belief that they can be discouraging, but remember they are not 'Laws' as we know them today.