Across the country, states are legislating an “anti-woke” agenda. Imagine my surprise when I learned of the Texas legislation that would require all classrooms K-12 to post the Ten Commandments. Taking this bold step, Texans are not just rebuking the “anti woke” movement, but are embracing the opportunity to expand the “woke” agenda throughout their public school system.

I am sure the Texas curriculum development committee is diligently working on revisions that will assist teachers in addressing the many questions that will be raised by young and inquisitive minds. After all, this is the “Just Google It” generation. The “that’s just the way is,” response just won’t do.

Anticipating potential student questions, I offer the committee members the following study topics: (Let’s keep our fingers crossed that the first question Johnny asks is not, “If the Bible contains 613 commandments, why do we only list 10?”)

1. THOU SHALL HAVE NO OTHER GODS BEFORE ME

Does that mean there are other gods? Do other religions have their own god? Why do so many people hate those who believe in a different god?

Topic suggestion — Explore faith driven hate, antisemitism and racism.

2. THOU SHALL NOT MAKE ANY IMAGE OR LIKENESS OF ANYTHING THAT IS IN HEAVEN

I see many pictures and statues of Jesus. Is he not in heaven? Do Muslims follow a similar commandment? Is that why they are against any image of Muhammad?

Topic suggestion — Overview of world religions

3. THOU SHALL NOT TAKE GOD’S NAME IN VAIN

This means not using bad language, right? But I hear adults use bad words all the time, especially when they are frustrated or mad at someone. The words they use are very mean and hurtful.

Topic suggestion — Respectful communication and anger management techniques. (do not call it Social-Emotional Learning)

4. REMEMBER THE SABBATH DAY … THOU SHALL DO NO WORK ON THAT DAY

But my mom says she has to work Saturday and even Sunday or she will be fired. Then we won’t have any money and I’ll be hungry.

Topic suggestion — Economic insecurity, hunger and poverty in America

5. HONOR THY FATHER AND MOTHER

I have two Dads. I don’t know who my mother is. Do I need to listen to both my Dads or just the nicer one?

Topic suggestion — Discussion of different family structures. Okay to say gay.

6. THOU SHALL NOT KILL

If so many kids die from shootings, why is it so easy to get a gun? Why do we still have a death penalty? Isn’t that also killing someone?

Topic suggestion — gun violence and prevention strategies. Crime, punishment and our criminal justice system.

7. THOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTRY
10. THOU SHALL NOT COVET THY NEIGHBORS WIFE

What does adultry and covet mean? Is that like sex? Is that like having an affair? Is that why my Mom and Dad got divorced?

Topic suggestion — Interpersonal relationships. Age appropriate comprehensive sex education

8. THOU SHALL NOT STEAL
9. THOU SHALL NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS

You mean stealing and lying, right? I heard a lot about “stop the steal” and that many important people told us lies. If famous people can lie and steal, why can’t I?

Topic suggestion — Amercan history update: Review events surrounding Jan. 6.

I commend Texas for leading the effort to combine “wokism” with the principles of the Ten Commandments. I imagine Jesus must be pleased. Yet, I suspect he may be waiting for his commandment to be added to the list:

DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE DO UNTO YOU (Matthew 7:12)

Mike Jongerius MD