In The Faith - A Chronicle of the Christian Faith

“I have nothing against the Ten Commandments. I grew up with the Ten Commandments,” [Thomas Van Orden] said. “I didn’t sue Christianity or Judaism. I sued the government. It was filed to uphold the principles of the First Amendment.”

AUSTIN, Texas (AP)—On Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme Court will consider whether a 6-foot granite monument on the grounds of the Texas state Capitol bearing the words “I am the Lord thy God” – and two similar displays at Kentucky courthouses – constitute unconstitutional government establishment of religion.

Many conservatives warn that if the states lose, the ruling would force the removal of similar objects from memorials and public spaces across America. Dozens of demonstrators are expected for rallies and prayers outside the courthouse in Washington while the case is argued inside.

As he strolls from the Texas Supreme Court to the state Capitol, Thomas Van Orden recounts the ominous e-mails that warn “we’re gonna get you” and tell him to “get the hell out” if he can’t support the American way of life.

Van Orden shrugs off the angry responses to his lawsuit seeking to remove a Ten Commandments monument from the Capitol grounds. A Vietnam veteran and former lawyer who is now homeless, Van Orden says he already “went to hell” and is still finding his way back.

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Filed under: Church and State