To the editor:

As of June 2024, all Oklahoma schools are required to incorporate the Bible and the Ten Commandments into their curriculums. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Robert Walters stated the Bible is “one of the most fundamental documents used for the Constitution and the birth of our country.”

Historian and columnist Kevin Kruse notes the U.S. Constitution only referenced religion three times: it banned all “religious tests” for office, it prohibited the establishment of a national religion and it protected the right of citizens to worship as they see fit. “God” is not mentioned in the Constitution.

In January of this year, the Louisiana attorney general issued specific guidance for how public schools K through 12 as well as colleges and universities must post the Ten Commandments in classrooms.

In his book, “A Man Without a Country,” Kurt Vonnegut (1922-2007) writes that “vocal Christians … demand the Ten Commandments be posted in public buildings,” but they never mention giving the Eight Beatitudes similar status. Here are four beatitudes: Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst for justice for they shall have their fill. Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.

Vonnegut well knew the beatitudes were not considered for public display because they stressed mercy, justice, compassion and love. As such, they were out of line with much of American Christianity. Today, the beatitudes are anathema to right-wing, white nationalist CHINOS — Christians in name only.

George J. Bryjak

Bloomingdale