What is the purpose of the Ten Commandments?

We are in the midst of a struggle in our nation between becoming something new and different, and keeping the security of the past. We don't know just yet if the new changes happening in our nation are good or bad. One group holds on to the past and says "If it ain't broke; don't fix it!" Another group highlights the shortcomings in our system and says "We can do better". Most of us are somewhere in between. We like the idea of something new, and the possibility of better lives, but we're scared because in the past new deals didn't always lead to a better life. That's the stage upon which our national news performs daily. And in the midst of that struggle is the symbol of The Ten Commandments.

The Ten Commnadments are a significant symbol in our national identity. One side holds them up as a visible descriptive of our goodness and moral standards. The other side sees them as a dogmatic, repressive symbol of intolerance. Where do you stand on the idea of the Ten Commandmenst? Are they part of our heritage? Are they evidence of forced religion? Do they violate the separation of church and state? Are they reminders of all that is good in America?

If you're reading this blog, why not weigh in on the subject?