text: What exactly is meant by the separation of church and state has always been controversial.  The founding fathers used a generic "God" with the idea that there were different religions but all believed in some kind of God.  Then atheists felt slighted.  And of course, there are so many different concepts of "God", that no matter what there's someone who'll disagree.  So, it goes back and forth and will continue to do so, as long as man thinks for himself and is not exactly like every other man.\n\nPersonally, the basic concept behind the 10 commandments- the message they convey- really isn't all that controversial.  All those things are covered by our laws, so what's the big deal about putting them in writing and posting them in your schools and courthouse....  Well, there wouldn't be any problem with it, if it didn't come from a religious text.  If it was written in a law book or our consitution, it would be accepted.  But because it's from a religious text, it defies the separation of church and state and can possibly offend people who worship using a different religious text.