Mr. Speaker, the fact of the matter is that the Ten Commandments are a historical document that contains moral, ethical, and legal truisms that any person of any religion or even an atheist can recognize and appreciate.

In this quote, Cliff Stearns, a former U.S. Congressman, argues that the Ten Commandments should be recognized as a historical document containing moral, ethical, and legal truisms that transcend religious beliefs. Stearns suggests that the principles found in the Ten Commandments, such as prohibitions against theft and murder, are universal values that can be appreciated by people of any religion, or even by atheists, due to their inherent ethical nature. He is making the case that the teachings in the Ten Commandments are not exclusively tied to any single faith but can be seen as foundational truths for all of humanity.

Stearns' statement emphasizes the universality of the moral lessons contained in the Ten Commandments, presenting them as guidelines for ethical behavior rather than as strictly religious directives. By framing them as truisms, he implies that these rules are self-evident and reflect common values shared across cultures and belief systems. This perspective seeks to downplay the religious context of the Ten Commandments, suggesting that their value lies more in their ethical content than in their religious significance.

The origin of this quote likely stems from Stearns’ role in political debates, particularly regarding the place of religion in public life. His comment may have been made during discussions on whether the Ten Commandments should be displayed in public spaces or incorporated into educational curricula. The quote reflects a broader argument that moral and ethical guidelines derived from religious texts can be seen as valuable contributions to societal norms, regardless of one’s religious affiliation.

Ultimately, Stearns' statement advocates for recognizing the moral and ethical wisdom of the Ten Commandments as relevant not just for people of faith, but for society as a whole. His argument seeks to bridge divides between religious and secular viewpoints, suggesting that certain universal values can be agreed upon by everyone, regardless of their spiritual beliefs.