The Line Between Law and Belief: Why Faith Must Stay Free

In a year full of sweeping legislation, few bills have sparked deeper conversation about the balance between faith, freedom, and family than Act 573—formerly Senate Bill 433. Now law, Act 573 requires the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public school classroom across Arkansas.

To many, this may look like a return to “moral values.” I respect that impulse—it’s born of a sincere desire to see our children grow with a strong sense of right and wrong. But it’s important to consider the broader impact: this law expands state control in ways that may unintentionally undermine both religious freedom and parental rights.

Faith Begins at Home, Not in the State Capitol

For generations, parents—not politicians—have been the primary teachers of what it means to live a good life. Whether grounded in faith, family traditions, or ethical philosophy, moral development begins in the home and faith community.

Act 573 shifts that foundation by mandating a religious text be displayed by law in every classroom. It tells every child—and every parent—what morality looks like, using a government-selected version of religion.

What message does that send to families who follow a different faith, or none at all? Or even to Christian families who believe that moral instruction should come from the church and the home, not a state-run institution?

This crosses the line from moral education into what many would consider state endorsement of a specific religious tradition, replacing parental and spiritual authority with government mandates.

This Raises Constitutional and Religious Freedom Concerns

Act 573 may not only be unwise policy—it raises serious constitutional questions. The First Amendment’s Establishment Clause prohibits government from establishing religion. This clause was not meant to exclude faith from public life, but to keep government separate from the church.

Similarly, the Arkansas Constitution states:“No human authority can, in any case or manner whatsoever, control or interfere with the right of conscience…”

Requiring every public school to display a specific religious text, regardless of local community wishes or parental preferences, risks violating this sacred right of conscience and the religious liberty Arkansas was founded upon.

The Church Doesn’t Need the State’s Help—It Needs Its Protection

While some argue that Act 573 reinforces Christian values, the church’s strength comes not from government validation but from lived faith within families and communities. When religion is mandated by law rather than embraced through love and conviction, it risks becoming a political symbol instead of a vibrant spiritual guide.

History shows that when government takes on the role of moral teacher, it often compromises the independence and vitality of faith communities.

This Isn’t About the Ten Commandments—It’s About Who Decides

Of course the Ten Commandments hold deep meaning for millions, including myself. The real question is: who should decide what values children learn—and how they learn them?

Act 573 shifts that decision away from parents, local schools, and faith communities, and places it in the hands of state lawmakers.

This move raises important concerns about government overreach and the proper balance between public policy and personal conscience.

Keep Morality in the Home. Keep Politics Out of the Church.

If Arkansas truly wants to uphold moral values, it must start by respecting the institutions that shape them: the home, the family, and faith communities.

The government’s role is to serve the people, not to be the moral authority.

It’s time Arkansas legislators remember that.

Let parents parent. Let churches lead. Let freedom thrive.

With respect for all Arkansans,

Joshua Irby

Paid for by Joshua Irby