Matthew McConaughey has entered the chat regarding the Ten Commandments and their place in school classrooms.
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The actor appeared on The Joe Rogan Experience on Sep. 16 to promote his new book, Poems & Prayers, and his upcoming movie, The Lost Bus. During the nearly three-hour discussion, the actor and fellow Texan Rogan got on the topic of how kids today are becoming overstimulated and overwhelmed.
McConaughey's solution to the problem is an ancient text written by the finger of God on tablets of stone. They were brought down from Mount Sinai by the prophet Moses: The Ten Commandments.
The A Time to Kill star states that the Commandments provide basic moral guidance that, in his view, may help children remain focused amid distractions.
"Ten things — if I look at that and just aim that direction, I feel like I can't go wrong," he said. "Or I can go closer to right."
Matthew McConaughey Stood His Ground Against Rogan
When Rogan mentioned the separation of church and state, McConaughey clarified his position: the value of the Commandments is in their moral content, not their religious origin.
"My hang-up is that most people go to the problem with it because of the author: God," he said. "Pull the author off for a minute. When you look at the Ten Commandments, is there anything that anyone out there would say, 'I disagree with that one?'"
As messages become muddled, McConaughey believes that people need something solid to hold on to. He believes the Commandments are "a foundation in the storm."
Matthew McConaughey Says His Argument Isn't About Religion
Matthew McConaughey has always forged his own path. For example, we reported last year that he moved to Texas over a decade ago to focus on his family, despite earning a fortune making romantic comedies in Hollywood.
"I think that was the one that was probably what was seen as the most rebellious move in Hollywood by me, because it really sent the signal, 'He ain't f****** bluffing,'" he said. "I think that's what made Hollywood go, 'You know what? He's now a new novel idea. He's a new bright idea.'"
The actor's comments on the podcast reflect this. While some may consider his remarks controversial, McConaughey explained to Rogan that he believes the Commandments convey basic values and are not there to enforce religion.
"Is your problem that it can be considered an oppressive author?" he asked. "Or do you actually disagree with what it says?"
You can watch Matthew McConaughey's conversation with Rogan below.
Photo by Chris Saucedo/WireImage
