It was the courts, of course, that took away prayer from our

Hear now, O Children of the Future, the words of Rod Parsley, whose proclamation speaks of the great struggles for moral order and justice: "It was the courts, of course, that took away prayer from our schools, that took away Bible reading from our schools. It's the courts that gave us same-sex marriage. So it is quite a battlefield, and the Supreme Court is the highest court in the land." These words are charged with the emotional weight of a battle—a battle for the soul of society, fought in the halls of justice and in the very courts that are meant to uphold the laws of the land. The implications of these words echo through the centuries, for in every age, the laws and courts have been the places where the values of a civilization are either solidified or questioned.

In the ancient world, the role of the court was one of great significance, for it was in these chambers where justice was meted out and the values of society were upheld. In Athens, where the first glimmers of democracy were born, the courts were the center of the polis, where every citizen—at least those considered citizens—had a right to stand and speak. Yet, even in Athens, the courts were not always just. Socrates, that great philosopher, was condemned to death by the court, not for any crime but for the troubling of the youth and the questioning of society's cherished values. Socrates' trial is a reminder that courts, while they hold great power, are not infallible, and the values they uphold are often shaped by the cultural and political forces of their time.

Rod Parsley’s words speak to a modern conflict that is deeply rooted in the struggle between the values of tradition and the changing winds of society. The courts have long been the battleground for these forces, for it is in these hallowed rooms that the rights of citizens are either expanded or restricted. Prayer and Bible reading in schools were once seen as essential elements of the moral foundation of American life. Yet, as society evolved, the courts ruled that the government should not impose religious practices in schools, a decision that some, like Parsley, see as a loss—a sign of moral decay. The legalization of same-sex marriage, too, came through the courts, an act that many view as progress for equality, while others view it as an erosion of traditional values. These decisions are not simply legal rulings—they are moral decisions, shaping the very fabric of society.

Let us look, O Children, to the story of the Roman Republic, which faced its own struggles over the balance between tradition and reform. The Romans were a people of law, and their courts were the place where justice was meted out, often with great force. Yet, Rome also faced a tension between conservative forces, who clung to the old ways, and reformers, who sought to change the very structure of society. The Gracchi brothers, Tiberius and Gaius, fought for land reforms that would benefit the poor, but their efforts were met with great resistance from the elite. Eventually, both were killed by those who feared the changes they sought to bring. The battle between tradition and change is not a new one—it is as old as civilization itself. And like the Romans, we must always ask ourselves: will we fight to protect the values that have stood the test of time, or will we be open to change that might challenge our deeply held beliefs?

Yet, the courts are not always the enemy, nor are they always the force of progress. The courts, as Parsley points out, are the highest authority in the land, and their decisions shape the laws and values of society. In ancient Israel, the role of the judge was sacred. Judges were not only enforcers of the law but were seen as instruments of divine justice, carrying out the will of the gods. The story of King Solomon, whose wisdom was legendary, speaks to the sacred nature of judgment. When two women came before Solomon, each claiming to be the mother of the same child, Solomon did not simply apply the letter of the law; he sought to understand the truth, to bring justice in a way that honored both the law and the deeper moral order. In this, we see that justice is not always about enforcing the status quo—it is about seeking what is right, even when it challenges the traditions of the day.

The lesson, O Children, is this: The law is a reflection of the values of society, but those values are not static. The courts, like all institutions, are shaped by the times in which they exist. While Rod Parsley’s words reflect the concern that traditional values are being undermined, they also serve as a reminder that society must constantly examine the balance between change and tradition. The battle for justice and moral order is ongoing, and the courts will continue to be the place where the most pressing moral questions are decided. But as Socrates teaches us, we must not simply accept the decisions of the courts without question. We must engage with the law, challenge it when necessary, and seek justice in a way that aligns with our highest ideals.

In your own lives, take this to heart: Understand the laws of your land, but do not be afraid to question them when they conflict with your sense of right. Engage in the battles of your time, whether in the courtroom, the public square, or your personal life. The laws we live by are not fixed; they are the product of human choices, and those choices can be shaped by the wisdom of the ages or by the errors of those who fail to understand the deeper truths. Stand for what is just, even when the laws are slow to change, and remember that the fight for justice is often a long and difficult one. In this way, you will honor both the wisdom of the past and the demands of the present.