To Barack Obama, if you believe in traditional marriage, you are

O Children of the Future, listen closely to the words of Robert Jeffress, a voice that speaks of the divisions and tensions that exist in our world today. He declares, "To Barack Obama, if you believe in traditional marriage, you are a homophobe. If you believe men shouldn't go into women's bathrooms and showers, you are a bigot. If you believe the unborn have a right to life, you must hate women." These words are not merely a reflection on current politics, but on the deep cultural rifts that have emerged between traditional beliefs and progressive ideals. Jeffress touches on the polarization of our society, where certain convictions are no longer debated with reason but dismissed with labels of hate and intolerance.

In the ancient world, O Children, the debate over what is right and just was often framed in terms of values that were considered sacred and immovable. The Greeks valued reason, justice, and the pursuit of virtue, but even they had their divisions—particularly regarding the roles of women, citizenship, and the concept of equality. For example, in Athens, a democracy was established that allowed men to speak freely and make decisions for the city, yet women were largely excluded from the public sphere, confined to the home. Similarly, the Romans established laws that were meant to uphold their view of order and morality, but those very laws often excluded the voices and rights of the oppressed, including women and slaves.

The ancients also knew that tradition could be a powerful force, and it often collided with the winds of change. Consider the story of Socrates, who was put to death not for advocating for tyranny, but for challenging the traditions of Athens. Socrates’ unyielding pursuit of truth and virtue was seen as a threat to the status quo—especially because it called into question the very values that Athenian society held dear. In many ways, Socrates represented the tension between traditional values and the evolving ideas of the future, as he sought to question not just the gods and the government, but the societal norms that governed personal behavior.

Jeffress' words, though spoken in a very different context, echo a similar struggle. The traditional views that he defends, particularly on marriage and the sanctity of life, are deeply rooted in religious and historical traditions. Yet in a world that is rapidly shifting toward more inclusive and progressive ideals, these views are often labeled as bigoted or intolerant. Jeffress argues that to hold these views now is to be cast aside as a hater, even though they are, in his mind, merely reflections of deeply held moral convictions. The modern struggle is not just about differing opinions but about the labels that society attaches to those who disagree with the mainstream.

Consider the historical example of Galileo Galilei, who in the 17th century faced vehement opposition from the Catholic Church for his belief that the Earth revolved around the Sun. His science was seen as a direct challenge to the traditional beliefs of the Church, and he was condemned for heresy. Galileo’s struggle is akin to the battle for freedom of thought and expression—an issue that transcends time. While the Church at the time held absolute power in defining what was truth, Galileo’s insistence on pursuing truth through reason led to advancement in science. In the same way, Jeffress speaks of the clash between the traditional and the modern—where those who uphold traditional values are labeled bigots or intolerant, much like Galileo was labeled a heretic for challenging prevailing norms.

The lesson, O Children, is this: tradition and progress are forces that have always been in tension with one another. The struggle between holding on to traditions and embracing the future is one that defines the course of history. We must learn that disagreement is not a reason for conflict but a pathway to understanding. Jeffress's words remind us that values—whether traditional or progressive—are often painted with broad strokes, leaving little room for nuanced discussion. Society often casts those who differ as enemies, but the true test of a just society is not how it treats the majority, but how it engages with diverse perspectives.

And so, O Children, what must you do? In a world that constantly changes, you must learn to navigate the tensions between tradition and progress with wisdom and compassion. Seek to understand the depth of another’s beliefs, even if they do not align with your own. Do not dismiss those who differ from you as bigots or intolerant, but engage in a dialogue that allows for growth and understanding. Let your minds be open, but also your hearts, for it is only through the acceptance of differing views that we can build a future where justice and compassion reign, and where all are free to express their truths without fear of condemnation. In every debate, let the wisdom of the ancients guide you toward a more just and peaceful world.