There are but a handful of Supreme Court opinions that constitute fixed stars of understanding. Perhaps the most well-known is by Justice Robert H. Jackson. “If there is any fixed star in our constitutional constellation, it is that no official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion or other matters of opinion or force citizens to confess by word or act their faith therein." [West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette, 319 U.S. 624 (1943)]”

For some time now, fewer and fewer persons agree with such conclusions, preferring instead interpretations that gain them the most, personally and politically. It is easier to stick closely to prevailing attitudes than to entertain the hard work of formulating one’s own studied conclusions. The body suffers in that regard, leaving the country vulnerable from many different angles.

Churches, likewise, find their work marked and bruised for conforming to the surrounding attendant culture. Many who are bold enough to challenge orthodoxy, discover a new and exciting world of theological questioning, challenges, revelation and fruitful debate. Fortunately, those discussions are occurring more and more often outside the walls of religious institutions. If left to the churches, they might never be entertained. Meanwhile, more than a bit of cynicism prevails.

There is a lot happening right now in our world that is demanding our attention. It is bad enough that the dehumanization accompanying warfare is becoming common place, but it is now being extended to all peoples in movement worldwide, passported or not. It is a malaise of unprecedented proportion. There are no simple political or practical answers that will magically make such problems go away. So, we return to blaming others, knowing that if we point fingers, someone else might be encouraged to take the fall.

Read broadly, Jackson’s Supreme Court opinion literally begs us to remain engaged and working with one another, learning from one another, moving forward with each other, despite our differences. Our speech is not compelled or coerced, but what lines must be crossed to recognize a clear and present danger? Some call for greater guidance from the church. But whose religion shall be the standard bearer? We are hardly the example we should be, to ourselves or to others.

Perhaps our focus should include a star in the east ala Advent, or similar celestial events attached to our faith. More helpful, could it constitute a wave of committed compassionate people that flows from the ministry of Christ into the lives of people in all walks of life, and in ways that matter most for each of them? Is that so hard to imagine? Humanity should be deeply saddened by its inability to come together in search of wholeness. For many families, generations have been lost. That is on our watch.

And so, we do what we can, however small or seemingly insignificant. Margaret Wheatley offered, “There is no power greater for change than a community discovering what it cares about.” Are we that community? Do we care deeply enough about others to discover what moves us? Working together is all we’ve got. Let’s not blow it.