by Kelly Himes Brolly, author of “Laws, Rules, and Rights: A Guide to Protecting Children in Public Schools,” Double Umbrella Publications, LLC (2023).
We Were Forewarned
This week’s news is a chilling reminder of John Adams’ famous words to the Massachusetts Militia on October 11, 1798:
“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”
Not long ago, public schools and the public square welcomed God as the basis of our existence and the author of our moral standard. Parents and teachers undertook the responsibility of teaching children right and wrong. These are the people who raised “The Greatest Generation.”
However, today the public schools are teaching a worldview that is secular (without God), humanist (man centered), and that truth is relative (there is no absolute right and wrong). We should not be surprised at the outcomes.
We Removed God
In the last 100 years, we have systematically removed God from our public schools and public squares. Despite our nation’s founding documents, which expressly rely on God,1 and our legal system, which is founded on a Judeo-Christian ethic,² references to God have largely been extracted. In most public forums, God is not regarded as the basis for our existence, nor the author of the moral law that governs our behavior.
Darwin Explained Our Existence Without God
Using Darwin’s theory of evolution, we have taught millions of children that they are not created by a loving God, who made them in His image and gave them a purpose. Rather, we teach them they evolved into complex beings over billions of years. In many, if not most public schools, evolution is taught as the only viable theory of creation despite the science that points to an Intelligent Designer. The second law of thermodynamics is ignored, which states that entropy (disorder) is at work in all natural processes. In simple terms, this means that everything is moving from a state of order to disorder. We need only to look in the mirror every morning to verify that principle. Mathematical probabilities are also pushed aside. Evolution’s logical conclusion is that God plays no part in our creation or existence. Without God, there is no basis for a moral law, and no one is watching when we act in secret.
Freud Explained Our Existence Without God
Then, using Freud’s ideas, we began to explain our behavior without God. Behavior that was once considered “sin” or morally “wrong,” now has a mental health diagnosis and DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) code. Of course, the problem with this line of thinking is the implication that people are born with these “conditions.” They are unable to choose, control themselves, exercise self-discipline, or change. And the extension of this thinking is even worse. Don’t punish them, just put them on a new medication. If there are side effects, we have a medication for that too. For the worst side effects, we will pass laws, install surveillance cameras, teach our children intruder drills, and hire more police.
Relativism Explained Our Existence Without God
Relativism is the belief that there is no absolute truth. Its premise is that “all beliefs, customs, and ethics are relative to a particular social context, consequently, there are no universal standards of right and wrong, and so no one can judge another society’s customs.”³ What may have begun as a sincere appreciation of different cultures and their religious beliefs, has been extended to individuals. In other words, secular (without God), humanism (man-centered), combined with relativism (no absolute truth), results in individuals who establish their own moral standards. In one sense, each person is their own god, establishing their own standards, and acting accordingly. The stated belief is that everyone should be able to live by their own standards. “Right” and “wrong” is different for each person. Some add the caveat, “if it doesn’t hurt anyone,” but that too is relative.
Relativism’s One Absolute
The key to understanding relativism’s impact is in the definition’s conclusion, “so no one can judge another person’s customs, beliefs, or ethics.”³ The functional equivalent is, “I have my own truth, I decide what is right and wrong, so you cannot judge me.” Therein lies the relativist’s one absolute: do not judge. In other words, the relativists do have an ethical standard – an absolute – it is “do not judge.” However, saying, “do not judge,” is in and of itself a judgment. You have done wrong by saying someone else has done wrong, but that is a rabbit hole for another day.
The problem is that the absolute command “do not judge”⁴ shuts down debate and any exchange of ideas. The term “judge” can have an expansive definition that includes opposing ideas, opinions, theories, disagreements, and can be confused with condemnation, which is an entirely different matter. In relationships, the command can close ears to correction, and silence the advice of friends and loved ones. It can dismiss well-intended warnings and hinder one’s growth toward wisdom. It can cut-off family and friends. It can even choke out love.
As a society, the command flies in the face of our right to freedom of speech and our right to free exercise of religion. For some, the very suggestion that their beliefs or ethics might be wrong, is considered hate speech. At its worst, this form of relativism demands silence. It will even destroy those who want to exercise their constitutional rights and share their political or religious beliefs.
The Inevitable Result: Lawlessness
So, are we really surprised at the lawlessness? Did anyone think about where this path would lead? If God does not exist, and we all just evolved, then what is the basis for a moral law? Is it just survival of the fittest? If there is no moral law then why go to the trouble of being “good”? If God is not watching and there is no final judgment, then what restrains people when no one is watching? Do we have enough laws, surveillance cameras, and police to enforce obedience in a free society that lacks a moral compass and the self-discipline to follow it? Can a society of moral relativists allow free speech and free exercise of religion, much less, survive as a nation?
Let’s not squander this moment in history when we can perhaps make a difference. The moral foundation and resulting worldview that our children are learning matters – to them, their families, and to the nation.
4 Things Parents Can Do, Now
Pay attention to the path your children are taking at school. The days may be long, but the years are short. It is time to get in the game and do more than just limit your child’s phone use and screen time. If you have no other option but to send your child to public school, or you have reason to believe your public school is not the norm, consider the following:
- OPT-OUT” OF CERTAIN CONTENT AND ACTIVITIES AT YOUR CHILD’S PUBLIC SCHOOL
On June 27, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court confirmed that parents of children in public school have certain “opt-out” rights. The name of the case is Mahmoud v. Taylor,⁵ and it protects parents’ religious freedom. Unfortunately, there was little to no news coverage of it. As a result, parents do not know that they can opt-out of LGBTQ+-inclusive content in their child’s curriculum. Unfortunately, public schools are left to monitor themselves. For more information on the Mahmoud v. Taylor case, and on matters of conscience that may be protected under the state’s constitutions,⁶ click here.
Many parents are also unaware of state laws that create and fund school-based health clinics, allowing school officials to be involved in their children’s physical and mental health diagnoses and treatment, which may involve dangerous medications.⁷ For a free downloadable Opt-Out Form for certain content in your child’s curriculum and/or medical care offered at your child’s public school, click here.
- START A “RELEASED TIME” PROGRAM AT YOUR CHILD’S PUBLIC SCHOOL
A “Released Time” or “Released Time for Religious Instruction” program is one where children are picked-up from public school, taken off-site for religious instruction (usually to a church or synagogue), and then returned to public school to resume their school day. In 1952, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that these programs were permissible if they meet certain criteria,⁸ but few people knew about it – until recently. Today, Released Time programs are flourishing nationwide and becoming more popular each year. To learn more about Released Times programs, see the article here. Also, LifeWise Academy, which offers Christian Released Time programs in many states. LifeWise will premiere the movie “During School Hours” on October 23, 2025.
- JOIN MOMS IN PRAYER INTERNATIONAL
Moms in Prayer International is a non-denominational Christian group that has praying moms in over 160 countries. Individual groups gather in person and online to pray for their children, teachers, schools, and others on a regular basis. For more information, go to their website at https://momsinprayer.org/.
- LEARN HOW TO NAVIGATE THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM IN YOUR STATE
The right to a public education is guaranteed in each state’s constitution.⁹ Each state also has a hierarchy of boards and superintendents (or commissioners), which oversee the public schools. To learn how to navigate the public school systems in all 50 states, and to learn about your parental rights, right to free exercise of religion, and right to freedom of speech, purchase Kelly’s book, “Laws, Rules, and Rights: A Guide to Protecting Children in Public Schools,” Double Umbrella Publications, LLC (2023). Also, the Double Umbrella Publications website has an overview of public schools nationwide, and articles on various topics, such as school board meetings. For more information go to https://doubleumbrellapublications.com.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. No information contained in this article should be construed as legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. Readers are encouraged to contact an attorney in their jurisdiction with any questions.
Kelly Himes Brolly is an attorney, author, consultant, and the Managing Member of Double Umbrella Publications, LLC, d/b/a Double Umbrella Consulting. She is admitted to practice law in three states and in several federal court jurisdictions, including the Supreme Court of the United States.
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1 The Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776, refers to “God,” the “Creator,” the “Supreme Judge of the world,” and “divine Providence.”
² This use of the term “Judeo-Christian ethic,” refers to the fact that people of the Jewish and Christian faiths share the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, which include laws, as well as moral and ethical standards. Some of them have carried over into the English and American legal systems.
³ https://www.bible-dictionary.info/.
⁴ Some relativists respond, “Do not judge, lest you be judged,” which is only the first of six verses on judgment in this section of teaching. Matthew 7:1-6 (ESV). If we read on, verse five says, “You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:5. The point is to avoid hypocrisy and respond with humility, self-examination, and love. See Ephesians 4:15. Regarding judgment, the Bible also teaches, “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.” John 7:24. Another commonly quoted verse is “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” John 8:7. Here Jesus is not talking about judgment, but condemnation. Jesus said to her, “Then neither do I condemn you . . . Now go and sin no more.” John 8:11. See also, I Corinthians 5:1-13. The Bible teaches that Jesus renders final judgment for all. John 5:22-23.
⁵ Mahmoud v. Taylor, 606 U.S. ___ (2025).
⁶ For State Constitutions that have religion clauses with matters of “conscience”:AZ – Article II, § 12; AR: Article II, §§ 24-25; CA: Article I, § 4; CO: Article II, § 4; DE: Article I, §§ 1-2; ID: Article I, § 4; IL: Article I, § 3; IN: Article I, 2-8; KS: Article I, § 7; KY: Article I, § 1; ME: Article I, § 3; MI: Article I, §4; MN: Article I, §§ 16-17; MO: Article I, § 5; NE: Article I, § 4; NV: Article I, § 4; NH: Part First, § 5; NM: Article II, § 11; NY: Article I, § 3; NC: Article I, § 13; ND: Article I, § 3; OH: Article I, § 7; OR: Article I, §§ 2-7; PA: Article I, §§ 3-4; RI: Article I, § 3; SD: Article VI, § 3; TN: Article I, §§ 3-4; TX: Article , §§ 4-7; UT: Article I, § 4; VT: Ch. I, § 3; VA: Article I, § 16; WA: Article I, § 11; WI: Article I, § 18;WY: Article I, §§ 18-19. See Brolly, Kelly Himes, “Laws, Rules, and Rights: A Guide to Protecting Children in Public Schools,” pp. 139 and Appendix B.
⁷ Black box warnings (or boxed warnings) are FDA-required labels for medications with serious safety risks. For more information, go to Cleveland Clinic online at https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-does-it-mean-if-my-medication-has-a-black-box-warning.
⁸ Zorach v. Clauson, 343 U.S. 306 (1952).
⁹ Seeall 50 State Constitutions’ Education Articles: AL: Article XIV (256-270); AK: Article VII; AZ – Article XI; AR: Article XIV; CA: Article IX; CO: Article IX; CT: Article VIII; DE: Article X; FL: Article IX; GA: Article VIII; HI: Article X; ID: Article IX: IL: Article X; IN: Article VIII; IA: Article IX; KS: Article VI; KY: Sections 183-189; LA: Article VIII; ME: Article VIII: MD: Article VIII; MA: Article VIII; MI: Article VIII; MN: Article XIII, Section 1; MS: Article VIII; MO: Article IX; MT: Article X; NE: Article VII; NE: Article XI; NH: “Part Second” at Article 83; NM: Article XII; NJ: Article VIII at § IV; NY: Article XI; NC: Article IX; ND: Article VIII; OH: Article VI; OK: Article VIII; OR: Article VIII; PA: Article III; RI: Article XII; SC: Article XI; SD: Article VIII; TN: Article XI; TX: Article VII; UT: Article; VT: Ch. II, Section 68; VA: Article VIII; WA: Article IX; WV: Article VII; WI: Article X; WY: Article VII. See “Laws, Rules, and Rights: A Guide to Protecting Children in Public Schools,” pp. 125-129 and Appendix C.
