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In 1954, when the Pledge was modified to acknowledge America’s allegiance with its Supreme Authority, the nation bore at least some semblance to the country of our forefathers. Though not universally accepted of course, the Christian faith nonetheless had the respect of the United States and its leaders. The culture regarded modesty as a positive attribute, and marriage was still revered as a sacred institution (too much so, if you ask the recent movie Mona Lisa Smile). Perhaps not coincidentally, this was also the same year that saw the High Court bring an end to school segregation.

But the virtues of the past have largely gone the way of poodle skirts and flannel suits. In no small way, the Pledge case is a microcosm of a much deeper and more sobering transition of American culture. Our religious foundations are cracking. Though how ironic is it that when God goes on trial, the Court will open its session by invoking the Creator to “save the United States and this honorable court.”