The case quickly gained national interest, with most Americans standing by the school district. People believed that such a prayer was certainly not establishing a religion, as it was vague enough to serve the interests of nearly all religions.
“But not vague enough for the Supreme Court.” Luke took a quick breath. “That case rewrote the way prayer was handled in public schools.”
“I remember studying that in school.” Brooke took a sip of her coffee and looked at Peter. “People look back on that as the year God was kicked out of the public schools.”
“Me, too.” Peter put his arm around his wife. “Brooke was just helping Hayley with a history test on that the other day.”
“And it didn’t end there.” Luke went on to explain that next came a case brought by the founder of American Atheists, Madalyn Murray O’Hair. The famous 1963 lawsuit became known asMurray v. Curlett,and it led to a landmark Supreme Court ruling that ended Bible reading in American public schools.
“The next year, I believe,Lifemagazine referred to Murray O’Hair as the most hated woman in America.” John looked troubled by the matter. “Our schools have gotten further and further away from God and prayer every year since.”
“Exactly.” Luke sighed. “With this principal—Wendell Quinn—any lawyer for the plaintiff would call on precedent set back in the sixties, or a number of rulings since then, and Quinn would lose before the case ever got to jury.”
Ryan seemed especially intrigued by the situation. “What about whether the kidswantedto read the Bible and pray? There has to be a way the principal can be vindicated.”
“There really isn’t.” Luke didn’t want to talk about the case all night. He wanted to hear more about how his nieces and nephews were doing, which of them were playing sports or dancing or acting in one of the upcoming Christian Kids Theater plays. He would have to call the principal sometime tomorrow after church and tell him the reality.
He’d love to help, but the man faced a no-win legal battle.
Later that night, Luke’s father pulled him aside. “You have a minute?”
“Of course.” They walked to the living room. John sat on the sofa and Luke took the seat opposite his father. “What’s up?”
His dad crossed one leg over the other, quiet for a moment, as if he were ordering his thoughts. “I’ve been thinking about that principal. Son, I think you should help him.”
Luke took his time responding. Of course he wanted to help. But there wasn’t anything he could do. “I’d love to, Dad. You know me.” He clenched his jaw. “I fight these cases for a living, and I love it. Anything I can do to help preserve the dwindling religious rights of the people of this nation, I’m ready to take it on.”
His dad nodded slowly. “You just don’t see winning this one. That’s what you said.”
“Right.” Luke didn’t want to get too detailed, but since his dad had asked, he would do his best to explain the problem. “There was a case back in 1971 that created a sort of test, a way for the courts to determine if a situation of prayer or Bible study was legal in any given situation.”
John Baxter was a very intelligent man. That much was evident as he narrowed his eyes, following everything Luke was saying. “Okay. What’s the test?”
Luke explained that it was three parts. First, the religious activity must have a secular purpose. Second, it must neither advance nor inhibit religion, and third, it must not result in excessive entanglement between government and religion. Luke leaned on his knees, his eyes locked on his father’s. “From what I see, Principal Quinn’s case violates all three of those.”
His father nodded, disappointed. “I understand. I just... I can’t get the case out of my mind. I really believe you could help him, Luke.”
Reagan came and sat down, and now Luke’s dad talked to both of them. As he did he tried one more time. “Do you know what happened to Madalyn Murray O’Hair’s son William? The one whose class read the Bible together?”
Reagan thought for a few seconds. “Well, he’s the child Madalyn sued about. So her son wouldn’t have to read the Bible at school.”
“Yes.” John looked at them, taking his time. “But do you know what happened to William in his later years?”
Luke knew the answer. “William became a Christian.”
“Much to his mother’s fury.” Luke’s father let that sit for a moment. “But if there’s one thing that story proves, it’s this: The Word of God does not return empty.”
“Yes.” Reagan looked at Luke, her eyes soft. “And the fact that nothing is impossible with God.”
As the night continued, the idea of Madalyn Murray O’Hair’s son becoming a Christian stayed with him. He hadn’t thought about William Murray’s story in a very long time. His father was right. Reagan, too.
God’s Word was indeed powerful—beyond explanation. And with God all things truly were possible. Luke wrestled with the reality the rest of the night. It wasn’t until an hour later, that he knew there was one case he had to take. One thing he absolutely must do. Whether it made sense or not.
He needed to call Wendell Quinn.
•••
BEFORE EVERYONE LEFTLandon and Ashley’s house that evening, Reagan made her way to the kitchen. Luke and the other men and most of the kids were playing some last-minute Frisbee out front, so Reagan went to the kitchen and found the others.
