The Once and Future King was a modern take on the legend of King Arthur. As Camelot was collapsing the King observes that he had tried to create a just society by having greater force than the forces of injustice. It didn’t work. “Might does not make right! Right makes right!” That insight lies behind the prophecy of Isaiah. The peaceable kingdom he dreams about where the lion lays down with the lamb happens with “a little child to guide them.” Not greater force but greater love creates peace. The prophet would disagree with those who suggest that the way to prevent school violence is to arm teachers. No, the elimination of violence and injustice is a product of “the childlike,” as Jesus puts it.
