Allowing prayer in public schools remains a compelling and often heated issue for many Americans. Is a student-led Lord's Prayer acceptable before the big game on Friday night? What about a two-minute "moment of silence" during home room? Of course, this isn't simply a matter of prayer itself but a representation of a much larger, more encompassing topic: Where does the line exist between religious freedom and religious imposition?
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It's Not About Prayer; It's About Evangelism
- From Interfaith Alliance
By Interfaith Alliance - Protecting Faith and Freedom
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No – But how about some private time for reflection?
I do not believe that religion should be taught as a formal subject in public schools. I do feel however, that it certainly would be a good idea to set aside a short period of time to be determined – say ten minutes or so – for private reflective time. This time could be used by students for praying, meditating, reading or even drawing. It not only can’t hurt, but would probably be very beneficial and calming for all of the students in this hectic and fast-paced society.
- redondo July 26, 2008 9:38PM
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Side: No
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the next fight
They have such a private time at my children's school. Shortly after it was started a group of kids wanted to start getting in a circle and praying together. The rules indicated that the students should not be interacting with each other (to avoid evangelism). But, of course the students and some parents felt that breaking up the circle was inhibiting the religious expression. The teacher in this case correctly insisted, but that won't be a uniform decision.
With diligence, this system could be positive for those children who are devout enough that they enjoy private prayer, without making other kids uncomfortable. However, I suspect that the advocates of school prayer will not long be satisfied by such a quiet, personal, innocuous expression of faith.
By the end of last year my daughter reported that she couldn't tell if any one was praying, so perhaps it was working perfectly.
- Adam Hammond
September 3, 2008 7:32PM
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Side: No
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Yes
Well said. This issue isn't about separation of church and state, this is freedom of religion. Even if the teacher doesn't lead the prayer, different religions have different outward expressions of prayer. It will be very evident to the lone christian child that he or she is a minority when all the other kids get out the prayer mats and face east. Our schools can't be complicit, even tacitly, in the evangelical peer pressure that arrises from a group of people practicing their religion.
- Adam Hammond
September 3, 2008 7:11PM
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Side: No
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Basic Rights
The question is should prayer be allowed in public schools. It is not... should prayer be FORCED in public schools.
Christ tells people not to make a spectacle out of their deeds and that includes prayer. Prayer should be a quiet, personal matter, however it can also be done as a group. Not as a command, but as an act of love and desire to communicate with one greater than oneself.
To deny someone the right or persecute someone for the practice of their religion is not only against the constitution, but the denial is an act of selfishness on the part of those seeking to forbid the prayer.
- clankk
October 18, 2008 10:28AM
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Side: Yes
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Agreed
I'm an atheist, but I believe prayer should be allowed in school. I do think the initial question needs to be clarified. If the prayer is set out in a specific prayer time, then that's something i'm completely against. If someone wants to pray during their break or lunch hour, then I'm all for it.
- Kawlinz
December 10, 2008 8:46PM
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Side: Yes
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Teachers have the choice too.
Maybe teachers shouldn't try to teach religion in school through student led prayer just because it brings up so much controversy in public schools, but that doesn't mean that prayer shouldn't be allowed. Prayer should be able to be an option for students any time. If students ask teachers for religious help or ask them questions, then they should be allowed to teach that student.
- kcesarski
January 25, 2009 9:37PM
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Side: Yes
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sorta kinda..
I do agree that if prayer happens in public schools, then yes there will be students trying to convert eachother and all that jazz. But that happens without prayer too, with clubs for different religions. Prayer and moments of silence won't interfere with people's rights, no matter what religion they are. Even atheists and different religions other that Christianity want moments of silence where they can reflect on the day or pray to individual idols. It seems that all of this arguement argues against Christianity, but its not just us that would want prayer.
- riley January 25, 2009 10:06PM
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influences everywhere
I agree that no matter if prayer is in schools or not, other religions will be spread around the school throughout clubs and groups. No matter how hard authorities try to take religion and prayer out of schools it will be very difficult. Also, I do not think that it is fair that Christianity is often jeopardized, while other religions are allowed.
- kcesarski
February 11, 2009 9:38PM
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Side: Yes
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Big Deal
Whoever said that a prayer is becoming a religious movement needs to re-think that. Just because a person prays, does not mean he's trying to start this huge religious/evangelistic movment. It's just a private time he/she needs. I believe people are making too big of a deal about prayer and in turn it appears to be evangelism. They are two seperate concepts. Prayer cannot be stopped. I believe teachers shouldn't be allowed to have broad spiritual discussions about religion/prayer, due to the fact that, yes, there are people who could get offended. But this also dosen't mean that prayer needs to cease completely either. You have to see both sides of the story...
- Skippy Johnson
February 17, 2009 8:47PM
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Side: Yes
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