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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?
Not allowing students to express their religious beliefs in school is most definately a violation of freedom of speech. And censoring a highschool graduation speech is taking it way too far. The valedictorian has a right to say what she wants, its her speech, not the schools. Just because I might pray before I eat my lunch or take a test or read the Bible during my study doesn't mean that school now has to be thought of as a religious environment. We need to be respectful of the many different religions and beliefs around them and one way to do this is to give the students the freedom to express their religious beliefs.
- LeeLee
February 9, 2009 8:35PM
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By censoring a high school valedictorian speech, the school is stripping the student away from any of their rights protected by the Constitution. Also, students and teachers should have the same privileges and rights when it comes to prayer in school . They are protected under the same Constitution and rights. If teachers want to pray, then they shouldn't be denied.
- kcesarski February 11, 2009 9:54PM
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although my school does not censor religion very much, I know that many schools do. Schools have no right to tell students they cannot discuss religion with eachother; it is taking away a constitutional right of freedom of expression. I agree that religion shouldn't be forced onto students by staff, but as far as students who are required to be at school, they should be able to say what they want without being hushed. In the case of the girl giving a speech, that is just plain wrong. Unless explicit words are said, the girl shouldn't be censored for talking about her faith.
- riley February 12, 2009 9:51AM
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To censor prayer in schools is a direct violation of freedom of speech. People should have the right to pray, unless it becomes a major problem to where it distracts those around him/her. As long as no major problems are arising in prayer, there is absolutely no reason why prayer should be dismissed.
- Skippy Johnson February 16, 2009 11:10AM
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As an individual that feels very strongly about my faith, I am not speaking to impose my views on others, but to share a truth that is more often than not forgotten. I feel that the allowance of prayer in school really does no harm to others. It is not imposing on others, I feel that it is strictly for an individual's "use". I feel that most of the time things such as Christianity and Catholicism are taboo in society because we have to be careful no to offend those who may not believe in God, but I feel just the same. What about the feelings of those that do believe in God? I am always saddened when individuals neglect to pay homage to our nation by not saying the pledge because of one three letter word that has different meaning for all. It is not prayer. I think people get to caught up in the politics of it all, that what is neglected are the values and morals that individuals like to uphold in their everyday lives.
- TrapshootingGirl February 17, 2009 8:42PM
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presently making it's way through the system: I think that if someone referenced God in my graduation speech I may be offended. Not that I am not "anti - religion" or anything, I just do not think that God should come up when being addressed to the whole student body in a manner, that crosses the line.
- SConn February 17, 2009 9:17PM
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So.... what exactly would offend you about it?
Is it that the student has faith in god or that she attributes some of her success to his/her involvement? Would it be better had she referenced her specific religion instead of an omnipotent being that a minority don't believe exists?
If the student was asked to speak then she should be allowed to. No matter what she says. If she had come out as a lesbian and declared her love for someone should they censor that? I don't think so. But that's the other end of the spectrum isn't it?
- ecuadmail May 25, 2009 12:55PM
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Students can express their religious beliefs, but a student led prayer ? If that started when I was in high school I would have drown it out with a recount of the past 1500 or so years of Christian oppression of the general population, of its suppression of knowledge, and of the way it just loves to hold science down with one hand while pretending to care about the welfare of society . I'm not an atheist, but it is not ok for students to do this. What about the kid who doesn't join in on this? I remember in 8th grade, when I considered myself a roman catholic the people in my class would all make fun of one girl in my class for being an outspoken atheist. It's extremely embarrassing but it clearly shows that this stuff happens. I grew up in an extremely progressive town, but things like this do happen.
- ikenovak March 26, 2009 10:56PM
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Prayer in schools has never been abolished. Anyone can pray to whatever object they wish, anytime they wish, so long as they aren't being disruptive. However, evangelizing/proselytizing is definitely crossing the line of what is acceptable and what isn't. Brittany McComb's rights weren't violated; she continued her speech, though it was disrespectful to the people who believed otherwise. So, her free speech rights weren't violated, she just didn't have any special right to a microphone or an audience. If believers want to pray and share their faith among like-minded people, that's fine, but imposing it on a somewhat captive audience is unconscionable.
- aveteran June 9, 2009 1:39AM
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Is any free speech on the part of the students protected, even if it is a form of bullying? While the intention of student-initiated prayer is usually not to make others feel uncomfortable or left out, I can speak from personal experience that it has that effect.
- Blue Linchpin January 3, 2009 1:34PM
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Sorry that you feel uncomfortable, but that is something that everyone has to learn to be comfortable with. If you happen to move to a big city like New York, there are going to be far more uncomfortable public display's going on than some of your friends praying together in the classroom. Try to see it not as being left out but as allowing your classmates the freedom to practice their religion.
As far as student initiated bullying, that is not protected by the first amendment because bullying is not a recognized religion. Sure there may be a cult that one could say they are a part of to try to get away with doing practically everything, those actions are not protected under the first amendment. Prayer may make some others feel uncomfortable but it certainly doesn't do any harm.
- PhilyG January 30, 2009 12:48AM
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This is absolutely true. Students have absolute freedom to pray anytime they wish, as long as they do so without infringing upon others rights by bullying them, coercing them into joining the prayer, taking class time for a prayer group, interfering with the classroom schedule, etc. Why religious people continue to rail that students should have the right to personal prayer in school is beyond me. They DO have that right.
I grew up in the Assembly of God church, and carried my Bible around with me on top of my stack of books. I prayed over my meals, over my tests and pretty much any time I thought of it. No one ever stopped me. Why would they? I wasn't doing anything to them.
Now, when I tried to pass out tracts to my fellow-students, as directed by my church leadership, then I crossed a line. Even then, I wasn't disciplined by school authorities, but, looking back, I realize how very inappropriate it was.
Corporate prayer or compulsory prayer or teacher-led prayer or official prayer has NO PLACE in schools. This doesn't in any way interfere with the individual rights of students to freedom to practice their faith.
- Babaroni February 3, 2009 6:24PM
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I agree with everything you said, except for the part about crossing the line when handing out tracts. What is wrong with that? Would you oppose a student handing out tracts inviting people to a new teen social club or to their band's concert that weekend? Why is religious advertising always attacked?
I would say that this type of behavior would certainly cross the line if teachers or administrators were handing out these tracts as that could come off as the school pushing one religious view or belief. Students should have the freedom to promote whatever cause they choose to, so long as that cause is not in support of any direct harm to others.
- PhilyG February 13, 2009 3:29PM
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I agree with your point. I do think it is okay (from a legal standpoint) for students to hand out tracts, just like any other opinion paper or invitation they might give to a fellow-student, as long as it is not done with the endorsement of the school or a teacher.
When I say that I believe I "crossed a line" in doing this, it was more of a personal line of which I feel a deeper sense of personal shame than I feel about other activities I engaged in as a fundamentalist Christian/public school student. Most religious tracts (in my experience) are pretty intensively confrontational and condemnatory (at least the ones provided by my church at that time), and as far as I'm concerned, getting offensive with one's message IS inappropriate to the school setting. No one has to read the tract; therefore the activity should not be illegal. But by its very nature, what I did was offensive and (quite rightly) made me a pariah. If I could go back and change the way I was raised, and counsel my child self from my adult perspective... well, let's just say my life back then would have been quite different.
- Babaroni February 14, 2009 12:58PM
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To give full use of the First Amendment, prayer significantly should be allowed. It gives a person a sense of mind and gives him/her time recollect his/her thoughts. Unless this person disrupts other fellow students, there is no reason prayer should not be allowed in schools.
- Skippy Johnson February 5, 2009 9:09AM
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it's completely true that students should be allowed to pray in school, i'm completely for that, and i have prayed in school before. However, i've heard the saying "my rights end where your nose begins" and i completely agree. Yes i have the right to pray, but the other students have a right to not have to listen, so i should respect them by praying quietly to myself.
- riley February 12, 2009 10:07AM
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Praying to oneself shouldn't disrupt people around him/her praying. It's a private talk with that person and God. In doing so, no person SHOULD be distracted from prayer being allowed in school. If somebody prays just for attention and makes a scene about it, then that problem needs to be dealt with privately and handily.
- Skippy Johnson February 16, 2009 11:14AM
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Just as the article stated the First Amendment protects free speech. Not only privately but also in a group of students such as the event "See you at the Pole". The constitution also says we have religous freedom, but if they take away the right to pray in school wouldn't that be contradicting what they're telling us we can do?
- Nat February 26, 2009 8:52PM
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The problem is that schools are public and state-run and students should not have to have a belief pressured on them. It's as simple as that.
- Blue Linchpin January 3, 2009 1:38PM
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The issue of speaking any type of religion during graduation has been taken too far. The speech is about the student and they should be able to say what they want. Religion may have been what have guided them through school and they have to the right to say that as long as what they say is not vulgar or disrespectful.
- kcesarski February 11, 2009 10:09PM
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As the Supreme Court has decided that a religious affliation or acknowledgment of a "God" by a faculty/staff member of a school as unconstitutional, who is to say that the students themselves should be a part of that clause? Students, though they may be denied some of their constitutional rights, such as the search and seizure clause, this does not restrict their right to freedom of expression. Who says a student should not be able to discuss religion or bring up a controversial aspect involving religion? No one. As long as the teacher remains the devil's advocate, the students should be free to debate as they so choose.
- LeeLee February 22, 2009 8:36PM
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Prayers should be in schools because for a lot of people it gives them a peace of mind. Schools nowadays are dangerous and volatile. Remember Columbine and Virginia Tech. Besides for some people it might a good place to here about God. For the most part this is mainly an attack on Christianity every other religion is allowed to be displayed in school one way or the other except Christianity.
Removing prayers from school is a way of taking away someone else's rights.
- Tamara September 1, 2008 8:22AM
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As an employee of the government, you surrender some rights while on the job. For example, in some positions you can't help someone campaign for public office or vocally support some policy or change in policy, because it would compromise your impartiality in doing your job. Of course you don't surrender every right, but you do give up some.
Tamara's comment shows exactly what the problem is with prayer in schools. Those who do it have the attitude that "it might [be] a good place to here [sic] about God." School is not there to give everyone "a peace of mind," and it is certainly not there to decide what will or won't afford someone that peace. It should be left up to students to decide their own religious beliefs, not have them thrust upon them by a teacher, who holds a position of authority as well as the threat of bad grades for disobedience, not to mention the responsibility of representing the state.
Christianity is allowed to be displayed in American schools. If you want to wear a cross necklace, you can, just as if you want to wear a yarmulke or a hijab you generally can. That is all that is afforded to other religions, and there is no unfair treatment. If a student, on his own, decides to pray or meditate on his own time, no one would stop him -- the problem occurs when teachers lead the prayer. There is no attack on Christianity. It just seems that way because many Christians want to push their religion in people's faces, and eventually other people push back in order to return to fairness.
- thoughtcounts Z September 5, 2008 9:56AM
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I can't imagine taxpayers would approve of paying government employees to practice their beliefs during work time*. A teacher privately praying with a willing coworker during a break would seem to fall within the government's responsibility to protect the employee's constitutional rights. However, a government employee conducting religious practices during their duties could appear that the government is endorsing the religious practice.
In the coaching the example, the coach is presumably a public employee acting as a government representative. A coach, who is in an especially authoritative position often making subjective judgments, would certainly appear to favor and have a bias toward fellow believers by making a noticeable gesture. (BTW, US Appeals Court ruled that Borden did more than merely bow his head and bend his knee, but actually organized, participated and led prayers.)
It's not clear to me how academic freedom relates to this issue. Teachers are not free to teach any curriculum. Not sure what academic principle was being taught during an athletic event.
* Hired hospital or military chaplains are exceptions.
- Norm September 11, 2008 5:31PM
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Because teachers step into the field of teaching does not mean that they must surrender their rights. They still have the same freedom of speech and religion as the students have. It may not be good for a teacher to lead a group prayer because they may offend some students, but they should be able to have the same freedom to pray during their day. Also, they can lead voluntary prayer groups and meetings for any students who chose to participate in these prayer groups. As far as the coaches praying with their team, I believe that is fine as long as the team agrees that they should. Ever since I can remember, my team has prayed before every game. If someone disagreed, they wouldn't have to participate or we would stop.
- kcesarski January 25, 2009 9:16PM
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teachers don't lose any basic rights at all, but they should respect their students. If a teacher wants to pray, then they can, and if they're close to a few of their students, then why not pray together?.. but as far as requiring the whole class to participate, that's wrong. As a christian and a student who is close to a few teachers, i would personally love to pray with my leaders, but it seems like people are against that and anything having to do with religion in public schools, no matter if it's Christianity or Islam or no religion at all..
- riley January 25, 2009 10:09PM
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If teachers can engage in prayer and religious activities freely with other teachers, then why can't they do the same with students? I believe that is unfair.
- kcesarski February 11, 2009 10:04PM
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Teachers are not surrendering their rights when they enter public education. In some perspectives, they are stepping into a new world, and in turn setting an example. That dosen't mean that they should over-emphasize prayer more than something else, but it does mean that if they choose to pray, they should be able to on account of the Freedom of Speech. As long as teachers don't make a scene about prayer, they have the same rights as students do.
- Skippy Johnson February 16, 2009 11:22AM
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There should not be an issue having teachers partake in religious activities unless it disrupts the teaching of the class. In public schools teachers teach their students without and bias. They share the same rights as students.
- LeeLee February 25, 2009 8:47AM
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I just came across this article:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/09/17/florida.school . prayer /index.html
A non-jury trial will have to actually consider jail time. Harsh to say the least. From my atheistic standpoint, this is too much I think. Yes, I know they violated an agreement that was put into place. Should they lose their jobs , or be strongly reprimanded. Sure they should. They violated policy. Should they be jailed for it? No, no, no.
- tek September 17, 2009 6:28PM
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Considering jail time does not mean that they have to mandate jail time. The jail time is the maximum possible punishment that they could receive.
- MrBook October 15, 2009 9:26PM
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs. In my own experiences with life in general I couldn't have made it without Him.
- kim42 October 2, 2008 3:00AM
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Everyone DOES have their own beliefs, but I don't think by teachers sharing religion that it really causes religious freedom to suffer.
- kcesarski January 25, 2009 9:41PM
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Sounds to me like Interfaith Alliance is arguing for something much different than what the question presented is. I don't agree with a teacher imposing their own personal religious beliefs onto the students in a public setting, though if it was done with the clear explanation that it is their personal experiences and not representative of the school then I wouldn't be sending the cops in anytime soon. If a "No" response to this question implies a ban of prayer by anybody, student or staff, in the school then that is nothing but unconstitutional. This assumes that the praying individual is not forcing others to pray along.
- PhilyG January 30, 2009 12:55AM
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Uhhhhh........What was the question?
It seems to me that the question was whether or not prayer should be allowed in public schools. Not whether or not one religion beats all. Or are these two arguing under the wrong heading? Speaking of which, the small print suggests a totally different question than the main heading. Which do we debate: fine lines or overall rules?
My point is as follows: Yes, the IA makes a good point that nondisruptive religion is fine. And darn well should be allowed. People have the right to express their opinion, so long as it isn't imposed on others. But allowing prayer in school DOES NOT MEAN (believe it or not) that any specific religion MUST be observed. All it means is that people can pray if they so desire. And yes, atheists, this means you don't have to pray, either. This also means no mandated prayer. That wouldn't be allowing prayer in school, that's requiring one specific religion in school.
Having said that, I now turn to the argument at hand. One, the arguer states that they intend to restrict only the staff. From doing what? Making an allowance for prayer? So kids praying without official permission is good, but it's bad if it is permitted by the government? The argument seems to be nitpicking about this idea of who gives the permission. If the result is meant to be the same, why the argument? There also seems to be an underlying assumption that the allowance of prayer in school requires a specific prayer by all. From what I understand of the question prompt, that makes this a strawman argument.
Additionally, IA has no real argument. They qualify their position and support of student prayer. But then they claim that they dispute a "completely different issue." First, if you admit that, put it under the right topic. Second, they state that government-prescribed prayer restricts rights. Yeah, we know...but what's the point? Of course a law imposing one sole religion violates rights of students. We all know that. Can you say anything else other than "freedom" over and over again? And I repeat, are we debating authoritarian government or prayer in school? I don't think this is a question between no religion and Catholicism. I think it's about, I don't know, ALLOWING PRAYER IN SCHOOL? Note the key word, allowing! Not mandating, not forcing, ALLOWING!
- Invalid Screen Name February 7, 2009 2:08PM
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By students praying in school, religious freedom is being strengthened, not hurt. The problem is that some students force others to participate in prayer, which does hinder freedoms granted by the constitution. Also, if prayer is played over an intercom system or recited by a homeroom teacher, then some student's rights would come to an end. However, prayer should be allowed in schools just like in the rest of the country.
- riley February 10, 2009 1:21PM
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Well, of course, it'd be near perfect if students could pray in school in such a way that is satisfying to them and not disruptive to others. I'm not a religious person, but seeing a kid in quiet prayer over lunch wouldn't bother me, a Muslim student bowing in prayer on the floor in the middle of class wouldn't bother me either. I can't help but feel these would be deemed serious distractions to many. I also don't feel the tolerance level in most schools is high enough for prayer to be more of a benefit to students than a set-back.
- Cacophony February 10, 2009 7:04PM
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By allowing prayer in school , in no way should religious freedom suffer. It's a personal choice. And if it becomes a problem, then it may be hindering religious freedom. But otherwise, it should not be a disturbance, but a personal private prayer. It should not make religious freedom suffer.
- Skippy Johnson February 25, 2009 4:17PM
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Why was the moment of silence idea thrown out? Anyone? Was it disruptive or something?
- ecuadmail May 25, 2009 12:49PM
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This is going way to far with being politically correct. When it comes to my religion , in public or on my own I expect to have freedom of rights. although I am only in Middle school I want my voice to be heard, I want not only christianity allowed but also any other religion. Isn't that why our forefathers came to america, religious freedom from the anglican church ?
- cheynsc November 13, 2009 8:02PM
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Should Prayer Be Allowed in Public Schools?
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opinion....
i am not a religious person....not bc im ignorant...i just am not. i know that a lot of ppl in this world are and that is absolutley ok. ppl have their beliefs and i respect that to the fullest. but i do not agree with haveing prayer done in public schools. that is why there are private and catholic schools etc in town. there are at least three in mine. if a parent wants their child to practise religion while in school...then send your child to one of those schools. they are exactly like a public school...but with religious lessons and prayer. now i would say if a public school had a teacher willing to teach it....there should be a specific class room where the students could meet (in the am for morning prayer if thats what parents would like) and students under a certain age should have to be signed up by parents to do so. i wouldnt want my child to have to do a am or afternoon prayer when they are not practising a religion. but for those who are...i guess i wouldnt be against....
- lanidee02 July 26, 2008 8:54AM
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oppose
just for your information i go to a catholic school and we are not prayig before and after every class. we pray first thing in the day before lunch and at the very end of the day and have religon class 2 to 3 times a week.
i think prayer should be alowwed in public schools . i think they should give a five minute silent time everyday so that people no matter what religon can pray to their god or leader.
you said they should just send there kid to private school. well paybe that family cant afford to put their children in private. school there not free tuition costs a lot of money its not just like droping your kid off at public school
tution for private school per year=2,000 to 10,000
uniforms cost per year= 500
so its not cheap and dont think that anyone can get into them to you have to go thru lots of test to make sure that you will be able to keep up with all the asignments
- jackieknowsbest
October 15, 2009 8:27PM
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continued...
religious children having a place somewhere in the schools to say a prayer a day if thats something families would like and the staff had no problem with.
- lanidee02 July 26, 2008 8:59AM
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Absolutely
Do I think it needs to be done on a daily basis by everyone...no. The question asks "Should prayer BE ALLOWED in public schools?" Why not? Who are they hurting? Reflection time? You are saying they can pray and it should be allowed during that "reflection time", then say yes and not no. The question is not asking if it should be implemented as a practice by all students, but simply if it should be allowed. It is odd that the Author of Destruction (Satan) is allowed, but Jesus is not.
- inupiaqswagger
August 1, 2008 5:40PM
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Yes and no.
I think allowing religious students to pray together can be a good way to bring them together, however, I am also of the opinion that they need to do it away from other kids and not publicize it. It's a private act that they need to keep private. I would be really upset if I found out that class was stopped or held up for a prayer. No, I do NOT agree with having a public prayer before the big game. You want that? Go to a religious school. Not a public one.
- brianhonaker
September 23, 2008 3:21AM
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We are too diverse
If you had a prayer in school today which god would it be addressed to Buda, Ali, Christ? Tell Christians they have to pray to Buda and see what they say! I feel religion should be a personal thing and not practiced in a public place where others are taught differently. I hate the moral majority types saying they should have a monopoly on our prayers and all should go to their god. I am Cherokee I feel different about many things but I do not try to force my beliefs on others. I think if more people felt that way our world would be a better place. Quit telling me I will go to white mans hell if I do not follow his god and give money so you can spread more lies. I do not bother anyone, I do not lie, I do not cheat, I do not steal and I live by, “Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.” If that means I belong in your hell I will not believe what you say! The ten commandments do not belong in public places either I see many have posted them in their yard that is good.
- Cherokee Fred hussein August 5, 2008 12:07AM
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We are too diverse
If you had a prayer in school today which god would it be addressed to Buda, Ali, Christ? Tell Christians they have to pray to Buda and see what they say! I feel religion should be a personal thing and not practiced in a public place where others are taught differently. I hate the moral majority types saying they should have a monopoly on our prayers and all should go to their god. I am Cherokee I feel different about many things but I do not try to force my beliefs on others. I think if more people felt that way our world would be a better place. Quit telling me I will go to white mans hell if I do not follow his god and give money so you can spread more lies. I do not bother anyone, I do not lie, I do not cheat, I do not steal and I live by, “Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.” If that means I belong in your hell I will not believe what you say!
- Cherokee Fred hussein August 5, 2008 12:16AM
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As long as it's voluntary participation...
I'm a teacher. If a student wishes to silently pray during my class, I do not have a problem with it. However, when they want to pray out loud or with a group, I consider that a disruption and therefore not acceptable. I also don't think teachers/administrators leading prayers over the intercom or whatever are acceptable. However, voluntary, non-disruptive, silent prayer is fine.
- bagpiper2005
August 12, 2008 2:11PM
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No!-Please god no!
This is not about prayer in school, this is about shoving religion down the throats of everyone, this is about getting the religious right and the evangelicals deeper and deeper into our government.
If you need to pray why can't it be done in the privacy of your own homes before you go to school? Why not pray at the bus stop? Or on the bus? If you're so religious why are you not in a private school?
Keep the church and state separate. Do not destroy this country for the very reason we started it. Freedom from religious persecution! When fascism comes to America it will be wrapped in a flag and carrying a cross!
- godless1 August 12, 2008 3:57PM
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Oy...
A have a few things...
1) it's actually seperation of state FROM the church, not church and state. There's a big difference in the language there.
2)we have freedom of religious expression, and the state CANNOT infringe upon that as long as the expression is not illegal (human sacrifice, ect).
- sfgiantsfanmike
September 11, 2008 7:21AM
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First Amendment much?
"2)we have freedom of religious expression, and the state CANNOT infringe upon that as long as the expression is not illegal (human sacrifice, ect)."
You're wrong. The state infringes upon freedom of religious acts all the time. Example: Polygamy.
"Protection of religious conscience under this amendment is not absolute when a religious opinion is translated into an act or refusal to act. Gray v. Gulf, M. & O. R. Co., C.A.5 (Ala.) 1970.
Right to hold particular religious belief is absolute, but right to freely exercise a religious belief is not. Faheem-El v. Lane, C.D.Ill.1986.
Freedom to believe or not to believe is absolute; however, freedom to act is not absolute but limited or qualified by power of the state within reasonable limits to protect society pursuant to a compelling state interest. Potter v. Murray City, D.C.Utah 1984.
Free exercise clause of this amendment embraces both freedom to believe and freedom to act according to those beliefs. U.S. v. Kahane, E.D.N.Y.1975." U.S.C.A. Const. Amend. 1
That being said, I disagree with the notion that prayer would be a form of religious oppression if performed by the students in a privatized manner.
- QuinceyQuick
February 18, 2009 9:22PM
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Yep, First Amendment
Actually, state CANNOT infringe upon it, not legally. Any judge who says otherwise is in conflict with the First Amendment which would supersede their judgment.
I know that isn't a popular view these days, but it what the founder put in "stone" when they wrote out the Amendment. The state has NO right to infringe upon religious stuff; in fact, any LAW, judgment, ect that tried to limit religion would be going against this amendment (again, as long as it didn't break another law, ie human sacrifice).
Just because it has happened does not mean those people know how to read plain English or are right.
- sfgiantsfanmike
February 19, 2009 7:12AM
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They can read.
No, the state -can- infringe upon religious -acts-. The establishment clause provides that government shall not establish an official religion. The free exercise clause only seems to cover freedom to hold religious beliefs. Religious -acts-, on the other hand, are subject to state regulation. Laws against polygamy are subject to state regulation because the state claims that polygamy is in direct conflict with its interests. Other acts (like animal sacrifices) also appear to be subject to state regulation.
"If a particular law impedes “religious” activity even indirectly, it violates free exercise clause of this amendment, unless impediment is justified by compelling state interest arising from some substantial threat to public health, safety, peace, or order, and is the least restrictive means for protecting the compelling state interest. Forest Hills Early Learning Center, Inc. v. Lukhard, C.A.4 (Va.) 1984.
State may justify its infringement of religious liberty if it is necessary to accomplish overriding governmental interest. Scott v. Rosenberg, C.A.9. (Cal.) 1983.
If law is not neutral and of general applicability, government may justify its infringement on particular religious practice only by demonstrating that the infringement is narrowly tailored to further a compelling governmental interest. Rader v. Johnston, D.Neb.1996.
In determining whether law violates Free Exercise Clause, if law is not neutral and of general applicability, then law must be justified by compelling governmental interest and must be narrowly tailored to advance that interest. Phelps v. Hamilton, D.Kan.1993." U.S.C.A. Amend. 1
- QuinceyQuick
February 19, 2009 9:59AM
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You need to hit the history books..
This country was based on a protestant religion ..to get away from catholics ...so its a christian country...
- SirFiskerton March 11, 2010 1:09PM
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Whose Prayer should we allow?
We should never allow prayer in public schools, as that would clearly be a violation of the Constitution's seperation of church and state, as the state would be advocating religion.
On a more catastrophic level though, imagine all the Christian families that would be aghast to learn that "prayer in school" actually opened the door to all the pagan religions to "allow" them in to facilitate their prayer. Wiccans, and Buddhists, and Flying Spagetti Monster Worshipers would be equally under the law allowed to pray in Schools and thusly corrupting the little brainwashed fishworshipers too.
'Praps, we should abandon the whole -prayer in school drama -eh?
- Principia1687
August 19, 2008 6:55PM
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You're a comedian...
Though I am slightly amused by your rhetoric concerning kids "praying their little hearts out", I am not convinced your views are notable other than that of being a comedian. My husband and I are both educators--we do not bring our own personal faith into the classroom as this would violate the beliefs and rights of the students. However, I do not believe that children should be exempt from openly expressing themselves in school, be it through prayer or their undying support for evolution . And furthermore, your mockery of that which is a highly time honored and respected tradition in many households, is offensive, to say the very least. I was raised in an agnostic and atheist household. I found Christianity later in life, on my own, after much research and many faith building processes. I have wonderful parents and was not raised in a dysfunctional home. I do not believe that any religious practice should be pushed on children in public schools--but I don't believe religious children should be pushed out of public schools, either. All children, whether they are: Pagan, Native American, Buddhist, Jewish, Atheist, or "Flying Spaghetti Monster Worshipers", etc., should be given the freedoms to express themselves. Not silently--but openly, if they wish. Distracting, some call this...I call bull! It is also distracting, to some, when a student comes dressed in all black with their hair painted purple, too. But, that is what makes this country great--we are exposed to all beliefs and expressions and allowed to express ourselves freely. Let's teach our children to be tolerant and understanding, not to be followers. Why should non-religious families feel threatened by this? I am not threatened by my children learning about evolution, in fact, I embrace the diversity in their lives. Teach your children your beliefs at-home, tell them not to be embarrassed of expressing themselves and to be tolerant and open-minded to all people, regardless of race, religion or socio-economic status. Teach them to follow their hearts and seek out their own truths. And, in the end, if your child wants to pray--possibly for a child that is ill, or a friend who has a parent that has lost his/her job, or a fellow student that is contemplating suicide b/c his parents are going through a divorce--by all means, encourage him or her to pray. Not all kids are taught to pray for selfish things, not all prayers that reach Heaven are for "good grades", possibly, some of the prayers that reach Heaven are for you!? I have spent many years working to preserve my beliefs in a family that doesn't agree with me. I do not force my opinions on them, I do not pray out loud when they join me for a meal at my table, I do not crank up my Christian music when they ride in my car—but, I stand firm in my beliefs and command respect for what I chosen to believe. I will never make fun of them or condemn them for not believing in prayer or God--I expect the very same in return. Please ponder my words.
- dountoothers76
February 11, 2009 12:56PM
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A suggested change in nomenclature
I wish we had more educators like you...
One minor point though: you talk about 'religious children ' but shouldn't we be talking about children of religious parents?
Children are too young to have had an opportunity to develop a carefully thought out religious position and we should be very careful about labelling them with their parent's beliefs. After all, we would never talk about Republican children or Democrat children, or children who are fiscally conservative etc.
- The Celestial Teapot
December 16, 2009 11:47AM
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As if...
As if a kid can't pray at home before and after school...
And before dinner, and bed time, and all day on Saturday, and then Good heavens you've got all day on Sunday to pray yer little hearts out!
By the time Sunday is over, God's just got to have had a belly full of "I want this, I want that, and grant me this and grant us that"
I bet, even God doesn't want prayer school... he needs a break from the mundane and banal. And, if the kid is praying for good grades, God is probably say'n to the kid, "No way kiddo! you didn't study the chapter on Evolution, and it's one of my favorite and greater creations, and I don't award good grades for no effort!" So, you see, prayer won't work anyways.
- Principia1687
August 19, 2008 7:04PM
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dont agree
first praying is not asking good for things like i want a bike i dont want braces its asking god for forgivness. and second catholics dont spend there whole weekend in a church praying its only one hour. one hour out of 48 is not alot. ok so i think giving five minutes up a day during school as prayer time where everyone prays in there heads i think would be ok.
i go to a private catholic school and at school we pray three times it not that much and only takes up like 5 minutes total for the whole day
- jackieknowsbest
October 15, 2009 8:34PM
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Really?
if hes god im pretty sure he can take it...
- SirFiskerton March 11, 2010 1:05PM
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IA misses the question
The question asks whether voluntary, student-led prayer in public schools is permissible. This is clear from both the question and the adjoining description. The Interfaith Alliance responds to this question from the perspective that compulsory, teacher-led prayer is impermissible, but this isn't what the question asks. As evidenced by the responses made by the Rutherford Institute and the IA, both are in agreement that student-led prayer is permissible and teacher-led prayer is, Constitutionally-speaking, impermissible. The responses by the IA should be placed in 'yes' category.
- antistatist
August 21, 2008 8:00PM
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Rutherford Institute misses the controversy
The debate that's happening in the real world is over teacher-led, often compulsory prayer. The Rutherford Institute is defending the easy ground while ignoring what policies people are actually attempting to enact. You could just as easily argue that the Rutherford Institute arguments should be placed in the "No" category if they do not defend the teacher-led prayer that's happening all over the country.
- thoughtcounts Z
September 5, 2008 10:00AM
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A little silly?
Something that was alluded to earlier really needs to be reiterated. This question is a tad silly, because if a student wishes to pray in school, whether it is permitted or not, he/she can! If a student prays silently to themselves, there is no way that anyone would ever know, so the student couldn't possibly be punished. It is my understanding that true religious faith is not dependent on reciting specific words or making showy expressions of faith. Anyone who argues for prayer in school must ask his or herself why it is so important to let everyone know what God he/she believes in by making a production out of their relationship with that God. Like it or not, this country is composed of a wide variety of religious beliefs, and especially when children are involved, we need to be mindful of the possibility that others may not be comfortable with our own.
- roy1167
September 4, 2008 1:07AM
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Free Society or Not
The answer to whether or not prayer ought to be allowed in schools is an emphatic yes. The answer to whether or not prayer ought to be compulsory in our schools is an emphatic no. There are abundant irrational disagreements but, freedom to worship is also and necessarily freedom not to worship. We agree that one ought to be free to exercise one's individual rights, or we do not. There is no half measure here.
Individual rights are undeniable. Liberty comes with only one condition - you receive the liberty you grant to others, you are denied the liberty you deny to others.
As I understand it, public schools are provided to serve all students equally. Those who wish to pray must be free to do so - provided they do it with respect for those who do not. Those who do not wish to pray also must be free to abstain - provided they do so with respect for those who do. What religion one practices and how one practices it - provided one shows respect toward others in the process - is outside the authority of schools ... and outside the authority of government, hence, separation of church and state.
- Naumadd
September 7, 2008 3:36AM
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Bumper sticker
As the ol' bumper sticker says: If you don't pray in my school I won't think in your church.
- MrPogle
September 11, 2008 8:21PM
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Prayer has always been allowed ...
Prayer has always been allowed; as long as it's private (See Matt 6:6 -- "... when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.")
And group prayers? As long as they are voluntary (really voluntary) and not disruptive, then they are as innocent as a group discussion about sports.
The question is should schools sponsor prayer? No. That violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.
- sean s
September 24, 2008 12:23PM
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Freedom of Religion
Throughout the history of the United States of America, we have lived life the way we wish, without people telling us how we should or should not live, for this is a “free country.” We have freedom of religion, something that should not be denied or taken for granted. Having traveled to many nations throughout the world, and seeing and hearing about the ways religion affect a society, I think it is important to be thankful for the freedom of religion that we have here within the United States.
Personally, I think that prayer in public schools should be completely allowed. I believe that regardless if you are Muslim, Christian, or any other religion, if people feel inclined or led to pray then great. I don’t think people should feel forced to participate in these, and that if they don’t want a part in it, than don’t participate. However, if prayer is going on and someone is opposing it, respect becomes a factor and people need to learn to respect others regardless if they agree or disagree with what is going on.
Honestly, if there are non-religious people leading the prayers, then I don’t think the purpose of prayer is being walked out, and I think its hypocritical and gives a bad name to whichever religion is being exalted/demonstrated.
However, I think denying students the freedom to express their spirituality is wrong and unconstitutional. I am not saying that everyone should have to partake in the prayer meetings, or moments of silent, but at least if there are these events happening, people, regardless of what religion, should respect the other people participating in religious activity. Offense is a choice a person takes, as a result of a contradicting feeling or opinion of someone else. It has to do with insecurity and pride. The question becomes do students in public schools today have enough respect for themselves? When they don’t respect themselves, how do we expect students to respect those around them?
Prayer in school is freedom. Are we a country that allows its citizens to walk as freed people?
- maggiejeanne85
October 7, 2008 11:13AM
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Either there is Religious Freedom or there is not!
Hello,
I constantly hear and read the cliches ( no offense ), "I am not ______, but I don't the ______ should do _______.". Give me a break! Either there is Religious Freedom or there is not. "How long will you waiver between two opinions?" All or Nothing people, there cannot be middle ground. Why? Well, duh, it is this simple: Religion is a structure of beliefs that influence everything you do, think, and say. It by definition must be NUMERO UNO in all areas of life. Saying a student or a teacher can't pray is a OBVIOUS VIOLATION OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM! WAKE UP AMERICA, PLEASE!
Thanks,
Michael Byrd
- archfilejockey
October 10, 2008 11:57PM
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Ironic
The bible says to pray in private. It also says to not use God's name in vain. It's ironic that it is viewed as anti-christian to not want prayer at school and in public venues, to not want "In God We Trust" on our money, and to not want "One nation under God" in the pledge of allegiance because we really haven't earned that claim. Funny I really could care less if people are offended by these things, but I am quite concerned that God might be. As far as prayer in school, I think a moment of silence to allow a private prayer of any type for anyone who wishes to give such is most appropiate.
- Russell
October 11, 2008 8:19PM
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Religious Freedom
I do not consider myself to be a religious person. However, I do believe that it is important to provide a safe haven for people to express themselves. As long as prayer is not being forced upon others I feel perfectly comfortable with allowing prayer in schools .
The separation of church and state are very real and should be practiced accordingly. But, this separation may indeed cause schools to shy away from allowing students to express themselves, which is a travesty.
I am a firm believer in the freedom to choose. If student would like to gather and conduct a prayer so be it. If students would not like to take part in the prayer so be it. The key here is to allow a place where the students conducting the prayer would not interfere with the rights of other students to not be involved in the prayer.
Tolerance is tolerance. It transcends communities, religions, and backgrounds. It should not be forgotten and the freedoms which make the U.S. into the great nation that it is should not be deluded in order to pave an ill formed path to other freedoms. The fact is that every freedom and every right is interconnected. The only way to truly visualize the branches which connect is to consider the larger issue. In this case, the larger issue is the freedom of religion.
Public schools or not, people have the right to religious freedom.
Forced prayer is a completely different issue.
- homeofthefree
December 2, 2008 9:40PM
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Group? No. Individual? Yes.
Public schools are not there so kids can get together and sing songs and pray about how much they love god... just so other people know how much they love god. If a student needs to pray, a student can pray. All that student has to do is close her eyes and presto-chango! She's praying. Just because a Muslim student is in school doesn't mean she can't pray at the times her religion mandates her to pray. It just means that schools can not - and should not create specific times for students to pray. That would be taking away from the individual rights.
Moments of silence are fine. What's a moment of silence but just that? Silence.
Students leading prayers before games forces students who don't believe in that religions to not only hear about it, but it loses focus on what the students are there for. Again... if a student wants to pray, a student can pray.
- SocialistBetty
January 11, 2009 7:02PM
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yes.
Of course prayer should be allowed in public schools, as long as the students and/or teachers are respecting the people around them. Even if the school decides to ban prayer, they cannot really stop the person from praying. They can stop group prayers and prayer meetings and things, but prayer can be done without anyone knowing. At any school that I have been to, no one is forced to pray. There are special lunch meetings or meetings before school for anyone who would like to attend. Prayer is optional for everyone, but it should definitely be allowed.
- kcesarski
January 25, 2009 9:04PM
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definately..
As a student, i think schools should definately support prayer in schools . No amount of teachers and staff can keep students from throwing up a prayer before class or a test or before they eat lunch. As far as a moment of silence during homeroom, I say why not?. Children who don't want to pray don't have to, and those who do can have their concentration to do so. A moment of silence doesnt require students or teachers to pray; Prayer isnt even mentioned in the words, so why make a big deal of it?. I fully understand nonbelievers or nonreligious people who dont pray, but their moment of silence can be used for relaxation or even sleep if they want.
- riley January 25, 2009 9:45PM
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Opinion
Prayer should be allowed as long as the students are not forced into doing so. If the student should choose to pray in the school then they shouldnt be repremanded for it. It is wronge to punish a person for their personal beleifs. And on the other side of the spectrum you have all the non-beleivers who would choose not to pray, they shoudnt feel like outcasts because others are praying and they arnt. Students should be aloud to practice thier religous beleife, or lack there of, and not feel like they will get into trouble.
- Diah Rei
February 9, 2009 5:50PM
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Why not?
Why can't we have a moment of silence? I can see disallowing vocal prayer. A school is a public institution. It might offend some people. But, say a classmate has died. Would a moment of silence be out of order? And during a moment of silence, cannot some students pray and others reflect?
- nonplus22
February 11, 2009 11:41AM
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how can you stop it?
As long as there are cute girls in school; and boys to notice them - there WILL be prayer in schools !
Some people pray out loud; some silently; some facing a direction; others with a chant. The real question is if prayer is allowed in school; will people other than Christians: be able to practice it?
- Elfking
February 18, 2009 5:48PM
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Prayer in public schools?
Prayers, wishes, hopes to a god or generic spiritual theme are OK if there is no dogma attached
Can we stop people from wishing, or hoping,? or is it just God the problem?
In the big picture of a FREE SOCIETY --it requires a God concept,a developing conscience and a general plan to enhance and ennoble society; otherwise we must fall under some kind of oppressive control, Note that Godless Russia survived only with ruthless oppression.
My personal thought is, we must start building a God , virtue, and idealism into our society as did our forefathers, Agnostics, atheists,should appreciate the societal value.
- WISDOM SEARCH
March 1, 2009 8:35PM
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different types
I don't believe that anyone is saying that students shouldn't be allowed to pray in school... in the form of an individual saying grace over lunch or before the start of a test...
The issue is with official prayers read over the loudspeaker or otherwise directly sanctioned by school authorities.
- MrBook
May 12, 2009 6:25AM
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No prayer in public schools
The role of ALL schools should be to teach things that work.
It should be clear by now to everyone that prayer does not work:
- if you pray and what you pray for happens, you say thanks to that god (out of the thousands mankind has invented) that you pray for, ignoring the fact that whatever you wanted to happen might have happened anyway
- if you pray and what you pray for does not happen, you explain that away by saying that (a) you did not deserver it, (b) you did not pray hard enough, (c) the god you are praying to was too busy with other things, (d) the god you pray for is making you suffer because he/she/it has a special plan for your suffering, (e) ... but you never conclude that there is no one listening
Schools are about learning what works. We learn chemistry instead of alchemy and astronomy instead of astrology. So let's stop indoctrinating our children about anything supernatural.
However, all children in the world should - from a young age - learn about all religions of the world, not to teach them about god (gods) but to illustrate how mankind in its early history thought about life and the universe and how different cultures invented different explanations from their perspective that is now completely superseded by scientific discovery.
Time to grow up in our wonderful world that needs no supernatural explanation for anything. The things we already know are well explained by science. What about the things we cannot explain yet? WE ARE WORKING ON IT is a perfect explanation.
- gma
March 11, 2009 11:05AM
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Teaching religion to children is wrong.
Children do not have the intellectual capacity to critically evaluate religious dogma. Teaching religion to children who are not capable of critical thought, should be considered a form of child abuse.
Children believe in magic because they have not been educated enough to know when they are being deceived. Santa Clause can visit everyone's house on Christmas Eve! The Easter Bunny left you chocolate in the back yard! If you catch a Leprechaun, you will get his pot of gold!
The tooth fairy left you free money!
Eventually, the parents come clean on their deceptions on all of these topics except god. The unfortunate side effect, is that as these children grow into adults that cannot unlearn the myths taught to them in Sunday school, and sit on the state board of education in many states.
Is the Earth 14 Billion years old? or 6000? God placed fossils on the Earth just to fool the archeologists into believing in evolution . That Jesus! What a kidder! And god has to spend most of his time red-shifting light from every light source in the universe, just so that our astronomers believe that the universe is 14 Billion years old, rather than 6000. Whew! No wonder he has to rest every Sunday.
So, now we have to seriously debate folks who believe in the literal version of their holy books (because the book says that everything in the book is true!). They will discount and distort easily observed facts, so that their belief system is unchallenged.
Our country needs more people trained in math and science, and yet the education system has to tip-toe around organized religion, and the dogma contained in ancient holy books.
The good news is, the American Religious Identification Survey (2008) indicates more Americans are reaching this conclusion, and freeing themselves from organized religion. It is my hope that the trend away from churches will accelerate. But we must stop the indoctrination process that young children are forced into.
- silver66gt
March 20, 2009 2:17PM
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on a limited basis
I believe that if a person should want pray in a manner that does not offend others then yes. However I believe that prayer should not be mandatory or even initiated by public schools or groups in side public schools.
- Serothis
March 25, 2009 9:54AM
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PRAYER ALWAYS
I am a Christian and as a christian I would love to see prayer in the public schools.
But!I am a American with freedoms.And as a American I would never set and let any one take my freedoms away.with that said.
If a student whats to pray let him pray in silence.We can not take way your freedoms any more.
As a christain I know there is a pride thing with some.
But we can not push your religion on people.
Let the love of JESUS show in YOU!!JESUS SAVE!!!RELIGION KILLS!!! AND USA IS THE BEST COUNTRY IN THIS WORLD!!
- zman
May 24, 2009 9:57PM
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Try to stop people from praying, I dare you
The government is not allowed to make any laws regarding religion , neither prohibiting it nor promoting it, due to the First Amendment. There will always be prayer in school, or anywhere else people are gathered. The problem is teacher-directed prayer or "moments of silence". These are wrong. If students or anyone else wish to pray on their own, they must be allowed to do so. But, when the "leader" in the class suggests a prayer or moment of silence, children may feel pressured to go along against their will, and in violation of their rights.
The real foundational issue is that "public schools" are unconstitutional and financed through theft ("taxation"), which causes them to embrace and promote socialism. They MUST be eliminated completely. Education is much too important to leave to the bumbling socialistic fools of government.
- KentMcManigal May 29, 2009 8:07PM
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Limit
I mean theirs a limit but a student-led Lord's Prayer acceptable before the big game on Friday night is voluntary you don't have to pray, and a two-minute "moment of silence" during home room dosen't even have to BE for prayer . The moment of silence could be for those serving your Country, and those who have passed.
- Dylandts
August 21, 2009 9:09PM
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Believe it or not...
...despite fervent claims to the contrary by the so-called "Evangelical Christians ," not only was the United States NOT founded as Judeo-Christian principles, many of the Founding Fathers were not even even Christians at themselves. To wit:
http://nobeliefs.com/Tripoli.htm
http://www.thenation.com/doc/20050221/allen/single
http://www.cybercollege.com/fog25.htm
The First Amendment to the United States Constitution establishes, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion , or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech , or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances...” thereby prohibiting the establishment of any religion at all in America.
.
Even today surveys show that as a nation, the United States is becoming less Christian:
http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-197877844.html
http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/wayoflife/03/09/us.religion .less.christian/index.html
At minimum, the issue of prayer in public schools is in complete contradiction to the principles upon which this country was founded.
- JCSAtx71
December 3, 2009 10:03AM
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They cant stop you
Pray any where and any time They cant stop you.Life is awesome with Jesus!
- countryboy
February 11, 2010 8:59PM
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A time and a place...
There is a time and a place for everything, including religion . Public School is not the place for religion, unless we are doing a Comparative Religions course, in which all views are examined. Prayer is something that needs to be and should be taught in the home, by parents. If you want children to pray at school , there are plenty of Catholic and other private schools available. Otherwise, any discussion of religion should be strictly technical.
- K in Newfoundland
February 16, 2010 6:49PM
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Yes, prayers Should be allowed
If prayer is not allowed in schools
- Bella7926 March 2, 2010 4:32PM
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