Hey Guys!
I was wondering about how yall thought about prayers in school. this topic is very important to me, and i would love some other's opinions on it! please, everyone, reply with your thoughts!
thanks so much!

NeedKarma

Christian prayer is ok..in a christian school.

kellyH

why do you think so?

NeedKarma

People can celebrate their religion in schools that are devoted to followers of that religion. Public schools are for everyone, all races and religions, so it isn't right to select one religion to celebrate when you know that the atudents are from either several differnets religions or practice no religion.

What do YOU think?

kellyH

..I think that all religions are welcome in public schools, because they should be able to have a voice and be heard. this is america, and its what its about.
if students who dont believe in christianity dont like the fact that there is prayer, then they dont HAVE to pray with them. they can ignore it.

NeedKarma

Actually you're wrong on all counts there but this debate has been done to death. Read more here: The Case Against School Prayer

kindj

I personally vote for the "moment of silence." Those who wish to pray (silently, and in accordance with their own faith) may, and those that don't----well, a "moment" isn't TOO long to be quiet and respect others.

kellyH

well, thanks. i wanted opinions, and that includes opposing ones. i would like some thoughts on prayer and why it should be allowed....

kindj

I can play both sides of this one, but since you asked for reasons it should be allowed...

1. The Establishment Clause of the 1st Amendment. All one has to do is read the Federalist Papers (assuming one has read the Constitution) to get a very good feel for that oft-debated "Founders' Intent." It seems to me to be rather clear that the founders were absolutely dead-set against the central government (the feds) mandating any specific religion/denomination. I do NOT see public schools allowing prayer as being an endorsement by the central government of any specific religion. If anything, it's only an endorsement by that school, or that principal, or that teacher.

2. Freedom of expression/speech. If I want to pray before I start my classes, who's to say I can't? In fact, by saying I can't, isn't that a very real breach of my freedom of religion as well as my freedom of speech?

Really, though, I don't get that hung up on this issue. The way I see it, my God doesn't need Washington's approval to exist. He doesn't need for the Department of Education, the various state boards of education, the superintendents, the principals, the teachers, or the PTA to acknowledge Him for Him to exist. He's big enough that if they want to kick Him out, they can--but as soon as one child or teacher calls on Him (silently or aloud), He will be there.

I personally worry a whole lot more about those who are trying to force religion out of schools than those of us who practice our faith. Like the song says, "My judge will judge us all one day," and I fear for those people at that time.

NeedKarma

"Praying in school is not against the law. In fact, the U.S. Constitution guarantees students the right to pray in public schools; it is a protected form of free speech. A student can pray on the school bus, in the corridors, in the cafeteria, in their student-run Bible club, at the flagpole, sports stadium, and elsewhere on school grounds. They can even pray silently before and after class in the classroom. They are not allowed to pray solely Christian prayers as an organized part of the school schedule. However, they may be able to hear or read prayers from a variety of religious traditions and inspiring statements from secular sources. Prayers cannot solely be from a single religious faith group."

Bold added by me. Read more here: How to have prayers in public schools -- legally