What do you think about prayer in school? When I was in school, there was a "moment of silent meditation" every morning with the announcements. Even though I'm a Christian, I don't recall ever using that minute to pray. However, I did savor the moment of quiet, a rare moment in school. Over the years, there has been a big issue about what should and should not be allowed in school. In most middle and high schools, the students are allowed to participate in faith-based groups either before or after school. The guiding principle has been that it's student-led, not teacher-led. In other words, students are allowed their rights to free speech, peaceable assembly, and freedom of religion and no teacher is forcing their own views on them. In reality, it's usually a Christian teacher, the group is "Fellowship of Christian Athletes" (which is for everyone, no longer just athletes) so it's freedom of religion if you happen to be Christian. But being outside of school hours, other kids were not forced to attend.
Somewhere along the line, prayers were eliminated at public events such as football games and graduation ceremonies. Advocates for prayer have decried this as interfering with their rights and leading to moral decline. Opponents argued that being forced to hear a prayer interfered with their rights to not have religion, taking the "government shall not support a religion" to it's limit.
The state of Mississippi recently passed a law that allows school prayers as a part of the morning announcements, at football games, and at graduations. This law was supported by many large Christian churches in the state.
How are you feeling now? positive? negative?
While I understand their point of view, surprisingly (to some) I don't support it. Sure, I think it's fine to pray before a football game. They used to do that, praying for sportsmanship, safety, and other nice things... even though I wouldn't be surprised if there were a few other prayers..."Hey God, about that score..." as if God cares who wins the games. But who is to say WHAT prayers should be said? What about the week that a Catholic child prays in the small town where the majority of the population goes to either the Baptist or Methodist Church? They'll be okay with a prayer mentioning Mary? Or what about the week that a Buddhist child prays? the Muslim child? Will people join them in prayer? What about when the Atheist gets up to share a few words? We're still "okay," right? Freedom of religion is freedom for all?
A year or so ago, a locate magistrate got a law passed in her community
(I believe it was in Tennessee? perhaps in Arkansas) that allowed
parents to get a stipend from the government to help pay for their
children's private religious school education. It is basically modeled
after the school choice issue. Her reasoning was that parents paid
school taxes for public school but didn't get any return on that. It was
assumed that all of the funds from the city would go to the only local Christian School which just happened to be operated by her church.
Imagine her surprise when a Muslim family sent in the paperwork for the funding to go to their Islamic School! She even denied the request and tried to fight it when they protested. Of course, the ACLU got involved, and while I don't often agree with them, this woman was in the wrong.
Yes, I definitely believe in and practice praying. It's important to me. However, just as I expect people to respect this, I also respect their views. Some claim that this lack of public prayers is leading to the moral decline of the country. Are you kidding me? Since when is it the public school's duty to guide the moral development of students? Obviously, as more and more responsibilities are piled on, from dealing with bullying, drug use, homelessness, and other social ills in the classroom - things such as morality should be taught at home. If you don't think students have the "right" morals, then talk to their parents.
As far as I'm concerned, I do NOT want religion taught in public school, other than a neutral, "this is what this group believes" comparison. That kind of study is interesting and is a part of learning about other cultures. Most families do not want their children taught a religion other than the one taught at home. A Buddhist student should not have a Muslim teacher telling him he's wrong. A Christian student shouldn't be told by an Atheist that there is no God. THAT is why religion should be taught at home. If it's not important enough to the parents to teach them, then the school surely shouldn't do it.
There are religious and free speech rights. Occasionally, these rights get tangled. Somewhere along the line, common sense, respect, and tolerance need to come to the surface! Your thoughts?
article about the Mississippi law
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