Should School Prayer Be Allowed In Schools?
YES
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NO
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They did that at my school. It was bullshit. Just a blatant attempt to make school an extension of the church. I never said anything because over 95% of the school was Christian and I didn't want to stand in the middle of a shitstorm. They said the other 5%, "doesn't need to participate". Right, we have the option to become a social pariah. They also didn't teach human evolution in Biology. Keep your faith out of my government funded institutions. Side: No
That's a very good point. My experience here in Irving was different because it's so diverse. I figured that if it was optional there could be other religious prayers for people of other religions. But in the setting of a 5% vs 95% ratio it's not exactly fair. That would suck. So you're right. The more I think about it, the more I see how complicated it could be. The less 'shitstormes' the better. Side: No
That brought back so many memories. In my school it was probably 98-99%! So big was the pressure that the 1-2 Muslim kids would cross themselves and pray "Our Father who art in heaven", just to avoid the isolation and the shitstorm! But they would never tell their parents. The more I think of it the more sad I feel for them. Sad and angry at the school for creating this segregation. School prayer, at least the one I experienced, where the entire school stands in rows outside and says a Christian pray in unison, is a practice that is designed for the purpose of subtly yet forcefully integrating all pupils into the one religion. It wasn't real prayer. It was a facade. We all did it because we had to, not because we wanted to. When I really wanted to pray, I would do it at home, before I set off for school. I completely agree with lawnman on the other side. And it's not just Christians. I don't know of any religion that condones public prayer of this kind. These kids didn't choose to get together to pray. As a matter of fact it does more harm to the religion than it does good. Because quite a few of my friends stopped praying and going to church altogether as soon as school was finished. I guess it was their way of "avenging" the system for making them do it instead of allowing them to seek it themselves. Side: No
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Prayer should never be a requirement in schools. However, you should never remove someone's right to worship. That goes against every principle America stands for. Should we also remove the American pledge...Then any discussion of those silly holidays like "Halloween" or "Christmas"...Why stop with prayer...If you want a school to be completely removed from culture, isolate it. Alienate it. Allow no presence or influence of the outside world. Religious freedom also means religious tolerance. If a child wishes to pray, let them pray. If a teacher, a principal, any faculty member wishes to pray, let him do so. As a Christian, I would allow a Muslim or any other religion to practice that religion without a word of protest. I have the right to practice my religion, regardless of the location. No one is given the freedom from being offended. It simply isn't possible. Live and let live. Side: yes
it depends on what you mean. school praying as in every one hums a chant to gather? or a silent time devoted to where every one can pray in their heads? i have to know if your talking about forced or allowed. but i assume allowed. i see no problem, and as the con writer wrote, your supposed to pray quietly and peacefully to God, the Pharisees in Jerusalem would chant and scream and buckle on their knees and yell "O God!" to purposely get attention so people would fell bad about their weak devotion. that is of course wrong and the Pharisees were indeed hypocrites, but don't get them confused with the regular Christan who likes to pray in school for some one or something because you are incorrect to say they are hypocritical. for Jesus meant those who acted self righteous, not those who came to God honestly for communion or help. Side: yes
What is school prayer? If it is a teacher led prayer session involving the entire, or part of the class and only one religion? Hells NO! For many of the same reasons listed above. If it is a single child praying as a result of his own faith. Heck yeah. However, I believe that knowledge of other peoples, faiths, and cultures is the key to defeating hate and discrimination. So if a teacher would like to conduct a lesson wherein every (within reason) religion and their preferred method of prayer is discussed, and even demonstrated, then I would advocate for that. For many reasons, this would be beneficial to children and society. Prayer, of all kinds, is a beautiful thing to watch and listen to. And by breeding a level of respect in children for other religions, we can cut down on hate crimes substantially. Side: yes
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This Country Was Suppose To Be FREE and We Are ONE nation Under GOD! And i think We should be Able to pray in the mornin .. my school which is public we pray in the mornin in a circle for the day and people.. And we did have a Boy who Was muslim And he Got Saved And His Whole Family Did Too!!!! And if someone who may have troubles in there life ask my friends and I to pray for them and we start praying for them ....What's wrong with that ... how are we offending Anyone ?? i mean its not like we are screaming in someones face that their religion is wrong... if you dont wanna pray with the us you dont have to.... AND If You really Wanna To But A lable on Me Just put "JESUS FREAK" Cause I LOVE JESUS!!! Side: yes
School Prayer? If you mean a regulated interval dedicated to prayer, than no. But if you just mean someone's right to free speech and freedom of practice, than yes. A student has the right to pray when ever they want where ever they want. This is America, land of the free. Plus, you have to consider how many times a student does pray in school. Maybe before a test or on Friday when a school game is going to come up. you can't really just eliminate prayer. And if you want to say (in their heads) than you're once again eliminating the right to free speech. Public Sector does not mean "Constitutional rights do not apply". If anything, the Public Sector is the ONLY place where Constitutional Rights can not be infringed upon. In a private sector, the rights you are given are determined by the owner of that private sector. In a public sector, the rights are "God" given (Constitutional). Side: yes
Yes school prayer should be allowed in schools! im christian, i pray all the time at school, there are also a considerable amount of other religions at my school and they are free to pray as well. I think think that the prayer of other faiths shouldnt have an afffect on the faith of someone else because if you truly beleive in your religion than you wouldnt be foolish enough to let a simple parayer inturpt you and your god/s. Side: yes
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there is no good reason why prayer shouldn't be allowed in school you should definatly be allowed to because if yo are christian that means that 5/7 days a week you can't pray, imagine that! you obviously be allowed to pray in school but wether you should have to is another matter........................... Side: yes
Certainly, there are many existing Christian schools that also teach theology and creationism. A government mandate should not be able to prevent these schools from practicing what all students attending support and engage in. As for non-Christian schools, there is no reason for them to have a school prayer in the first place. Side: yes
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Except for what can be equated to only the must fundamental form of persecution, there is no reason why the right to worship and pray should be barred in schools. Should public schools have students pray as a class? As a Christian, I can honestly say no at this point in American history because, from an insider perspective this is forcing one's faith unto others and that, in my most deeply experiential opinion on this matter, drives people away in droves. As an American, I can say that it infringes on a person's equally important right to NOT worship (even that is, in my opinion, God-given). Times of prayer should be allowed to individuals or groups of students (or staff, for that matter) for freedom's sake, forcible participation should be discouraged for the sake of my savior's kingdom. To bar those rights is nothing short of persecution. Side: yes
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Today it seems people choose to abide by no faith. The fools and incompetent attitude toward religion is beginning to devour the world. And slowly but surly,people will abandon it completely. Schools have one objective... to bestow as much knowledge and understanding on all its students as possible. How is it supposed to succeed in this task without involving something with deep symbolic meaning and a method of obtaining inner piece. Prayer should be allowed in all places, and to all who disagree, you are simply very narrow minded and unable to accept other people's culture. When people talk about gays or blacks, people today shun the idea of them not being allowed in society. Yet when people talk about something that has been around and accepted in the world long before gays and blacks were, they almost immediately dismiss it. With all due respect, what the hell is the matter with you people... Side: yes
It should not be prohibited to pray in the schools. We should not make everyone Pray. On the other hand we should allow the students who want to pray to do as they wish. There should be some limitations on them.Students who worship will not be allowed to miss classes, or have their worship as an excuse. But basically, I support this idea because everyone has their own choice and should be free to make them. Side: yes
i think that anyone who has a problem with it just just shut the hell up about it and leave the subject alone, our country was created origionaly for one reason, religious freedom and when the government says that we cant bring bibles to school i say bull shit. they are taking our rights away and were ok with it but once they touch religion it stops there. praying in school is good. christianity is the true religion and budism and greek and muslim is all fake drunk dude stories passed down through generations. theyll be the ones to see the devil. i wont be meeting them anytime soon. Side: YES
Should Prayer Be Allowed in School? On Election Day, I stood in line at an elementary school to exercise the wonderful privilege of voting in our American democracy. As I stood there, I was contemplating my assignment - to write an article entitled: "Should Prayer Be Allowed in School?" Our right to vote and our right to religious freedom are the two things that set Americans apart from much of the rest of the world. I began musing on the strange similarities involved in these seemingly disparate issues. First, not all Americans avail themselves of these rights. Of the 198 million Americans who were old enough to vote in 2000, only 123 million (62%) registered. Of those who registered, 102 million actually voted (83%). So, a little more than half the eligible Americans cared enough to participate in our democratic process. A recent poll in Psychology Today shows that 80% of American men and 92% of American women pray, at least occasionally. So, isn't it a little odd that American citizens who would shout from the rooftops if they were denied the right to vote don't seem to have a problem with government attempts to deny their right to pray - at least in schools? Another similarity between voting and praying - many people who participate in these activities worry that they won't really have an impact. Voters often fear their votes won't count for anything, and the faithful worry that their prayers won't change anything. I wonder whether we aren't looking at these rights in the wrong light. Prayer isn't really about changing God. He is all-powerful and all-knowing. If we could change Him to see things our way, we would be silly to do it. Prayer is really a way to change ourselves so that we conform to God's will. I wonder whether voting isn't similar. Aren't we a little more likely to care about our government when we participate in it? Don't we understand the issues better when we have opinions on them? We've heard a lot about prayer being banned in schools. What actually happened in some schools is the practice of praying out loud during assemblies or graduations was banned. Many of the Christians who found that objectionable might want to look at their Bibles: "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you (Matthew 6:5-6). We are told in the Bible to pray constantly, but not always aloud. We are to pray for others and to go out and make disciples. But we are not told to force our Christianity on anyone. So my conclusion is, yes, we should allow prayer in schools. But it isn't necessary to pray aloud and it isn't necessary to prevent non-Christians from praying their own silent prayers. Let's not forget that God is in charge. He knows us, He knows what we need. He even knows the outcome of our elections in advance. Without Him, well, we wouldn't have a prayer. so why not? Side: YES
The questions asks if prayer should be allowed in Schools.. to answer the question the appropriate answer has to be yes. Its the same reason the dollar bill says "In God we Trust" You're gonna trust in a God who you very kids shouldn't communicate to. Do you not see a very clear an evident plan? What do you mean should prayer be allowed in schools by extension you are asking " Should children be allowed to communicate with the one who created them?" Why don't you ask the question, "Should children be allowed to take to their parents?" Why does it take a 17 year old boy to tell you that you're asking an obvious question. Side: YES
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Not only should the prayers of Christian disciples be not heard in schools, they should not be heard in a non-private setting. These include: Schools, Churches, Synagogues, Television, street corners and every place that is not private. Saith who: And when thou prayest, thou shall not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily, I say unto you, they have their reward. But thou, 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.-Jesus Christ (Mathew 6:5-6 KJV) Now, Jesus Christ, the lord of Christianity, is not suggesting his disciples ought to pray in private. He commands that they pray in private. So, is it not curious that Christians seem to be the most vocal about prayer in school, but yet the Lord of their faith has commanded them to go into a closet and shut the door when they pray? Whose ‘will’ be done on Earth as it is in heaven? Side: No
Are we supposed to let the bible dictate public school policy, now? The question is whether "school prayer" (a curiously ambiguous term) should be allowed in schools, not whether Christians should pray in schools. To answer the question: If "school prayer" is meant to be individual prayer that doesn't interrupt the normal flow of courses (ie, students aren't gathering in the back to pray instead of paying attention in class), then I don't think the school should have the authority to prevent it. If "school prayer" is meant to be school-sponsored prayer, or mandatory prayer, then it should certainly not be allowed. In short, schools should not dictate or interfere with the religious practice to their students, save when that practice directly conflicts with educational activities. Side: yes
Are we supposed to let the bible dictate public school policy, now? Red-herring question! My argument doesn’t assert the bible is an authority to affect the policy of public schools. My argument is predicated upon the expected behavior of Christians as taught in the bible. Are you suggesting that public school policy should dictate Christian behavior regarding prayer? Would it bother you if Christians refused to pray in school? The question is whether "school prayer" (a curiously ambiguous term) should be allowed in schools, not whether Christians should pray in schools. I adeptly avoided the problem that has ensnared you. I did not speak as though I am the Lord of a religion, and because of such I will not dictate to any person where, when, why, and in what manner people shall pray to their gods!!!!!!! But, if you feel as though that you are a lord of religion and the authority rests upon you to dictate to the believers in god when, where, and how they shall pray to their gods, then knock yourself out. However, I attested to the words of the Lord of the Christian faith and his position on public prayer. Who am I to feign authority to determine when and where another person should and should not pray? I indeed answered the question of this debate, and I went so far to establish a religious objective. If "school prayer" is meant to be individual prayer that doesn't interrupt the normal flow of courses (ie, students aren't gathering in the back to pray instead of paying attention in class), then I don't think the school should have the authority to prevent it. If "school prayer" is meant to be school-sponsored prayer, or mandatory prayer, then it should certainly not be allowed. In short, schools should not dictate or interfere with the religious practice to their students, save when that practice directly conflicts with educational activities From whom have you derived the just authority to determine the place of prayer of 300+religions? (Don’t think I am attacking you.) Side: No
The question is whether "school prayer" (a curiously ambiguous term) should be allowed in schools School prayer is and always has been allowed, it has never been disallowed. What is not allowed is school SPONSORED prayer, that is to say that teachers cannot ask children to pray. Children are allowed to pray on their own if they so choose, but the school cannot enforce it. Side: No
"Now, Jesus Christ, the lord of Christianity, is not suggesting his disciples ought to pray in private. He commands that they pray in private" If you notice, Jesus exposed the motive behind the religious leaders' public prayer, "And when thou prayest, thou shall not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men". The motive was the heart of the matter not the act of prayer itself. That is, it was not directed to God, but for people to see them. Secondly, Jesus would not have denounced public prayer for the following reasons: 1. Jesus Himself prayed publicly: (Luke 10:21, 22; John 11:41, 42) If it was public prayer being denounced, He would have being confronted for the very same act. 2. Standing in the synagogues was the usual manner: (Mark 11:25) Therefore, it was not the hour of prayer that Jesus condemned, (its usual manner: standing in the synagogue), but the wrong motive. Side: yes
I am more than willing to counter your argument. But, before I do, would you care to take an opportunity to reconsider your argument as a refutation and a negation of my argument? For I can immediately use every verse you submitted as evidence to validate my argument. Consider this invitation as an act of mercy. (I am granting you an opportunity to correct yourself before I am compelled to shine a light upon the errors of your assertions.) Side: No
OK, on one hand, I agree with you that prayer is a private thing that should not be anywhere near entering public environments. However, with what you put about your Jesus friend, HOW THE FUCK IS A SYNAGAGUE A PUBLIC PLACE?! SAYING THAT IT IS A PUBLIC PLACE AND THAT WE ARE HYPOCRITES FOR PRAYING IN OUR OWN HOLY STRUCTURE IS WORSE THAN ANY OTHER INSULT AND HYPOCRITICAL ACT YOU FUCKING CHRISTIANS COULD EVERY HAVE DONE, EVER! Side: No
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You are taking that verse and trying to make it mean something else. What Jesus was trying to teach us hear is that where we pray or how long we pray doesn't matter. What matters is that we are truly worshiping Him. Now as for the people who pray at school, They aren't breaking Jesus' command. In fact Jesus NEVER commands his disciples to pray in private. All He was saying was that people need to be praying for the right reasons. No Christian should go out in front of people and pray just to look good. But if they do pray out loud in public they need to be sincere about it; they need to be praying for a reason. All this to say that you need to study your Bible and understand it before you make false observations about it. Also if you know your history, you would see that this country was founded on Christian principles. Some people say that our forefathers wern't Christians but that is one of the most rediculous things I have ever heard. And although they were strong Christians and had every right to make this nation strictly Christian (which it should be), they decided to give people freedom of religion. So those kids have every right to pray in school even if they aren't Christians (Though they will eventually be judged by God). Side: yes
Also if you know your history, you would see that this country was founded on Christian principles. TREATY OF TRIPOLI; Article XI "As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion..." ~January 3, 1797 Submitted by John Adams to the U.S. senate which was later passed unanimously. Some people say that our forefathers wern't Christians Some were, some weren't. Benjamin Franklin was a Deist Alexander Hamilton was Christian Thomas Paine was a Deist Ethan Allen was a Deist James Monroe was a Deist Thomas Jefferson was a Unitarian (with a deistic leaning) George Washington was Christian John Adams was a Unitarian (with Christian leaning) John Quincy Adams was a Unitarian John Jay was Christian James Madison- unknown (didn't talk about religion) had every right to make this nation strictly Christian (which it should be) No, it shouldn't. Europe for over a thousands years was soaked in blood from religious differences. Theocracy and freedom are incompatible. So those kids have every right to pray in school This has always been the case. Kids have never been disallowed from praying. What is disallowed is school sponsored prayer. Teachers cannot ask or encourage the children to pray, they must do it on their own if they do it at all. Side: NO
Which prayer? Should it only be christian prayer? Or maybe the school should alternate between christian, jewish, muslim, hindu, animist, mormon, buddist, and scientologist prayers? Or, alternatively, we can decide to spend our tax dollars only on things that won't make people think the government is sending them to hell. Side: No
The more I think about it the more I don't like the idea of praying with classmates that aren't the same religion as me even if we are both Christian. Some Christians pray differently than other Christians. Let alone all of the many types of religions that are in the U.S. today. It's just to complicated. (now don't get me wrong, this is no reason to not let kids sing Christmas songs and change the name "Christmas Break" to "Winter Break" this has nothing to do with that) To tell you the truth I do pray in school. Not aloud just by myself, in my head. As weird as that sounds. I don't need a big group holding hands. I don't need it to be public. But that's just me. The bottom line is that theres usually always going to be a smaller % and no matter what belief the smaller % has, it's not fare to them. Side: No
Political Correctness is censorship. If that's what they wish to call it, go ahead. But no one should bitch if they call it Christmas break. Words are merely words. We have bigger problems like murder and rape and suppression of individual rights (such as free speech). Side: No
Yeah but it's timed so that kids have Christmas off. Everybody knows that. It's for Christmas. If we are going to go out of our way to please everyone, why not give kids every religiouse holiday off? It's not about pleasing everyone, it's about people being afraid of the word Christmas. Or any title that includes Christ. Side: No
People should be allowed to pray privately in schools if they want to do so without distracting other students or making a scene, but by no means should the school itself actually advocate and lead prayer itself. There are institutions people can go to to pray as much as they want, and schools are not those institutions. I don't teach in your church, so don't preach in my school. Side: No
Schools should be allowed to lead prayer if they want to. If you kick god out of schools, you are kicking God out of this country, and eventually you kick God out of this world. And if that happens well you better be expecting the worst, most horrible times that have ever occurred in the history of the earth. Kick God out of your life- well good luck!!! Side: yes
there is actually nothing special in the prayet 'cz Ithink that 90% of the studets as well as teachers think that it is just the waste of time and because of this, he actual motto of the prayer is not keeping in touch. So, it is not useful and just a waste of timeand even not liked by anyone Side: No
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No, schools like all other public places and institutions including governments should be secular. however people have the right to faith but it should be practiced in their own time. Surely it is only fair that people do not force their beliefs on anyone else. I mean if I tomorrow went to college and stated that in my biology lecture that it is the hour of Gandalf and i must be excused to go into the canteen and spout incantations about Frodo and his sacred quest to destroy the ring id be shipped to the closest nut house, on the other hand if i said i wish to leave and point my mat towards a north African country and prey to an omnipotent omniscient creator of all it would be excused. Side: No
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Ok think about if people believed just the opposite that you do, what would you do then? Some people do, but educational institutions should be non-denominational. Also by the second paragraph you have absolutely no clue whatsoever about religion Explain this statement please. Side: NO
Student run prayer sessions are one thing, but for the school to be condoning prayer goes against our constitution. I'm assuming thats what you mean by the question, right?
1st Amendment - Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof The school can't prohibit or endorse prayer. It has to be up to the students, not the state. End of story. Side: No
I feel that if it is someones religion to pray at certain times, schools should allow those student to go into a quiet area and pray As far as a scheduled pray everyday at school, i am opposed because schools have to show respect for all religions. Suppose someone was an Atheist Side: No
ASSUMING THIS IS A PUBLIC SCHOOL.... If by "school prayer" you mean that somehow a public school official (teacher, principal, counselor, administrator, janitor, etc) is leading or mentioning a school prayer OR is allowing a prayer group to disrupt/take up time of a normal public school lesson; then no it should NOT be allowed. If by "school prayer" you mean allowing the ability for any individual to pray without disrupting any class function; then of course it should be allowed. Side: Depends what school prayer means
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You people saying yes are forgetting- what about the Atheists? Maybe everyone else would be praying to their God, but there are some religions (such as Atheism) that don't believe in a God. I feel that no one should be forced to do anything that goes against their religious views. Sure, they could stand silently and not pray, but that would make them feel singled out, and they could be made fun of. Regardless of whether there's a way for it to work or not, there is Separation Of Church And State. There should be nothing in schools having to do with religion. Personally, I even have a problem with having to say the Pledge Of Allegiance. Side: NO
I wonder if you realize that this idiot who has 14 points at the top says that prayers shouldn't be allowed in church. -__- " You sir are sad & don't come crying when not only you're schools but you country is plague by the mere withdrawal of God's hand. That is all. Side: NO
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I am a Christian but I don't think that there should be prayer in school because There would be students to feel uncomfortable because they don't pray and there will be conflict with all of the different religions. I also think that if prayer was in the schools then anybody no matter the religion should be able to pray too just as well as Christians would pray. so just to keep down conflict with religion, I don't think prayer should be in schools. There's a difference in praying in school and you praying for your child in school. Side: NO
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