Question about school prayer, oh the little children?

Question

5 “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly
Matthew 6:5-6 (NKJV)

The words of Jesus seem to say don't make a big spectacle out of wanting to pray.

If an atheist child wants to close their eyes and meditate, certainly no one would stop them. If a religious child wants to pray, I hope no one would stop them. I think the first amendment clearly would defend my son from praying to my god the flying spaghetti monster.
But there is a difference between a student who closes their eyes before a test and asks strength from the flying spaghetti monster and a school that says ok every student bow your head,

do you agree

Answer 1

Exactly! Many of the religious right complain that "prayer has been removed from schools" and that is completely misleading.

Not one single case has ever infringed on the right of a student to pray in school, so long as it is not specifically sactioned by a public school (aka, the government) and so long as other students are not forced to listen to it because it is being done during class time when students are required to be present.

However, no one has the right to subject OTHER students to prayers to their chosen deity. In other words, you can't force other children to listen to prayer.




Prayer has NEVER been removed from public schools. That's one of the biggest lies of the "religious right"

What has been removed is the idea that a classroom is the appropriate battleground for religions to battle each other for superiority and the ability to use public tax dollars to pay for the religious indoctrination of children.

Answer 2

Yep, that would be a difference...not sure what your question is Jim. I think the separation of church and state should stand. Prayer will happen in schools on an individual basis whether anyone likes it or not, but it should not be forced on anyone in a public school. That's what private Christian schools are for, and I'm assuming there are private Jewish, Muslim, and other such schools as well for the teaching of one's religion along with regular academics. Is there a school for the church of the flying spaghetti monster? I'd like to look into that ;)

I know you asked a question citing these verses the other day. What that passage says to me is that we are not to make a spectacle out of praying for the sake of showing others 'look how good a Christian I am!' as in, prayer should not be done to boast.

Answer 3

I think no matter what if a person of God wants to pray they will. It doesn't matter when or where. I remember when I was in high school we had like once a month pray around the pole or something, when ever one gathers around this huge flag pole and pray for whatever. Yeah the meaning of it is good and all but a true Christian should have to set a side one day out of the month and publicly pray. It's the relationship between you and your God, and shouldn't be someones business what you are praying for.

Answer 4

Prayer is allowed in public schools as long as it is not lead by the school administration. Christians like to think that all prayer is not allowed in school so they have something to scream about, but it's not true. There are even prayer groups that meet in public schools, but as long as they are not mandatory, it is okay.

There is a big difference between voluntary and mandatory prayer! Making someone pray, even if they choose to think about what they're having for lunch during that time instead of praying, is a violation of the Church-State separation!

However, praying to the FSM for strength on one's own is always a good idea! The Noodly One will certainly bless your child, especially if it is a science test!

Answer 5

You mean there is someone out there you believes we still have rights and that the first amendment (or any or them for that matter) still stands today. What cave have you been living in for the last 40 odd years. The only rights we have today, are the ones that the government says we have. For example, we have the right to own land, but we can only own it as long as the government don't need it, then the only right we have is to sell (at their price) or they will just take it. But of course we still have the right, yes? Then it maybe our land, but, if we build anything on this land, guess who wants to tell us were to build and how big our building can be and how many buildings we can build. You guessed it! This list can go on but. Please don't be telling people about their rights when, they have none, of course, unless they work for the government.

Answer 6

Exactly. No forcing prayer/meditation, nor should it be stopped, assuming it's not in the middle of class when it's important to pay attention to the teacher.

I'd even feel comfortable with their being a time set aside for prayer, as long as it's labeled something like "Prayer / Meditation / Quiet Time" where children who don't wish to pray or meditate could read, do homework, doodle, sit quietly, whatever.

Answer 7

My opinion is that you are trying to pick one solution in what should be a diverse environment.

These issues ought to be community decisions that the local school boards decide on. Thus, if your community is Hindu, then the focus in the school will be more Hindu like. If it is a real melting pot, then the guidelines will be more general.

The key thing is that you, I or the goverment should not decide this. It is a local, community issue. It is an issue of freedom and liberty.

Answer 8

I hate to say this, but it is a public school. If you want religion in a school, go to a private school. It is that simple. Otherwise, remember that a public school is run by the state and they have the right to say, "No prayer in school." I have to agree with this because a public school should be strickly for learning and not for prayer.

Answer 9

This is why it is important to keep control of schools local. One solution does not fit all people. Get involved with your local school board, and PTA. It's not perfect, but those that care, can make a difference.

Answer 10

Yes, they can't all believe in the FSM. And not everyone can handle his noodley goodness and meatballs. Let them eat cake!