Other religious beliefs in school? (question for Christians)?

Question

As an American and Christian, if praying in school was allowed would it be acceptable for other religions to practice their beliefs in school? After all America is suppose to be about freedom. I ask because I always hear about Christian people wanting prayer in school and never about another religion wanting their religious beliefs to be accepted in school. I think if some kid wanted to go worship the goddess at lunch a lot of people would be in an up roar.

I think Ethan's_Mommy shows a good point. I've heard of kids getting suspended for wearing a metal shirt with “satanic” symbols, while his or her fellow classmates were fine wearing crosses and such. Then again I've also heard of a girl getting in trouble for wearing a cross necklace. Even if kids can privately pray I think if they showed the slightest bit of it they would get in trouble. Say “amen God”, at lunch, maybe acceptable, say “amen Satan”, I could see suspension. So why is it tolerable in some schools and not in others?
I definitely don't believe in forced praying of any sort all though I think helzabet's idea of studding religion is interesting. After all kids normally learn about Greek, Egyptian, and Roman gods and goddesses and that was a religion at one point. Some people still worship those gods and goddesses as well. So as long as it's done in a mythology perspective it's acceptable?

Answer 1

Excellent point. If Christian prayer becomes mandatory in our local schools, I intend to lobby for inclusion of the Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. It's only fair. (See the link below.)

Answer 2

First... Prayer is not exclusively a Christian rite. Most religions around the world have some sort of prayer requirements... so prayer in school cannot be a Christian thing.

This nation was founded on many principles, not the least of which was the freedom to exercise religious beliefs independent of state intrusion... since schools are traditionally state run institutions, it stands to reason that religious exercise would not be encouraged in that setting.

Something else of note, Christians are not prohibited from praying in school... indeed all students are free to pray in school... and they are probably very thankful for that around exam time.

Answer 3

Yes they would be in an up roar, you are right. If I were to pray to a goddess in school people would freak out, I had a friend once who had to go to the principles office because she had Goddess symbols on her book bag. Yet Christians can have crosses. I am not giving my side but I have noticed that christians say that they are so understanding (which some of them are) but when you post something that isnt for christians, about another faith..you have christians bashing you left and right. Its crazy.

Answer 4

Everyone is allowed to pray or follow his/her own religious belief, yes, even in school.

If a kid wants to go worship a goddess at lunch, well, go for it, no one would stop them.

I think perhaps you misunderstand what some (not me) Christians are asking for. They want public prayer in school, they want the school to orchestrate a prayer over the speaker. They want prayer to be a part of the whole morning homeroom class ... sort of like how everyone has to say the pledge of allegiance. I disagree.

I think everyone should individually be allowed to worship as they will and the officials need to stand back and let them without interference. Although I am Christian, I in no way want to force someone to pray as I do, and I want them to be free to practice their own religion.

Answer 5

Well actually, I'm pretty sure any child can pray in school anytime they want. Its just that forced prayer isn't allowed and by forced prayer, I mean mandatory school led prayer. So really, some Christians want school led prayer back in school. So what prayers should be played over the loudspeaker? Maybe a Jewish one? A Muslim one? A Pagan one? A FSM one? Who gets to choose?

Japan is doing just fine without it, really really low crime rate there and no school led prayer. Most of the country is atheist anyway. So school led prayer does NOT equal lower crime rate.

Answer 6

I think that all people should be able to pray. or meditate. That is what this country is based on since we are a big melting pot.

Which is also the reason that I put my children in Christian school and where my beliefs are met and filled. I can choose to send my family where they don't have to be governed by public needs, but our own.

Answer 7

JW children pray in school all the time, they just don't make a public spectacle of it. Praying is not for show. It is personal and private. What you see from self professed Christians trying to pass laws for public prayer in schools, is their own lack of confidence in their faith. They think putting on a show of faith will attract the blessings of God, but instead, it is just disappointment.

Answer 8

; )

I have had the idea for a few years now, that we should teach religion in school. The top 50 religions of the world, and spend an equal amount of time on each, even Atheism. Just imagine what this could teach our kids about tolerance and acceptance! Education wipes out ignorance!....just a thought.
Blessed Be....

Answer 9

I welcome it because as a christian believer,I know that at the end of the day the true and living God of Israel is still going to be standing,while all those other false gods have been put down and exposed,so every one can see that the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob reigns supreme,on with the program.

Answer 10

If praying in schools was allowed, then we'd go against the whole "separation of church and state" thing (plus Jesus said to never pray in public).
But if that did happen, all religious people should worship whatever diety/ies they worship.