Who thinks we need to keep prayer out of public schools?

Answer 1

me, since our country is founded on the separation of CHURCH and STATE. if someone wants to pray they should join a private religious school, or pray in their leisure time, prayers shouldnt be in public schools at all.

Answer 2

I don't necessarily think kids should be forced to pray a Christian prayer in school, or prayer from any other religion, but on the other hand, i feel that years ago when people started harping about these things in school, there were and still are a lot of worse things that kids are exposed to in public schools. I can't understand why so many people cry out about prayer and the ten commandments in schools, when there are many accepted, traditional things that make some kids feel inferior to others. Take homecomings for example. Only a certain number of girls are selected to be maids, and its usually the same ones every year. So more or less, that sends a message to other kids that only being popular means anything, and if you're not selected you're somehow inferior. Only athletes are allowed to be a part of it. A lot of schools put more emphasis on athletes than academics. Well, let me let you in on something, kids are there to learn academics, not sports (and don't get me wrong, i was in sports in high school- I think most people know what i'm getting at). I'm not trying to be a prude, or say this is wrong, but i'm using this as an example to say that aren't there worse things for kids to be exposed to in schools besides whether someone prays or not? Drugs? Alcohol? Unprotected sex? I don't consider myself any kind of worthy Christian but i do believe in God, and our country was founded on Christian beliefs, it's kinda our culture. Do any of you think that America would be so looked down upon by the rest of the world if we wouldn't spit on our own culture so much? I'm not saying we should force Christianity down anyone's throats, but why be so uptight because there is prayer in school?

Answer 3

Prayer should be kept out of public schools because it's based on the assumption that you believe that there is a man living in a cloud and not everyone does. You would be surprised at the number of non-believers. Prayer should be in religious schools where you assume that everyone is a believer but you can't assume that in a public school.

Answer 4

I'm all for prayer 24/7/365, but the gov't has laws about separation of church and state for some good reasons. It is a real shame that we can't all agree on a universal religion, but the fact is there are still some serious differences between religions nowadays.

Why can't the children say their prayers before going to school and after having left school? How much time do they need before and after school to attend prayer services away from the school grounds?

Answer 5

The Catholic Church agrees with the U.S. Constitution as currently interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court and does not support "structured" prayer in public schools.

In the Vatican II document, DECLARATION ON RELIGIOUS FREEDOM, DIGNITATIS HUMANAE (Human Dignity), the Church states:

The human person has a right to religious freedom. This freedom means that all men are to be immune from coercion on the part of individuals or of social groups and of any human power, in such wise that no one is to be forced to act in a manner contrary to his own beliefs, whether privately or publicly, whether alone or in association with others, within due limits.

Children will continue to privately pray before tests just like they always have.

With love in Christ.

Answer 6

Prayer is fine in public schools.

Guided or enforced prayer by school officials ... or practicing religious beliefs in a manner that is disruptive to the learning environment ... is not acceptable.

No time need be given for the observance of religious beliefs ... the children have plenty of time already should they desire. Truth is the kids would rather spend that time chatting with friends, flirting, or sending messages to each other on cell phones.

The people who want to "protect" prayer in school are really just trying to force others to observe their religious beliefs.

Answer 7

I am a Christian, but I do believe we need to keep the prayers out of public schools if they are led by teachers or other individuals. Because all religions do not believe the same - I don't want someone whose faith I do not know to lead my children in prayer.

I believe that kids should have a moment or a few minutes to either pray or mediate according to their beliefs.

Answer 8

I'm a Christian and I used to think it was the work of the devil when they first took prayer out of school, but then after I pondered on it for a while I asked myself, what if the majority turned to another religion and the school system began praying according to another religion that I didn't agree with. So, I began to think maybe better safe than sorry.

But on the other hand, This country was based on Christian belief and maybe we should have enough faith in our GOD to leave it in HIS hands.

I think the more they take God out of our culture the less God will bless the country, but, you know, the Bible predicts this.

EDIT: CHRIS........I agree 100%.....good answer.

Answer 9

We should keep all superstitions out of public schools. And let's face it....prayer IS superstition. Scientifically, prayer has no better odds of actually working than rubbing Buddha's belly. This experiment has been tested many times...it's fact.

Answer 10

I do, most emphatically. If it isn't enough for you that your child can pray quietly to himself in public school then you need to send him to a religion based school. Public school encompasses children of all faiths, no child should ever get the idea that one religion trumps another in this country.