Prayer in school?

Question

What exactly do you guys mean when you say you want prayer back in school? (for those of you who do) What is it that you are asking for? A special set aside "prayer time"? A group prayer? A morning prayer over the intercom? I am NOT trying to be rude, just trying to see what "prayer in school" means to you. I have another question I'll ask in a minute, but I felt this should be asked first, before I jump to conclusions.

Of course, no one really knows when you are praying, so you can pray anytime you want. And some schools have "meet me at the flagpole" or something similar where kids meet before or after school. I just see all these people wanting "prayer in school" and wonder exactly what else they are asking for.

Answer 1

I don't know. I'm a Christian, and I don't think prayer should be shoved down non-Christian students' throats. In my school, kids are allowed to pray basically whenever they want, as long as they aren't being disruptive, and I think that's fine. As long as people don't start saying you have to pray, or you can't pray.

Answer 2

I've noticed that a lot of people hear different things when the phrase "prayer in school" comes up. Your question covers them all, and many people end up talking at cross purposes if they don't get specific.

For the record: PERSONAL prayers are not forbidden in any schools. Anyone can sit somewhere and offer a prayer if they want to...on the common-sense condition that it be done quietly. Naturally, a loud hymn or a preaching rant would be disruptive in class. What is against the law is mandatory prayer in public schools. Public schools are funded by the state, and the state is supposed to be NEUTRAL on the subject of religion...not favoring any brand over another.

Religious conservatives somehow feel that mandatory prayer will somehow magically instill good behavior--ignoring the fact that bullying and other problems are still just as rampant in religious schools as they are in public ones.

Answer 3

I don't think prayer should be shoved onto people either. That is not what most people want. Most people are concerned about the ability to pray together at school. Or to use a prayer if that is what you do. Say, you are elected class president. Then, can you pray? Didn't they elect you, so when you excercise your right to pray, say, on the intercom, can you? Or at a graduation? Or can you pick a religious song for the Christmas musical and not have people picket?

That is religious freedom in school. And many questions like these need to be addressed and every situation is different.

Answer 4

I think there should be a speacial time set in the day for students who want to pray, can. Although I think that prayer is still in school. I Say little prayers all through the day, ecpecally when someone asks me a question about my religion. I mean, I think that there should be a certain time when we came pray without distrupting class. I know that the Islamic ppl are allowed to leave class everyday to go pray, I mean, there is still freedom of religion right?
So I say, Pray! There's a little joke out there that I'd like to share with you: THere is still pray in schools because they still give tests! LOL God Bless

Answer 5

"Prayer in school" has nothing to do with private prayers in school.

You might no know this, but before "prayer" was outlawed, students (all students) would take turns starting the morning with a prayer.

Each child dreaded that day that it was his or her turn. Why? Because it made them nervous to talk on the PA system .... to the whole school, or to the whole class.

Christian kids gave christian prayers.
Jewish Kids gave jewish prayers,
Atheist kids gave poems of how wondeful nature was.

Well, that is what you would think would happen.

But in reality, most kids, even atheists kids, read the 10 commandments.

Have you read and studied the 10 commandments. It emphasizes law and order.

......... and the crime rate was low in those days.

When "prayer" was taken out of the schools, the crime rate jumped by at least 200% (more in some cities).


Was that a coincidence? You be the judge.

Answer 6

Praying out loud with a leader. As a Christian I'm not in favor of this anymore. Possibly at graduation or some special activity, but who are you going to have lead it? That could be more offensive if you have some one I totally do not agree with. It may depend to some extent on the local you are living in. If the local is not predominately Christian I would rather be given 3 minutes of silent time to pray my own prayer.

Answer 7

My school experience came after prayer was out so I have no comparison. However, I don't see what would be so wrong with having a room where students could go and have prayer or religious studies in lieu of going to study hall and falling asleep or passing notes. It could be student led with a teacher present only to make sure they aren't getting into trouble or attending simply to cut class. In schools with multiple religions perhaps each group may only meet once a week.

Answer 8

If Christians want prayer in schools, then they should send their children to private Christian schools where the government has no influence. But if there is to be prayer in schools, it should be on a more personal level. As in, not on the intercom, and not by a teacher. If people want to have prayer groups by themselves, great.I'm all for having the freedom to pray. So it shouldn't be outlawed, but by no means become a part of the public school system. I myself am a Christian and a part of the private educational system.

Answer 9

I don't think it is appropriate for a public school to have obligatory public prayer.
On the other hand, I understand that in some states, a group of students would not be allowed to gather for united voluntary prayer. I really don't see the problem there. What are people afraid of, exactly? Of course they would need to be unobtrusive.

Answer 10

I have no objection to prayer but it should not be forced on children in public school and the Supreme Court agrees with me on this one thank God. Let us not forget Freedom of Religion also means Freedom from Religion. Public school is no place for organized religion. The person who says the crime rate jumped when prayer was taken out of school is so full of crap. Ask him if he is a Christin why is he such a liar. They will tell any lie to advance their cause. xx