Atheists please don't do the usual attack. We don't have a secret handshake or anything to id each other yet.
2007-01-05 01:12:18 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
No.
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.
2007-01-06 15:53:21 · answer #1 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a Christian, and no, I do not think that prayer ought to be required in school. However, I do think that it should be allowed if students wish to do so. I think that requiring prayer is not Biblical, and would lead to more problems than it would solve. I have always been for a "quiet time," or a set amount of time alloted each day for students to pray, meditate, write, read, or do any quiet, solitary activity that they wish.
2007-01-05 09:19:33 · answer #2 · answered by Melody 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
As a requirement, yes, so that they learn at least a sense of duty.
No need to make it longer than a minute. Kids watch more TV and listen to heavy metal, and I don't think that's healthy, but no one says so. It is dishonourable to take away something that could do more good than harm.
When Queen Victoria replied to a letter from Bahaoula, she said: "What harm can it do?" while the other leaders of the European world did not acknowledge his letter at all, their kingdoms were doomed, while England still enjoys a monarchy. So in my opinion, when something religious is removed, something in the world goes wrong.
2007-01-05 09:24:02 · answer #3 · answered by Shinigami 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as there are tests there will always be prayer in schools. Personally I don't think prayer should be required in a public school but I don't think anyone should stop someone from praying either. Teachers should stay out of it and let the kids do their thing.
2007-01-05 09:18:20 · answer #4 · answered by Pilgrim 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
No. Nobody should be required to pray. If you are forced to pray, it isn't real. I am not sure if you are referring to religious schools or not. I go to public school and I have some friends who aren't Christian and I'm sure it would be uncomfortable for them to have to pray and it would also be uncomfortable to sit and watch or wait while we pray. However, I do think that a group prayer would be greatly appreciated by fellow Christians. Perhaps schools should start an after school prayer group or a prayer club. Then, people would be able to pray if they want and nobody will be uncomfortable or offended.
2007-01-05 09:23:11 · answer #5 · answered by CedarledgeWIT07 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, I don't think it should be required. It should be allowed, but not forced. If we require prayer, then we become the very thing we stand against, those that ban religion from schools. The constitution gives us freedom of (any) religion, even the wrong ones. Sorry, couldn't resist.
2007-01-05 09:52:58 · answer #6 · answered by Maine-iac 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
quiet, you gave away the plan for the secret handshake! Now we have to go back to the drawingboard for a new secret plan.
seriously though, required prayer, no. It is my belief that God does not want to have people "forced" to him which is why he gave us free will.
required moment to pray on your own if you choose to do so is ok with me because it does not "force" God on anyone, you can be free to pray or not.
2007-01-05 09:17:06 · answer #7 · answered by wookieedog 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Yes, we need God in every aspect of our lives. Instead of prayer for the children, maybe a moment of silence, so each child can reflect on their own spiritual beliefs.
2007-01-05 09:20:20 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will never happen in the U.S. so there's no point in even thinking about it.
If there is any trend regarding the relationship between Church and State in America right now, it is that the wall of separation that Jefferson spoke of is getting higher.
2007-01-05 18:33:30 · answer #9 · answered by STILL standing 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, I think prayer should be ALLOWED but not required because then you get into different religions, etc. It should be taught in the home and through church attendance, though.
2007-01-05 09:17:48 · answer #10 · answered by Jasmine 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋