Why open prayer in schools?

Question

It seems that Christians would be against prayer in public schools, because would allow anyone, including some Satanic teacher to have the children participate in prayer to false gods.

thanks for the correction -- I'll scratch out the term "Satanic" and just refer to "false gods."

Answer 1

I don't believe there should be open prayer to school. To do so would bring church and state too close together, and cause problems as there are many religions recognized in the U.S. Would we have time to pray for each? It would be impossible to manage.

As a completely unrelated side note, Satanists actually don't worship the devil, or even believe in them. I can't remember their leader's name, but it's all about hedonism. I did a study on it once, and was a bit surprised.

Answer 2

Dear Timothy E,

i think prayer in school is not necessarily a bad thing- but i think schools shouldn't be taking a stance in terms of a religious affiliation. That's why there are private: Christian,Catholic, Muslim, etc. schools.

In the scenario you described above- i don't think the teachers should be leading kids in prayer. Because this would force the school to take a certain position in terms of their religious beliefs- and that's not really what's being advocated here. I think what is being advocated is a freedom of religion that is in line with the Constitution of our country.

As much as i think Satanic worshippers are praying to false gods- if you allow Christians to pray at school- you've to allow everyone who is not Christian to pray as well.

Obviously if we were talking about a Christian school that would be a different story...

Kindly,

Nickster

Answer 3

I believe students of any religion should be allowed to pray in public schools, as long as teachers don't lead them or require all students to pray. Many Christian students would be more comfortable with this, I'm sure, and for Muslims, daily prayer is a requirement.

Answer 4

Prayer can be done at anytime. No need to set aside a time in school. A student can pray all day long while in class. God does not need the school system to appoint Him a time for His people to pray, His people will pray when the time is called upon them to.

Answer 5

No, it will cause too much distraction in school and division.
I think it would ultimately lead to fighting and possibly religious gangs.

School is for learning.
How are they going to get along in the world, if their brought up to separate themselves, at such a young age ?

Besides, no one can take their silent prayers away from them, so I don't see why this was ever an issue.

Answer 6

I think people should be free to pray to whomever and whenever they want. I am just against prayer being forced in schools. If students want to pray, let them pray. But it would be unfair to force prayer on all the students. Religious freedom, remember?

Answer 7

I personally prefer that 'no religion' be taught in the school.

while I believe it is the right of students to pray and gather and have their studies together if they want to lead them, etc... i do not believe that teachers have the right to 'instill their belief or unbelief' on any student in a class that kids are enrolled in

Answer 8

True

I'm actually not in favor of it

I don't want my children learning prayers from teachers any more than I want them learning math or history from teachers

That's why I favor homeschool!

Answer 9

Prayer is fine, in its place...church, a parochial (or other religious) school, and at home. no public school should endorse or support mandatory prayer.

Answer 10

I think prayer should be a good thing but children do need guidance.