with a daily moment of silence in schools?
Here's the deal, if religion (and when I say religion I am talking mainly about evangelical christianity) wasn't so messed up, I really wouldn't have a problem with allowing a *brief* moment of silence in schools which allow kids some prayer time. I recognize that some people are religious and for whatever reason feel the need to pray at certain times. And personally, I couldn't care less about their habit to do so. But the thing is, evangelical christians are so out of control in this country that I think it's better to keep all things religious out of the schools, because evangelical christianity really has become (IMO) a toxic influence on society.
We had a moment of silence in my school and I just looked at girls **** and whatnot. Yeah, in general it was a waste of time, but it really wasn't that big of a deal.
2007-07-13 18:34:49 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The evangelical christians have 18 hours a day to pray. Let's not have them doing it on the taxpayers' dime, when they should be getting a real education.
2007-07-13 18:40:57 · answer #1 · answered by Lisa A 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I'm an atheist and I wouldn't have a problem with a moment of silence in schools, where kids could pray if they wish to and use the time for something else if they prefer.
What I would have a problem with is having everyone join in a prayer at school or maybe even having a school employee lead them in a prayer. That wouldn't be fair because not everyone is of the same religion and even if they'd let non-Christian kids not participate, they'd feel left out and different, there would be pressure for them to do like the others and it would be kind of like shoving a different religion down their throats.
2007-07-16 08:41:14 · answer #2 · answered by undir 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're going to allow a moment of silence in school, it can't just be for the religion or non-religion of which you personally approve, no matter how sound you think your reasoning is.
As a Christian, I'm free to pray wherever and whenever I want and whether or not that is a sanctioned moment anywhere does not matter. I'm sure anyone can find 60 seconds, between classes or at lunch, in which to turn their thoughts inward and pray or meditate or whatever.
2007-07-14 01:45:03 · answer #3 · answered by Michael B - Prop. 8 Repealed! 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Evangelical schools are not there for the general public.
They don't need to conform to the standards of public
schools.
Is it wrong to teach religion in public schools? Yes. It
imposes on the rights of people who choose not to
believe; those who do not want to raise their children
in a religious manner.
However, "a moment of silence" is entirely another
story: it can be for any student to honor anything --
their savior, the American flag, or their great grand-
father, Fred.
2007-07-14 01:48:20 · answer #4 · answered by Pete K 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Honestly, I believe it is because of the evangelical Christians that a moment of silence should be kept out of schools.
Prayer or meditation should be done at home or at church - parents or clergy should lead it for their children until they can do so on their own. It really doesn't have a place in a public school.
2007-07-14 01:42:17 · answer #5 · answered by yarn whore 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋
I'm not an aetheist, but I have friends that are. They told me before it's no big deal because they are "not being forced" to pray, or do something against their wishes, or violates their rights. As to the allowing of prayer time in school ... as long as there are going to be tests in school there will always be someone praying beforehand! Smile. live life, & be happy!
2007-07-14 01:44:35 · answer #6 · answered by Andy K 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
We need to remember that the silence is not indeed a bad thing. And, children hardly ever are "messed up" even if adults are.
2007-07-15 05:43:59 · answer #7 · answered by SeeTheLight 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it just a moment of silence - that is fine. However, some schools go too far, making it impossible for a student to claim that he/she is an atheist, as the video on the attached link shows.
2007-07-14 01:42:53 · answer #8 · answered by qxzqxzqxz 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
We usually always had it, for whatever purpose one wants to use it as they saw fit...I personally always considered it more like the "moment of silence" as respect to the fallen brave of our country, etc. I never had a problem with it, I just stood there...
2007-07-14 01:46:22 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
There is nothing wrong with moments of silence. When I was in first grade we had 30 minutes of nap time.
Kisses Betty Boop.
2007-07-14 01:41:42 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋