Why do people purposeefully misunderstand?

Question

the no prayer in schools issue? It is merely a separation of church and state, disallowing and authority figure within the school - principal, teachers, superintendent, school counselor - any of the staff - from leading a public prayer that the entire school is required to participate in. It keeps teachers - the ultimate authority to some kids - from using their religion as a tool and a weapon against students.

NOWHERE in that law does it say that you as a student, a teacher, an administrator or any school employee is NOT allowed to pray while on school premises. People pray in school all the time - teachers pray the kids will behave, students pray they will pass the test, both offer prayer when sitting down at their lunch. No problem with that. No one will throw a fit or kick you out for doing that.

Why is this law so twisted and misunderstood?

Please read the law before you comment - http://www.ed.gov/Speeches/04-1995/prayer.html

Digital - I know, but it's the educator in me - I have to try to educate someone every day.

Monte - I agree. I'm one of those teachers who left the school system because of the politics of the job not allowing me to do my job properly. I brought this up because some kid (In another question) was blaming all of the bad behavior of kids today ontheir not being allowed to pray in school. It is indeed one of the LEAST significant problems with the public school structure today.

Dawn - maybe you should actually read it, because your response shows you misunderstand it as well.

Answer 1

The reason this is misconstrued is because Christians are trying to gather supporters for there cause, which is getting religion back into the schools. Religion is on the decline in this country, and the Christian leaders think that if they get religion back in schools, they will be able to turn this around. What better way to get people to believe something, than to brainwash them from a young age. To accomplish this goal, they are constantly twisting the separation of church and state, to be something it isn't. It is sad really, because this protects them as much as everyone else. What they fail to realize is that if they accomplish their goal of getting religion back into the schools, they might be hurting themselves. What if it is Islam, Paganism or the Jewish religion, that slides in their before Christianity can? Bet the Christians would be happy to have their children learn those religions.

Edit concerning DawnUSA's answer.

You say "Our country is based on God; 'one nation UNDER GOD. What part of that do they not understand?" Actually, DawnUSA, we don't understand how you can make either of these claims. Have you taken any time at all to research these claims or have you just repeated lies heard elsewhere? I would like you to follow these two links. The first disproves that our country was founded on God. The second explains how "Under God" was not included in the original pledge of allegiance, but placed there later due to Christian influence. If you do not believe what is written on these pages, you can refer to the original documents and see for yourself. There is no excuse for ignorance. You should no longer make these claims, unless you are intentionally trying to deceive people.

http://www.nobeliefs.com/Tripoli.htm
http://www.nobeliefs.com/facts.htm#anchor180705

Next you go on to ask, "Do you think the downslide of morals and nonchristianity doesn't have something to do with all these murders in schools?!" Are you claiming that religion is the source of morality and because we no longer have it is schools, the rate of murders is on the rise? I would like to ask you a few question then. If religion is the source of morality, why are the majority of inmates in prison religious? This is a fact. If religion is the source of morality, why do priest, who should be the most moral of us all, molest children? Religion is not the source of morality. Morality is a side effect of evolution. Early man needed to get along, as it increased his chances of survival. Survival in numbers. You cannot have numbers if people cannot get along. It is as simple as that. You really need to think before you make these claims, because they make you look the fool. When arguing a point, you are more likely to be successful, if you back your arguments with fact. Spouting claims because you are emotional, does not make you right. It makes you a zealot.

Answer 2

Not for nothing ,but do you really think this is the major problem facing our schools and students? The public school system is in a shambles. Teachers are leaving at a record rate. Violence is on the rise.Many parents have deserted their responsibility in raising their kids leaving it to the local schools. I think we need to address much more serious problems and let the kids pray at home if they so choose. Its kind of like being on the Titantic and worrying about a leaky faucet.

Answer 3

It's been twisted by those who believe others are out to ban Christianity. These are the Christians who call themselves persecuted. They hear these points from like-minded people and just go with it regardless of fact. These are the types of Christians that frighten me because they want everyone to follow their belief system.

Thankfully, not all Christians are like that. I know several devout Christians who agree with the separation between church and state, who don't have a problem with those who say "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas".

For those who don't understand: the phrase "one nation under God" was added in the 1950s. It's not part of the original Pledge of Allegiance. This country was based on religious FREEDOM. That includes the freedom not to believe in a god if one so chooses.

ETA: Christians don't have a lock on morality as evidenced by the many Christians who don't follow their own moral teachings.

Answer 4

Christian Fundamentalists have always looked to bring church and state back together anyway they can and keep it that way. Sure, public prayer was with us for a long time and was just kind of infused in our schools. But, times have changed and freedom of religion in this country is a top priority for many, as it should be.

The Christian Fundamentalists can feel their power slipping away and every loss is killing their ultimate goal of trying to merge Church and State....which most of us know would be a huge step backwards.

Answer 5

Lindsey Lohan - Hooch Paris - Hooch Nicole ritchie- Misunderstood The Olson twins- Misunderstood Tara Reid- Hooch Craddle rober ,, i recommend Mariah Carey- Misundertood Hilary Rodham -Clinton - Misunderstood Contestants on style of affection - Hooches Angelina Jolie Husband stealing- hooch Heidi Montag interest searching for- hooch Kim Kardashian - Misunderstood

Answer 6

In WV, the student can lead a public prayer in school and we even have lots of Christian clubs(atleast in the school I went to)....we still prayed...we had a prayer group that met everyday in the library....of course the clubs we opened and closed with a prayer...at most of the banquets held a student leads grace/prayer....

Answer 7

Because they really don't know and they have not and will not bother to educate themselves further on the subject.
They only rant about it because the fact is they WANT to be lead in prayer in school because there is no way they would have the balls to pray on their own, silently or otherwise, if people are watching.
That kid will not read the link you posted...

Answer 8

I don't have to read it. I've always felt that way anyway; if I prayed before a test, no one stopped me. I just bowed my head and silently prayed. BUT to me, why do the atheists always get their own way? No 10 commandments posted on govt. land!? Our country is based on God; 'one nation UNDER GOD. What part of that do they not understand? I really feel if they don't want to be part of our country and what it originated from; that being we love God, then why even stay here!? Did you see the question earlier today about people blocking out 'God' on US currency? What is this country turning into? People need to start waking up. Are kids kicked out of school when they have swastikas or pentagrams plastered all over their notebooks, lockers, and tattoos? I hope so! Do you think the downslide of morals and nonchristianity doesn't have something to do with all these murders in schools?!

Answer 9

good point

the law *does* however give a person the opportunity to thump his/her chest and "puff-up" and strut in righteous indignation.

not all people are so crass tho. "Quiet" believers might understand this law better than the "noisy" ones.

"Showing off" is a temptation of some form.

Pride does whhaaaaaat?

Answer 10

Because the religious right is trying to show the liberal left to be big scary boogie men who want to take away all their rights and give them to black heroin addict hookers getting abortions.