is it right that teachers force children in a catholic school to pray??

Question

i'm in 8th grade and go to catholic school, but i myself don't believe in god(along with many other people in my class.) My teachers force us to pray though even if we don't want to. i feel strongly that this isn't right, even catholics shouldn't be forced to pray, because prayer is suppose to be meaningful, not forced. i need more opinions though to prove to my teacher how wrong it is, so i'd like to know what you think about it?

i'm not going through a phase either, and i'm not an atheist, i just don't believe in god, i believe that there are gods just not the catholic god

Answer 1

It's a private school and people are free to stay, or enroll elsewhere.

It's not government-run, so there is no prohibition on prayer.

So I would say that they CAN force you to.

I also agree that coerced prayer is probably not very meaningful.

Answer 2

Let me ask you this... If you don't believe in God and don't believe in what your school is doing, then why are you enrolled in this school?
I was in a catholic school throughout my elementary years, and yes... it is required to pray. That is just how catholic schools are... and I'm pretty sure that's how other RELIGIOUS PRIVATE SCHOOLS are too.
The key words here are CATHOLIC and PRIVATE... they
have different curriculum to follow because they are private.
Just because you don't like it, does not mean they are going to change for you. That's the way the school does things... and that's it.
I suggest that you speak to your parents, since they are the ones who enrolled you there. Just tell them that you don't believe in what is being taught there.
I know you don't want to hear this, but take in mind your age as well. Right now you want to be your own person and don't want anyone telling you what to do. If you do change schools you might regret it later in life.
The level of education you are getting there is a lot better than that of the majority of Public Schools.
GOOD LUCK!!

Answer 3

A part of growing up, is to show respect and to behave with graciousness. While you don't believe in God, many of your classmates might. So, bow your head, say the prayer. It won't hurt you in any way, but you will have shown respect for others and show that you have a little bit of "class". You may not have heard this saying but it's a classic one "When in Rome, do as the Romans do". When you are a guest in someone's house or country you should behave the way they would. So if you take this and extrapolate it to your Catholic School, then, "When in Catholic School, do as the Catholics do".
Your parents' job is to provide for you, so they work hard to make the necessary funds to send you to a good school. Your "JOB"/responsibility, is to study and graduate - you are wasting valuable time and effort trying to prove someone wrong.

PS - why do you need to prove your teacher wrong, what will you gain by this, even if you "win"??

PPS - Do your parents have rules in your house which are specific to your house which you must obey?.......even if you don't feel like it, or feel that they are wrong?....

Answer 4

Let's FACE it. You are going through a phase! If you are enrolled in Catholic school, you should be forced to pray. Go to public school where you get a choice...but then, don't count on God to take care of you there! I'm so tired of people going through phases just to fit in. Sounds like you and your friends are just trying to fit in! FACE it! There IS only one TRUE God. The rest are gods, yes, but they are pagan gods! And mind your manners for your teachers! Give him/her a little more respect. They have enough to put up with dealing with so many personalities.

Answer 5

you're completely qualified to practice the themes that you stated, yet Your lack of perception contained in the starting up position, That this college Is depending Upon, could likely reason some conflict Of interest. in case you Ever Did Any unmarried component In insurrection Unto The Catholic / Christian beliefs Or Traditions And led to Even One unmarried toddler to illustrate away, you may be A criminal responsibility To the college truly than An Asset. little doubt, the mum and father of those college children Pay A preparation To Have Their toddler Attend a private college to not disclose Them Unto The Disbelief In and shortage of living by using Their chosen religious Morals And Values which could variety From those Of A more desirable Open Minded Society. without Going Into large element Of The Hypocrisy Of This position, How could you experience If this difficulty changed into Reversed And Their changed into A Catholic / Christian instructor Over your children Or could you experience gentle Sending your man or woman children To A Catholic / Christian college ?

Answer 6

I don't think you should be forced to pray. But, if you are in Catholic School you should be praying I guess. I'd say ask to be switched to a new school (not Catholic) and in the meantime just pretend to pray. Use the time to daydream about something else :)

Answer 7

Why are you attending a religious school if you do not believe in God?! It is a Catholic school, which encompasses all areas of both faith, ideaology, Catholic practices, and regular academics. If you don't way to pray, you should be in a public school.

Answer 8

You are going through a phase, and your teachers know it.

Many kids your age question everything, especially things that are important to the adults in their world. And issues related to church are especially fun for kids who feel it necessary to "rebel".

God listens whether you think you believe in Him or not.

You will grow out of this "atheist" thing in time. In the meantime find some other way to annoy your parents and teachers. They're on to you!

Oh, the polytheist phase,eh? Some kids your age annoy their parents and teachers by becoming wiccans too. This too shall pass.

Answer 9

Yes. Once you choose to enroll at a school, you are choosing to be a part of that school and all required functions. This is not a religion issue. It is a school issue. If you disagree, you have the right to leave and attend a different school. But if you, or your parents, have agreed that you are going to go to the school then you have to follow their rules.

Answer 10

Why were you enrolled in a Catholic school, if not to get a Catholic education, which includes prayer?