Prayer in school in Illinois?

Question

I just saw this on the news and thought I'd put in my two cents. I'm an Agnostic and I'm so much really angry about the moment of silence as much as I am angry that the Illinois government would waste their time on such a silly law. Students have plenty of time during a school day to have their own personal moment of silence. They also have plenty of time before, during, and after school to gather in groups to pray. This law is totally unnecessary and it seems like Christian representatives are trying to see how far they can poke their way into the public school until they get in hot water. Why can't Christians accept separation of church and state and stop trying to think of deviant ways to get in everyones heads.

I understand that a moment of silence does not require prayer. What I am saying is there doesn't need to be a law requiring a moment of silence. It is just silly, students have plenty of time during the day to have their own moment of silence it doesn't need to be on display for all to see.

Do I know what separation of church and state means??!!! Obviously you don't! Here is a clear definition of it for you. Separation of church and state is a political and legal doctrine which states that government and religious institutions are to be kept separate and independent of one another. Meaning government stays out of religion religion stays out of government. Thats why you're precious religion isn't taxed and my precious government is supposed to be kept free from any religious laws. Unfortunately religion still finds it way into government.

Excuse me our government =) of course its not just mine.

Answer 1

Prayer is spoken word to God.

A moment of silence is nothing but a waste of time.

If you don't speak to God it is not a prayer.

Separation of Church and state means the government can not control religion. It is the "PEOPLES" choice. (We the people)
Government can not remove or implace or make laws about religion according to the Constitution.





democracy - government by the people; esp : rule of the majority (Websters Dictionary)

Answer 2

Why can't people focus their energy on more important things like poverty, child abuse, etc. Let them have their moment of silence, who cares and who does it hurt? Why is there such an effort to abridge the rights of religious people using that overused "separation of church and state" argument. That means no state sponsored religion and nothing else. When the government gets involved in stuff like this we all lose. I don't agree with Christians, but I am not threatened by their beliefs. Why are others? It just amazes me.

Answer 3

I'm also agnostic - in a theistic witchy sort of way, bt agnostic none the less. I actullay agree with you on the moment of silence thing. I don't have a problem with it perse, but it's silly. Any serious spiritual meditation cannot take place in 53 seconds with 30 kids shuffling around wondering when they can talk again. But I have no problem with students gathering of their own volition on school ground to pray or study the religious text of their choice. The reason I have no problem with this is simply that, in disallowing it, we are precluding their right to freely practice their religion.

Edit: sniper, that is a serious false linkage. One could say things have gotten worse since school integration, the Cuban missile crisis, the invention of tie dye, but that doesn't mean these things caused the decline of society. And if I were Black, I think I'd rather live now in our declined society than in a world where white-sheeted biggots could come take my husband and hang him with impunity, so your assertion that things have gotten worse is a bit skewed by your perspective.

Answer 4

I think a moment of silence is wonderful. I wish it was the Lord's Prayer, but I'll settle for at least a moment of silence so our children know to pray each day.

Answer 5

A moment of silence doesn't not require the kids to pray. They could be mentally reviewing their science notes. You have issues.

Answer 6

It is not prayer. It is a moment of silence to reflect on whatever you choose to whether it be religion, video games or nothing at all.

Answer 7

Please site your source.

Anyway a moment of silence doesn't equal prayer. It could be as simple as reflecting on something or paying respects to someone. I think the whole Moment of Silence concern is blown out proportion.

Answer 8

Well for me the question would be, since 1963 when the ten commandments were removed from the school classrooms and since then as other religious practices have been removed or challenged, have things gotten better or worse? They have seemed to have gotten worse.

Answer 9

Because they've been successful at it, that's why. It took an act of Congress to get that motto on your money.

Outrage is a good thing. There should be more of it.

Answer 10

...Why should Christians accept separation of church? It does not appear in the Constitution.
...Historians should report a complete and unbiased history, and quit cleansing it of things that do not match their agenda. What do liberals fear about the truth - I believe it is because they are afraid they will lose power, political office, and lose control of billions of dollars in tax money.
...The public school system and colleges and universities are dominated and controlled by atheists, liberals, Wicca folks, agnostics, and humanists, who have worked hard at cleansing our history of Christian heritage and dearly want to see any Christian influence in the public school snuffed out (funny though, they allow Islamic students to practice their faith - this is actually happening in my old gradeschool).
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...The Pilgrims came to advance Christianity, observe this from the Mayflower Compact:
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…IN THE name of God, Amen.We whose names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread sovereign Lord, King James, by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France and Ireland king, defender of the faith, etc., having undertaken, for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith,
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...And from Jamestown, we read this: The truth of our nation is clearly seen in the First Charter of Virginia, dated April 10, 1606, I, JAMES, by the grace of God, King of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith,... our loving subjects, have been humble suitors to us, that We would..... unto them our Licence, to make Habitation, Plantation, and to deduce a Colony of sundry (various) of our People into that Part of America, commonly called VIRGINIA, and other Parts and Territories in America,... We, greatly commending, and graciously accepting of, their desires for the Furtherance of so noble a Work, which may, by the Providence of Almighty God, hereafter tend to the Glory of his Divine Majesty, in propagating of Christian Religion to such People, as yet live in Darkness and miserable Ignorance of the true Knowledge and Worship of God ...do by these Letters Patents, graciously accept of and agree to, their humble and well intended Desires,..."
...You may not like it, but that is history.
...I pray that you will believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved (Acts 16:31)
...Whosoever will, may come.