Praying at schools, should it be allowed? why or why not?

Question

Christians area majority in USA. Why dont we create atheist schools instead of prohibing Christianas to pray at school? Why should not we create rooms at school where Christians can pray?

Why should things be the way atheist want and not the way other religious want? I mean, Christian are majority. It mean that they alll together pay more taxes than all atheist together.

If my taxes cant be used to let my kids pray, why should I pay taxes to afford evolution research? why?

Answer 1

"Why dont we create atheist schools instead of prohibing Christianas to pray at school?"

Christians can already pray at schools. So can anyone. Neither atheists nor anyone else I've ever heard of have even attempted to prevent people from praying at school.

You have a very poor grasp of the facts, and instead are just parroting silly propaganda. If you ever want to have Christians and atheists trade rights, the atheists will be more than happy to take you up on it.

"If my taxes cant be used to let my kids pray, why should I pay taxes to afford evolution research? why?"

You're more than welcome to move to Saudi Arabia or Afghanistan. The United States really doesn't need people like you who are so opposed to our basic values.

Answer 2

It's a sore point with me too. I guess I understand it, sort of -- in a pluralistic society, you can't show favoritism of one religion over another. And, although there is a Christian majority in the US statistically, there are increasing numbers of people of other faiths. So, what the courts have done is to snub everyone (excep the atheists) equally by not providing any sponsored prayer or moment of silence.

Not that this prevents anyone from praying. It just means that the faculty and students can't lead prayer for the classes in general. I suspect there's (still) a lot of praying going on among the students -- even the supposed atheists -- before and during exams, and among the teachers for strength to get through the day with a bunch of kids who have never had a discipline.

We homeschooled our kids and they, in turn, plan to homeschool theirs. It's an effort, especially on the financial end because it requires one parent to be home, but it is definitely worth it.

Answer 3

There are rooms at schools where Christians can pray. And they're allowed to do so. It's just that teachers aren't allowed to lead prayers during class.

You see the great thing about prayer is you don't need to pay taxes for it. Kids can pray before school, after school, at lunch times. They could even pray in class, no one would know as long as they weren't disruptive about it. You don't need to pay for a teacher to lead prayers in a school, that's just stupid. Honestly, you might as well complain that doctors don't lead prayers in operating theatres in public hospitals.

You also seem to completely miss the point of democracy. The idea isn't that the majority group should treat everyone else like second class citizens with no rights.

Answer 4

Kids already can pray at school. Moot point.

"Why dont we create atheist schools instead of prohibing Christianas to pray at school?"

You may not realize it but the word atheist is religiously neutral. It simply means "not theist" and frankly that is also what is best for Christians.

Also keep in mind that what you're demanding is that if tomorrow your religion is no longer the dominant one your children be required to pray to Xenu for instance.

And do you honestly want a completely level playing field with taxes? Or do you simply think you do. I would be ok with churches no longer having tax exempt status.

Answer 5

There are no issues of separation of church and state with your tax dollars with evolution. And paleontolgoy, archeology, biology, genetics are all recognized sciences and as such are not considered a religion. Therefore there is no question of funding grants for science. If you don't like the way your congressman appropriates for your district--vote people that think like you in. With prayer in school. Most schools allow time for private meditation. To set up prayer in school is a way of saying the state supports a religion. School officials rather than making allowances for Hindus, Buddists, Christians, Jews, Moslems, Shintos, and all the rest of the religions--simply recognize that the choice is make allowances for all or allowances for none--to do otherwise would in essence be using tax dollars to support a particular religion (christian majority you say)-which is blantantly unconstitutional. If you are so dead set on having your kid pray in school--it's your choice to send him to a religious school.

Answer 6

Personally I think that if a couple or group of christian kids want to pray they should be allowed to, but it shouldn't be forced on any other kids to have to do this. What people seem to forget is that our society is free to choose and people need to learn to respect a person's choice in faith. it has nothing to do with who pays more taxes blah blah blah, it's a matter of respect. Is it a must have for kids to have a room in the school to do this? Well honestly, no. If people would just learn to respect each other's choice it wouldn't ever be a problem for a group of kids to gather in the hallway for a short prayer....

Answer 7

I think the controversy is prayer that is led. I know I did more than my share of praying in school, and no one stopped me. Especially before tests.
There is NO LAW that says the student has no freedom to practice religion. There is NO LAW that says the student has to leave their beliefs at the door.
We must also remember the part in the constitution talks about the restriction on CONGRESS. Last thing I knew, a school was not congress.

Answer 8

Public schools get their funding through the government. Your taxes were used for the roads, wars, social programs, and many other things that you don't get to pick. Anyway, once you pay them it isn't your money anymore.

Who cares if your child prays? As an atheist I don't. What I do care is that the teachers are not telling all the kids to pray. What I do care is that children are being taught science based on science and not religion based on belief. That is what church is for.

Answer 9

As a Jew, I don't want to hear the teacher telling ME to pray to Jesus...you can kiss my big fat Jewish behind!

However, if you want to have a minute of SILENCE where "those who wish to pray" can...I have absolutely no problem with that.

Heck, I used to pray in school (35 years ago)...mostly about the cute girl sitting two desks away from me, but that's another story.

We also used to say the Pledge of Allegiance as well...and nobody died from it.

I also have no problem with schools allowing students to organize religious clubs AFTER SCHOOL. At least you'll know the kids are in a safe environment.

It's not religion in school which is the problem, but rather the idea of YOU shoving your faith down other people's throats.

There should have been an 11th Commandment - Keep Thy Religion To Thyself.

Answer 10

Let the kids pray. No tax money is needed. Schools benefit from quiet times in the morning and after recess so kids switch their minds to focus on studies. Let kids use this time to contact their spirits or God or just think about their homework or whatever.