Case in point: (and by no means is this the absolute for all non-christians)
Athiests are opposed to ALLOWING Christians their right to public prayer. (public school has BANNED prayer in many states). *this is offensive
But Christians wish an Athiest a Merry Christmas and then get accused of being INSENSITIVE to their right not to celebrate a religion? (last I checked, saying Merry Christmas is nothing short of a wish for peace and love to that person!)
Your thoughts?
2007-12-21 16:23:39 · 9 answers · asked by Xanadu 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I agree that there's a need for sensitivity and open-mindedness in both directions.
Regarding your example, though, I think you may have been misinformed.
First of all, it's just "organized" prayer that's banned in schools. It has to do with the establishment clause of the constitution, as it is interpreted by the courts. But anybody is free to pray in school, or anywhere else.
Second, it isn't just athiests who object to organized prayer in school. And it isn't just Christian prayer that's at issue.
I don't think it's particularly insensitive for Christians to wish others a Merry Christmas. When somebody says Merry Christmas to me, I just assume he thinks I'm Christian, or has forgotten that I'm not. We don't wear signs saying what our religion is.
Whatever your religion, I do wish you peace and love.
2007-12-21 16:49:31 · answer #1 · answered by yutsnark 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why do Christians have a right to public prayer in school? I actually don't believe they do. Aren't you people supposed to go into your closets and pray, anyway?
And I really don't care about the Merry Christmas thing. My bosses where I used to work are Christian, of course, and they insist on saying Merry Christmas to everybody...I just think it's silly, but I'm not all that worked up about it...
2007-12-22 00:27:40 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
I'm a Christian and I'm opposed to prayer in public school. Anyone can pray silently at school or anyplace he or she may be. I personally don't want to be forced to pray a certain way. I prefer to wish people Happy Holidays unless I know for sure if they're Christian, Jewish, Pagan, etc. That way everything is covered.
2007-12-22 00:33:51 · answer #3 · answered by Purdey EP 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't care if you're insensitive or not, and you know nothing about Abington vs. Schempp, which removed all adult led prayer in schools. No state may make a law allowing prayer in schools, but kids are free to pray. It's organized prayer that was removed.
Educate yourself and get back to me.
I'm not offended by Merry Christmas and don't know of any atheists who are.
Merry Christmas!
2007-12-22 00:27:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
When I wish someone a Merry Christmas, It means, have a wonderful time as we celebrate the Birth of Jesus, the Son of the Lord Most High.
2007-12-22 00:32:37 · answer #5 · answered by Apostle Jeff 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
School prayer is not banned anywhere in the US. Get your facts straight and stop propagating lies.
What is prohibited, is for faculty to lead such prayers.
Further, who has all the stupid "Keep Christ in Christmas" bumper stickers? Is it atheists or Christians.
Many Christians seem to think that prohibiting them from using force to compel others to pray to their make believe god somehow constitutes a violation of their rights.
2007-12-22 00:30:26 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Prayer doesn't need to be forced upon kids in public schools. I enjoy people saying merry christmas to me. I also like people saying "my prayers are with you" or "I'll pray your mom gets better". It shows they care.
2007-12-22 00:27:14 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
you as a person can do as you want
for a public building or a public government to go against the Law of the Land (US Constitution) that forbids the State to favor one over another, is illegal and should not be allowed
geez, did ya hear of Germany in 1930's?
Hitler did this using christianity against the "christ killer" jews and made his catholic sanctioned religion the official authorized one (like you are pushing for) and punished and killed all the others
check out Bonhoeffer's work
2007-12-22 00:28:50 · answer #8 · answered by voice_of_reason 6 · 4⤊ 2⤋
I am told I am arrogant but they attack the holiest concepts of my religion.
You are right about public school;majority should win.
2007-12-22 00:27:59 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋