Prayer in schools???
By Ambur25
@Ambur25 (1006)
United States
December 7, 2006 1:41pm CST
This is simply my opinion in my own words. If you don't agree with my opinion, then we all know what opinions are like..lol. I won't agree with yours and you won't agree with mine, end of story. But, here goes...
I think it's ridiculous that there's no prayer in schools. I think it's ridiculous that children can't pray to whichever God they pray to. Maybe one day, the Governor won't like the color red, and he'll ban any red clothing in public schools, simply because he or others might like blue better, and it's a difference of opinion. So to save a fight, all red clothing will be banned.
Hot dogs have been reported to be a significant factor in child cancer. Question, what's on your childs lunch tray every Monday, Wednesday or whatever day is "Hot dog day?" But, don't pray.
Don't pray in schools. Because our Heavenly Father isn't the only "God" in some lives. And it's not "right" to pray in public where there may or may not be other "Gods." Believers in the word of God believe that we were created by God. God created Adam, then created Eve. From these two, we were all born. Why is your child's science books still teaching evolution? That's not what my child believes. My 7 year old son may enter into science class and will be taught that we were all spawn from APES. So he will come home and ask me if GOD is real? The same God that I have been teaching him to believe in since he could speak? The same God that he's been so quick to pray to when things are going great, as well as when things are going astray? Yet, he can't pray in school.
Who's to say who we can and can't pray to? I believe in God. Yet, do you think I will look down my nose at someone praising Alaa? Will I grab the closest rock I can find and throw it at them for praising someone other than whom I believe to be our Lord Jesus Christ? Nope. Why? Because MY bible says we are to love one another as we love ourselves. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
On the first day of 2nd grade, my husband, both boys and I, walked into my oldest son's classroom to get him settled into his desk, etc. Before I left, Wayne reminded me that we should ask about Connor's praying. You see, we teach our son to pray. At any given time, when ever he should feel like praying. But, he especially prays before each meal. He will bow his little head, and pray quietly to himself. I had to ask the teacher, "Will Connor get in trouble for doing this?" She said she didn't see it as a problem. But, I left there that morning thinking how ridiculous it is, that I would even feel compelled to ask if my 7 year old son would get called to the office for quietly bowing his head and praying to himself.
We moved to Arkansas from Missouri last year. The school Connor "would be" attending in Missouri is currently being sued by more than likely someone just out to gain some sort of publicity or money. But, nonetheless. They are suing the school because "someone" (faculty member) said a prayer before a school event like a ball game or something. I'm not sure.
I just think it's ridiculous that people, especially children, can't pray to whomever they please in school. As long as they aren't forcing it upon anyone else. If my child is quietly bowing his head and praying before his lunch, any parent should be grateful that their child chooses to do so, rather than picking up his cheeseburger and throwing it across the table. With knowledge comes maturity. And my son knows right from wrong because he's learned it from his parents, who have taught him that the word of God is the right way. Period. But, he's also taught that just because others may not believe the same way you do, doesn't make them any less of a person and you should still respect them for who they are.
Agree? Disagree? Neutral? Talk to me. :)
2 people like this
31 responses
@JustSimplyLissa (547)
• United States
7 Dec 06
I think if a child or adult wants to pray in school it should be their choice, I do not believe that the schools themselves should make it demanditory. Just allow it by choice. And for those who choose not to. They shouldnt be offended by someone who chooses to. It's a simple personal choice. I do not feel that religion should be "pushed" on anyone. But not ripped out by disallowing it.
3 people like this
@JustSimplyLissa (547)
• United States
7 Dec 06
ILU2! AND CYA THERE!
this is a great topic!
2 people like this
@Ravenladyj (22904)
• United States
8 Dec 06
things may be different here to back in Canada but if I'm not mistaken, in Canada (Ontario at least) prayer is allow in school so long as its not disturbing the school day flow, so long as it doesnt disrupt the classes and is done somewhere private (example being if a group of students wanted to go to an empty classroom during lunch break and have prayer circle thats fine) and I think thats how it should be.....Prayer should not be part of the schools daily activities and required by all students, its not right....forcing my children to say the lords prayer in the morning after the anthem and whatnot isnt right...but to say grace before lunch or like i mentioned above, having a lunch time prayer circle in a quiet area I see no problem with that...As for the lawsuit you mentioned, I think that is just ridiculous..provided the faculty member was doin it to themselves and not expectin the entire ppl in attendance to listen....regardless though, suing for it is just silly....I mean if the teacher or whatever did it over the loudspeaker lets say, then yes report it tot he principal so the teacher knows to not do it again but at that moment...stick your d@mn fingers in your ears and suck it up buttercup..I'm sorry but ppl whine far too much here for the nuttiest things..Dont get me wrong I like living in the U.S but its SO much more tense than in Canada..big culture shock..
3 people like this
@avonelle26 (364)
• Anguilla
7 Dec 06
I totally agree. Prayer is the answer to all and it disgusts me when people throw God AWAY and then wonder why the schools are full of crime and why people are so evil. If we took time out to allow our school system to pray and take time out ourselves to pray and respect God we all would be in a better condition
@Kaorin (756)
• Australia
8 Dec 06
Personally, I do not believe not praying in school is what makes people 'evil'. I am an atheist and I've never prayed once in my life. I'm charitable, volunteer my time and money to good causes, never committed a single crime and am perfectly capable of understanding my own morals.
I don't believe that prayer is the answer to all lifes questions, and I don't believe that praying will suddenly make the world a better place. People who pray commit just as much crime and do just as many bad things in the world as people who don't.
2 people like this
@JC1969 (1224)
• United States
8 Dec 06
Ambur25,
But according to the Christian faith, god is everywhere, and god is in you. So, if that is so, then god hears your prayer whether silently said to your self or screamed from a roof-top right? So, is this really about praying or is it more about sanctioning a specific religion in public schools? I mean because if one is really concerned that there silent prayers aren't being heard by their god, then I'd question their faith more then the public school system. If it's a question of not getting enough prayer time in, then those types of parents need to place their kids in a religious school and not expect the public school system to cater to their religion, because if the public school had to cater to everyone's different belief then there would be little time for teachers to teach. Now, if your child wants to pray to himself before he eats lunch or feels the need to bow his head and pray when he feels he needs a little extra time with god, hey who is stopping him? As long as he isn't disruptive to the teacher, as long as he isn't trying to indoctrinate any of the other students, then let him pray to himself. Heck, how many kids close there eyes for a quick breather in class, how do we know if they are praying? we don't. Why does a big production have to be made over this? When I was a catholic, we prayed silently in church all the time, we didn't have broadcast our prayers out loud.
2 people like this
@Kaorin (756)
• Australia
8 Dec 06
I don't believe that children should be MADE to pray if they don't want to. I don't feel that praying should become compulsory. I believe that having a prayer during an announcement is forcing a personal belief that not everyone may have. There ARE people that believe in other gods, or don't believe in god at all, and I don't believe that they should be MADE to pray to god when they don't want to.
If it's a volunteer thing sure, why not. If its not hurting anyone, yeah I have no problems with prayer in school. But, if its a 'say a prayer at assembly' or 'say a prayer every morning before class', no, I don't think thats acceptable.
If you want your child to have that kind of structure in their day, send them to a christian school.
That's my opinions, anyway. But I totally respect your right to opinion.
2 people like this
@sirensanssmile (3764)
• Netherlands
8 Dec 06
It also stands to further SEGREGATE in public schools. This is why people started private schools with a religeous doctrine.
2 people like this
@JC1969 (1224)
• United States
8 Dec 06
I agree with you on this one. It becomes a problem when it is sanctioned and forced upon all, and then it becomes an equation for teaching intolerance. Why should a teacher, who has no belief, have to lead a class in a prayer, doesn't that infringe on the rights of the teacher? In the same respect, why should a student who does not believe in a religion have to be part of a student or administration lead prayer, and they should not have to be made to feel that they have to leave a room because of the prayer.
If you are so worried about your children not getting enough god in their daily routine then send them to a school of your religious choice, that's what the Catholics do...and even the Jewish.
2 people like this
@Ambur25 (1006)
• United States
11 Apr 07
I agree with you on that. It's not about saying a public prayer. It was about my son praying quietly to himself before eating his lunch. Not praying to his class, or asking everyone else to pray with him.
To the others, I didn't say I wanted more religion in his daily activities. Lol. I could send him to a private school. He was in a private Christian preschool before. Personally, I think a Christian school is great. But, I also think that these schools can shelter kids from "the real world." They are taught that there is crime, and sin, and bad things in the world, but until they come face to face with it, or see signs of it themselves, they never truly know the extent of these things. Again, this is simply my opinion. I didn't want my sons to be in a private school and thrown out into the world. I want them to see the world for what it is, make their own opinions and thoughts, be taught right from wrong, and be able to use their free will to make the decisions that they think are right for their life. Right or wrong. It's human nature to sin, and we as humans make mistakes. But, we also learn from these mistakes. And if they aren't allowed to make mistakes on thier own, they will never learn how to fix things for themselves. I won't allow my children to play in the street! But, I'm not going to stand over them for the rest of their lives and keep them sheltered. It's only when they make a mistake, that they learn to fix it, and learn how to avoid it next time.
@honestabe (396)
• United States
8 Dec 06
I agree, yet disagree at the same time. The right for a religious person to pray at their own will while in school is important, yet it is taken away by schools obviously. I think the reasoning for this is that the schools are trying to create a neutral environment. They don't want people praying b/c non-religious people might take offense to that and then it could cause lots of tension between groups of people at school. School should be a tension-free and calm environment for all to educate themselves.
3 people like this
@JC1969 (1224)
• United States
8 Dec 06
If a student bowed their head and prayed to themself, what's the big deal? Now, if the teacher or the student stood up and demanded that all students said a prayer, then there is a problem. No one has the right to encourage or force praying in a public school. If it is going to be done, then it needs to be on their own time and not during time that is designated specifically for education and teaching all the students. You want to have a little prayer meeting outside during recess, go for it. Just do not force it upon all students, and do not make the students that choose not to be part of it feel like they are doing something wrong--teach tolerance of all.
I find it funny that so many religious people seem to forget that their god is with them always, their god sees no boundaries like the bricks of a school building, and their god hears their thoughts and prayers no matter where they are. If this wasn't so, then why bother praying at all?
When my great-grandparents went to school, there was no prayer in school, they were jewish, and they said their was no prayer in their school. They went and prayed in their temple, at home with their family, and if they needed to say a little extra they did it privately and to themselves. There was no fuss over it. My other grand parents were catholic, and they too said they never had to pray in public school when they were kids either, they did it at home and in church on sundays. Maybe that's how it was done in downstate NY back in the days. The problem is there is too much fuss over it. You have some schools that want to force kids to say prayers regardless of their belief or disbelief, and that makes non-believers angry. Then you have schools that won't allow a student to say a silent prayer to themselves or pray before their meal if they want, and that makes those with faith angry. Goodness where is the happy medium here. I say, don't force me to pray, and you can pray to yourself anytime you want--now can we get on with trying to fix the diluted curriculum in our schools...LOL
@sirensanssmile (3764)
• Netherlands
8 Dec 06
I think that Adults can't separate how they reason from how a child reasons. An adult will think "Prayer is important in life and should be allowed whereever." A child thinks "Prayer time is an excellent out from Math class." Children don't reason as adults do so it is silly to think that it would serve anything other than a distractn from studies.
1 person likes this
@Ambur25 (1006)
• United States
11 Apr 07
I certainly see where you're coming from on this, but the post wasn't about getting out of class to go pray. It was more about praying quietly before his lunch? And with all due respect, my son (who is 8 years old now) knows the difference. He thinks of prayer just as he should. Not as an easy cop out. Children understand and realize more than most adults think they do. They may not use all the right words, but children see more than you think. =)
@Akeela (2078)
• Trinidad And Tobago
8 Dec 06
Sweetie , I believe in what you are saying Americans need God in their life. Just now the will want to take off "IN God We Trust" in the back of the dollars ,(they aint mind spending it dont they) .When it have prays in school it curves the violence in school. Where I live the previous Government banned that and corporal punishment and now there is even more violence in school.WE NEED GOD!!!
1 person likes this
@sirensanssmile (3764)
• Netherlands
8 Dec 06
Children go to school to learn not to worship. Children should do this in church. I find that it is a reasonable thing to not have prayer in school as this is but another distraction for children from their studies. You may see it as good being an adult children rarely see things like that. They most likely find it a way out from studies. Religeon is important but so is education. Prayer for home and church.... School for learning.
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@Ambur25 (1006)
• United States
11 Apr 07
Again, no where in the post does it say I want children to be allowed to stop class to go outside to pray. It was simply about my own son quietly praying to himself before he has his lunch.
I agree with you about that. It would certainly be a distraction in schools to allow children to stop class to go pray. However, that's why I did NOT SAY THAT. =)
@xxclairexxj (590)
•
8 Dec 06
So were are expected to be able to allow different religion children to stop whenever is right for them to pray? Wouldn't this disrupt the school day hugely? I never prayed at school and we got a lot more work done. I am in the UK and don't think it's right that Muslims should be allowed to stop their school day to pray. I believe if they come to English schools, they should abide by our rules. Same goes for any religion by the way, that was just an example. I What makes you think the way of God is the right way anyway? That's just your opinion and I find it rude when people try to impose their ideas on me and those around me who also don't agree with it.
@sirensanssmile (3764)
• Netherlands
8 Dec 06
Excellent point.
Another point I was going to make is similar.
If all religeons are able to practice religeon in public schools then the school day would hardly exist. Some religeons require prayer more than others and this would take up a HUGE chunk of the day. If children wanted to pray in school they can do that by themselves in between classes but they don't really from my experience because théy would rather gossip or talk to friends. A dedicated prayer time would only serve to take time away from precious school time.
There are private religeous schools you know. People who really want their children to pray can take them there as they have their days specifically geared for that.
1 person likes this
@sirensanssmile (3764)
• Netherlands
8 Dec 06
Another thing.... heh I am in a rush so forgetful at the same point.
I know what you mean by the special treatment of muslims compared to other religeon's in schools.
They demand special treatment and to be able to do as their religeon dictates but then they complain that they are not treated fairly.
How can anyone possibly treat them fairly when they are being treated specially? (By their own designs no less) Fairly means the same and equal to treatment of others right? Well specially is outside of the norm so it is contradictory and impossible to be done simultaneously.
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@Ambur25 (1006)
• United States
11 Apr 07
Can one of you please tell me where in my post does it say that it should be okay for children to stop class so they can pray? Where exactly does it say that children should be allowed to pray whenever they like, distract the class, and stop working during the day so that they can go out to pray?
Or you can just put the part where I was talking about my son quietly praying before his lunch? That's not really distracting his "studies." If he doesn't get to finish his green jello because he was in prayer, fine. But, no, no child should be allowed to stop class, or stop working because they HAVE to go pray. Prayer shouldn't be timed, or on a schedule anyways. Hmph.
@ASoldiersAngel02 (633)
• United States
8 Dec 06
I'm with you honestly I dont think children or anyone for that matter should be punished for being religion. Why should someone be believing in "God" whichever they choose to worship? Are we going to start punishing people for having beliefs? I think not. prayerand religion should be left alone it is neither a matter for the school now state to decide.
2 people like this
@lissaj (532)
• United States
8 Dec 06
I agree. If a child wants to pray to him/herself, they should be allowed to as long as it isn't disrupting the other children, or the class. It isn't being forced on anyone, it is their choice. My childrens class has a moment of silence after saying the pledge of allegiance and I think it is fine if a child chooses to pray to themselves in this moment of silence. They won't allow prayer in school, but they say the pledge? That always gets me..."under God"....I don't see anything wrong with allowing prayer in school.
@Ambur25 (1006)
• United States
8 Dec 06
The "politics" are trying to take "under God" out of the pledge as well. The same pledge that each of us has said since preschool.
Also, I think it won't be long before they take the National Anthem out of the ball games. Maybe there's someone at the game that doesn't believe. ;/
Anyways. There's a million other things. The US Military. The entire Military involves God. They ALWAYS pray before each time they leave. They say their national anthem. "God Speed" has been a national phrase. "God bless America" C'mon. When does it stop?? We can't take God from everything in America. America was built by God, for God, with God. Taking God out of everything American's do, will simply deminish what we've always stood for. Out on a limb here. Disagree if you will. I'm sorry to offend anyone. But God is so much a part of America, taking his name out of things... gah.
@JC1969 (1224)
• United States
8 Dec 06
You do realize under god was not in the original pledge? I went to school in the early 80s and was taught the pledge in its original form without under god. It's how I've always said it. I was also taught the reason why it was added, and how it was unconstitutional to do, yet it made its way through.
1 person likes this
@vssornavel (978)
• India
7 Dec 06
children are need prayer for their early age may be school or in their home ...sorry i can't understand your thread fully
2 people like this
@abhishek87 (38)
• India
8 Dec 06
I believe that they should pray ONLY when they understand and realise who God is..And what their relationship with God is..TIll then, the few words they utter are of no use..
2 people like this
@FrancyDafne (2047)
• Italy
14 Mar 07
Well Ambur25,
I'm a libertarian person, so I'm for freedom. Everybody should be free to pray or not if he/she desires it, but I don't think you can compare prayers and colors (the Governor won't like the color red, and he'll ban any red clothing in public schools, simply because he or others might like blue better, and it's a difference of opinion), unfortunately religions sometimes create problems in the school and so it's necessary to do something to avoid this eventuality.
So I think that people should always be free to pray and follow their religion, but we must pay attention to fundamentalisms, you can say that TO YOU the word of God is the right way, but you must leave free people who don't believe in the word of God.
@Ambur25 (1006)
• United States
11 Apr 07
Very good point. And it is true. I do believe in the power of God, and to each his own, right? I pray for those who don't believe, but that is simply because it is my belief. They don't have to know I pray for them? Lol.
And the color of the shirts - That was an exaggeration, of course. But it stemmed from the gangs back in the '90s. Certain gangs wore red, others wore blue. There was talk about not allowing either color clothing in schools because of this. Parents were outraged. Even though the parents were against the idea of children joining gangs, it was still not the job of the school board to decide which color shirts their children were "allowed" to wear. To this, the school answered the parents with talk of requiring all children to wear school uniforms. As for me, I was fine with that. Not because of the gangs, but because children can be harsh to other kids. If one child has jeans that aren't a certain brand name, other children targeted that child because of it. School uniforms would allow disadvantaged children the opportunity to go to school and feel "equal" to the children who once tormented them because of the way they dressed, even though it wasn't their fault. It is never the child's fault if the parent cannot afford (or refuses to) buy name brand clothing.
For me and my husband, we "could" buy our children name brand clothing, and sometimes we do. However, for the most part we do not. When my boys are older, we probably will. But at this point, they simply grow too fast to pay $60 for a pair of jeans that they'll only wear for a couple months.
I ramble from topic to topic. Lol. But, in short, I agree with you. Everyone should have the right to believe the way they want to believe and do what they wish, as long as it isn't causing any harm or danger to others. Great response! =)
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
9 Jan 07
I believe you should be able to pray anywhere you want to. As long as it is not being pushed on anyone else, it really should not matter. This is getting out of hand, just like taking the pledge. I can't believe it.
1 person likes this
@Devinarun (387)
• United States
8 Dec 06
prayer should be encourage din all the schools and that will only turn be good a good habit the child will learn from school if not anything else.and the power of prayer should not be underestimated.
@mommy9699 (85)
• United States
8 Dec 06
This is my personal opinion you can agree or disagree.
Prayer should be allowed in school...not meaning everyone has to do it, but that if my children want to pray they can. I think it is ridiculous to have a note sent home because your child decided they wanted to take their new bible they just got for show-n-tell. It isn't hurting anyone!
I saw someones post that they think schools are trying to make it a neutral ground for everyone...well if thats the case they should allow prayer because they sure don't have a problem with teaching my child about evolution...Its awful when you have to re-teach your child because a teacher told them they came from apes. Or you get another note because your child says no God created us and we all came from Adam and Eve..lol I've taught my children to respect their elders, but I also want them to stand up for what they believe in!
What I don't understand is this country was built on freedom of religion, but it seems the un-believers are taking over. If you don't believe in God thats your right,but don't push it on me or my children! Me and my house will serve the Lord...and no school or government should be able to tell me or my family when we can and can't pray!
@mtbkanata (248)
• Canada
8 Dec 06
Personally, I do not believe in prayer, or god... but that doesn't mean someone else can't.
I think the world is WAAAAY to PC these days... and you've experienced it first-hand!
We're in fear of living our culture... in fear that it might offend someone else.
I think people need to step back, take a deep breath, and then stop worrying about everyone and everything they do. Does your child have a right to express his religion, oh course... who does that really effect? NO ONE except your son. Therefore, who really has a right to say he cannot pray? NO ONE.
Like I said, I do not believe in god, but I would not ask someone not to pray. I way too many of my own problems to deal with in my life without getting involved with what everyone else is doing!
@minerc (1373)
• United States
28 Jan 07
If a child wants to pray then they should be aloud to. My son in the second grade carried his bible in his pocket and no one ever said anything to him. We pray at home, and we have prayed eating lunch togather at school. No one has said anything to me about it. As long as we are not forcing our believes on others it shouldnt be a big deal.
@applsofgld (2506)
• United States
14 Mar 07
When my daughter graduated high school in 2000, they were not allowing prayer in most all schools. But we had just moved into this county and the principal at this school and the neighboring county school, allowed prayer, the principal even led prayer at events. I have also heard it put this way, as long as there are tests, there will be prayer in school. I think it is ridiculous to not allow it, for those who do not wish to participate, they don't have too. That's my stand.
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