Prayer in Public Schools?

edenvegan · #11 13th August 2009, 02:43 PM

I was just thinking about this last night. Where I live it just seems like people are concerned with selfish desires: cars, clothes, houses, toys, etc. And I thought: Why is there such moral decay where I live? Is it everywhere in America? Is it because of no prayer in schools?

I used to sing patriotic songs with the name "God" in them weekly. For some families, that's the only "religion" they get growing up. Since things have changed, fewer people know about God, His goodness, etc.

But in the same token, it gives Christians more creative way to show God's goodness--by being loving to those who don't deserve it...those that are hard to love.

Still, can't help but wonder if more missionaries should stay and evangelize in America and not just overseas. There's a world of hurting people right in your own backyard. That could help out a lot. And of course having the option/freedom of praying at school at will. That would help so many kids. I used to teach.

Ringo84 · #12 18th August 2009, 03:40 PM

Originally Posted by rockytriton

Prayer is allowed at my childrens' school. But that's because we homeschool. I'm glad that prayer is not allowed to be a part of public schools. If you wanted it to be, then it would be open to all faiths. I wouldn't want my children having Mohammed promoted to them at school or Buddha or any of the other false prophets. Sure I wouldn't mind if Jesus was promoted, but whose version of Jesus? What if it was some Jahova's Witness teacher or some Mormon teacher. I don't feel like having to reprogram my children when the get home from school. If public schools are open to all children and teachers from all religions, I definitely don't want religion taught there. I prefer it taught at home and church where we can teach them the truth.

Originally Posted by madisson1101

obody is stopped from praying during non-instructional times in the schools. I have had students witness to each other in front of me, ON THEIR OWN TIME.

I often wonder why it all of the country's problems are blamed on prayer being taken out of the public schools. I don't believe it has. What has been taken is IMPOSED Christian prayers. Christians are free to pray, on their time not the school's.

Great responses! It's gratifying to know that some people "get it" about prayer in public school.

I don't see the problem with a moment of silence, but I'm absolutely against imposed prayer in public school.
Ringo

Fishyygirl · #13 18th August 2009, 07:36 PM

I really don't understand all the debate on this subject. Everyone has a chance to have her own time of reflection during lunch. My high school never had prayer time, but I never felt restricted, so what's the problem?

bliz · #14 20th October 2009, 07:31 PM

Originally Posted by aandb

Religion has no place in public schools. You ARE a hypocrite, in fact. You'd be OK with Christian religion being taught to your children, but not Muslim religion, because of the propaganda you have been fed about the religion.

It's quite a shame people have come to this. There is absolutely no respect for other people's beliefs.

The US government disagrees with you. the Equal Access Act leaves lots of room for students to freely express religios ideas, to wear religious clothing, read religious books etc. in public schools.

Lokke · #15 20th October 2009, 08:36 PM

m y school have minute for silence befojr we begiin class.

RevPilgrim · #16 5th November 2009, 04:08 PM

Originally Posted by madison1101

I am a mature Christian woman who has been teaching in the public schools for over 20 years. I also earned a Masters in Social Work, and work part time in a psychiatric hospital. In the school in which I teach, I have students from all over the world, and of every major religion in the world, including Islam, Hindu, and Buddhist, along with Christians and Jews.

In my school are many Christian teachers, and several of us gather each morning for prayer for our school, the students, teachers as well as our country. I teach middle school Social Studies and work hard to educate my students on the Bill of Rights, as many have come from countries where such rights are nonexistant.

I raised my children in public schools, and they led many of their friends to the Lord, some right in school.

Am I dishonoring the Lord by believing that it is inappropriate to push for Christian prayers to be returned to the public schools? Nobody is stopped from praying during non-instructional times in the schools. I have had students witness to each other in front of me, ON THEIR OWN TIME.

I often wonder why it all of the country's problems are blamed on prayer being taken out of the public schools. I don't believe it has. What has been taken is IMPOSED Christian prayers. Christians are free to pray, on their time not the school's.

Sorry to be so long winded. I am new to this forum, but not new to CF.

Trish

I completely agree with you. I think that in our culture this push for prayer in public school misses the scriptural point of Matthew's gospel that prayer is to be an approach to God, not a presentation for the people.

Take "Meet at the Poll" for instance. Very often this event is more about the spectacle of prayer rather than a genuine approach to the throne of God. In other words, people want to be seen praying to make a point about the prayer and about politics and culture. In that sense the prayer is for them, not God.

In the interest of full disclosure I am a clergy person in the Presbyterian Church. I very much believe in prayer and it's power to transform. But I don't believe that prayer should ever be used to make or score political or cultural points.

b.hopeful · #17 5th November 2009, 05:01 PM

Originally Posted by RevPilgrim

<snip>

In the interest of full disclosure I am a clergy person in the Presbyterian Church. I very much believe in prayer and it's power to transform. But I don't believe that prayer should ever be used to make or score political or cultural points.

QFT!!!! Bolded for excellence!!

General Mung Beans · #18 11th November 2009, 10:29 PM

Originally Posted by freeport

The old way is going to change.

People can repent now, if they wish.

If the end was not coming soon, this way you speak of would be right.

But this is it.

How do you know the end is nigh? There is no proof at all and Jesus Himself said that we wouldn't know the end.

rcorlew · #19 13th November 2009, 01:04 AM

Originally Posted by madison1101

I am a mature Christian woman who has been teaching in the public schools for over 20 years. I also earned a Masters in Social Work, and work part time in a psychiatric hospital. In the school in which I teach, I have students from all over the world, and of every major religion in the world, including Islam, Hindu, and Buddhist, along with Christians and Jews.

In my school are many Christian teachers, and several of us gather each morning for prayer for our school, the students, teachers as well as our country. I teach middle school Social Studies and work hard to educate my students on the Bill of Rights, as many have come from countries where such rights are nonexistant.

I raised my children in public schools, and they led many of their friends to the Lord, some right in school.

Am I dishonoring the Lord by believing that it is inappropriate to push for Christian prayers to be returned to the public schools? Nobody is stopped from praying during non-instructional times in the schools. I have had students witness to each other in front of me, ON THEIR OWN TIME.

I often wonder why it all of the country's problems are blamed on prayer being taken out of the public schools. I don't believe it has. What has been taken is IMPOSED Christian prayers. Christians are free to pray, on their time not the school's.

Sorry to be so long winded. I am new to this forum, but not new to CF.

Trish

I say that your feelings are entirely appropriate. This goes even deeper than prayers in schools (my son's High School Football team still has a prayer before their team meal and before each game), the problem is not removing God from schools, buildings, money, and courts, the problem lies entirely with the fact that most people have removed God from their heart. They are the uncircumcised as Paul called it, yet they claim to be of faith. Continue your prayers, talk with your friends and meet in prayer with them, but as long as you are not forced to violate God's eternal laws of loving Him and loving your neighbor, then all authority is of purpose and useful so we are to be humble in our obedience to it.

Your Brother,
Richard

simon reyburn · #20 26th August 2010, 09:17 AM

well if people want to pray they should beable to pray but people should bealbe to leave that room if they dont feel like its something they want to do. i think thats a fair way of doing it.