Should prayer be allowed in school?
407478
Yes! Even though separation of church and state exists in this country we also have the freedom of religion. You don't have to pray if you choose not to but should allow someone his or her right to pray at any time or place. How could that interfere with anyone else's freedom?
913064
Nothing is too big or too small for God, right? So please pray that I do well in my school exams next week! That would be so wonderful! I'll pray to, but it's always nice to know someone else is also praying! If there is ever anything (big or small) I can pray for you about, then I'd be more than happy to! Just let me know! God bless you too!
439159
I think it would be fine to have a voluntary comparative religion class in schools. I think it might create more understanding and tolerance between followers of different religions.\n\nHowever, I don't think it would have much effect on the religion a child would choose. I have observed many times throughout my life that when someone asks a child (under the age of, say, 13) his or her opinion about something like religion or politics, the child will nearly always give the same opinion they've heard their parents give. That's just how kids are.\n\nSince we can't expect parents to avoid exposing their kids to their own religion until the kids are teenagers, I don't think that teaching religion in school would really help kids choose a religion.
579324
Yes, in our democratic society, it is hard.  One of the founding principles in this country is the separation of church and state.  One argument in favor of prayer in schools is that studies show that prayer, meditation, or some other form of silent reflection help people to focus and stay on task, and as a teacher, I can testify (no pun intended) that staying on task is one of the hardest things any student can be asked to do.  \n\nHow can we justify prayer in schools, though?  That's a real toughie.  You could allow for "moments of self-reflection" or set aside time for journal writing (many schools have DEAR time-- Drop Everything And Read-- when students must devote 30 minutes to reading at the end of the school day).  But if you call that moment of silence "prayer time" you are treading on thin ice.  No one can force anyone to pray.  It cannot be mandatory.  Nor would a true Christian want someone to be mandated to pray, because God wants people to come to Him freely.
455628
There are no good aspects to be argued that support requiring prayer in schools. Schools are public property supported by all taxpayers, and should not be used to proselytize or promote any religion.\n\nIt sounds like your report is supposed to be based on propaganda, not facts.\n\nAnd, if that's the case, make up whatever lies you want since facts aren't of any concern.
431579
Prayer is basically individuals communicating with God.  If individuals who don't believe in God are forced to "pray", I think it actually denigrates prayer, implying that it doesn't matter what you believe or who you "pray" to.  It would probably harden the hearts of those individuals against God, being forced into a religious practice they don't believe in.  Let those who believe, pray.  But let them do it in private, or with a group of other believers, and not turn it into a public display of piety - that's not what God wants.
1029395
Look up statistics on when prayer was in schools and when they took it out. There is some great stuff out there.\n\nI'd love to read your paper when your finished. :)
310170
engel v. vitale was one case involving prayer in public school; the Supreme Court ruled against school prayer in it.  sorry, i'm kind of vague on this but you can check on wikipedia
211253
As long as all types of religions prayers are used (obviously if there is no-one from a certain religion, that prayer is not needed), then yeah, why not.
415559
No. Prayer is essential to guide the hands and lead them to the right place at the right time.
708040
Because the atheists would be offended, the very concept of God seems to offend them.\n\nPersonally, I think it couldn't hurt.  If someone just said a prayer, it might be a bit more difficult to pull a drive by shooting after school.  Wouldn't stop drive-by shootings, but might make a few of these kids think first and may not do it.
360060
That is a touchy subject, but I know one thing when I was in school we had prayer.  You didn't know who was against it or not, we just did it.  It seems like to me ever since they took it out of the schools there has been a whole lot of killings, stabbings, shootings, and disrespect for one another.  I think if we  bring it back it will make people think before the act, and maybe put the fear of God in some.  If they can keep it on our money, it certainly wouldn't hurt to put it back in the schools.  You don't hear the non-believer's complaining about take "In God We Trust" off our currency.  Why is that?  Moreover, money is the root of Evil.  I say we take "In God We Trust" of the money because it is not worthy to most who abuse it. Put it back in the schools with our children and let then decide.
720525
I think prayer should be a part of everyones daily routine. I pray everyday!! Your question is a good one. I think maybe it is just a day to bring people together and think about who they are praying to(GOD) and what they are praying for. Some look at it as everyone uniting!
1173274
In the 1940's all schools had morning prayers.\n\nAt that time a black pewrson could not pee in a gas station or enter many restaurants, schools, and other places.\n\nWas the morals better then with all of the Christian prayers?
755436
Religion should only EVER be allowed in schools when ALL religions are being taught to ALL students.  Then perhaps people may understand another's point of view a little more readily.  Other than that, it's outright OFFENSIVE to force one religion onto all children in school.  This should never, ever happen in a "cilvilized" society...it's outrageous.
281091
NO!  How silly is that.  It is just like being accepted to any other college. \n\nIt is very strict college where you have to attend chapel at least once a week.  There is a curfew and a dress code.  And you can be kicked out if you sneak to the boys or girls dorm.  And look out for all the gold buildings and the praying hands that are about 20 feet tall.\n\nMost of the people that go there are very faith based Christians that believe in the power of prayer.
750539
i only know \n\n#3- there is currently no laws on prayer in school, the praying policy is up to the schoolboard\n\nmany schools now have after school bible study programs set up by students {my middle and high school did}