who banned prayer in public school?
406367
God.\n\nDidn't he say somewhere in the Bible that it is best to pray in private?
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.
765366
Double standard, yes.\nAm I pissed over it, AMEN. You bet.\nMy son went to Catholic school for 9 years, then public. I told him if you want to pray, talk to God, say things out loud about God, DO IT. I'll be there to fight your battles. He's never, ever had a problem. He even includes the Lord in some of his reports and never an issue. If the rules are not going to change, let's just teach our children how to remain to be themselves, be true to their religion and in a respectful way...you know, don't push your beliefs on others they way the government does, but don't step down from what your heart tells you to do.
735486
The Puritans opposed the catholic system of education based on the catechism. This catechism taught belief in God could be achieved by following fixed rules. Attendance at Mass, repeating certain prayers ( see indulgences), private confession for the forgiveness of sins.\nThe Puritans suggested that the later allowed you to commit serious sins but then have them written-off by absolution at confession.\nPuritan education REJECTED the need for a "mediator" between God and  (wo)man. (This was the role of the catholic priest.)\nThey believed and taught that 'justification by faith' was the route to salvation not by repetitive prayers or using aids such as statues, rosaries, stained glass windows and organs. Hence the removal and desecration of these objects in the churches. The reject the dogma of "The divine right of Kings" suggesting Kings/Queens rule by and under God's authority.\n\nWhat is generally mis-understood about the Puritan "Pilgrim Fathers" was their objection to a regulated form of worship ( see Act of Uniformity and the Prayerbook). They rejected the Elizabethan settlement of 1559.They wanted the chance to worship in a free spontaneous method " as the Spirit moved them".  This is still the basis of the Society of Friends (Quakers).\nThey also believed in mutual support and co-operation rather than centrally controlled funding and discipline.
577323
Yes.  Religious school.  Public school is government schooling and the government should not promote any partricular relgion or class of religions in any way.  By ensuring that schools carriculums remain secular it empowers parents and loved ones to educate their children on spiritual matters without government interference and preserves our freedom.
448860
Unfortunately yes, a bill is being reviewed in Congress over the possible ban of religious texts upon public transportation.  Luckily its not a very popular bill.  Seems like a violation of the separation of church and state clause in the constitution.
541657
Where were you when government class taught the seperation of church and state?  I am so tired of hearing about not praying in school.  No one I know ever did except the small country schools years ago.  The founding fathers didn't want one religion to run things so it had no place in government!\nIf there was to be prayer in school, it would take forever: Christian prayer, Buddhist, Wiccan invocation, Hindu, Jewish, etc.  There can never be just one!\nI don't know how you can say God has been kicked out.  Come to Northern California, Texas, Utah, etc.  There are churches on every corner where I live.
1073235
The phrase "separation of church and state" does not appear in the Constitution, but rather is derived from a letter written by Thomas Jefferson to a group identifying themselves as the Danbury Baptists. In that letter, Jefferson referred to a "wall of separation between church and state."\n\nIf say, "prayer in school" was enforced by law, it would be unconstitutional because it would violate the first part of your quote. Laws cannot respect an establishment of religion. In essence, that's what separation of church and state is. (ANY church - not just Christian.) Prayer in school is an ESTABLISHMENT of religion.\n\nI have no personal feeling, I'm just speaking about the law.
127109
no. due to the separation of church and state decision in 1946 during the Emerson v. Board of education case brought before the supreme court, the bible and all religious material are not allowed as curriculum material in the united states. students may choose to bring or read it, and quoting passages from it are fine, but it may not be used in the curriculum, and teachers are not allowed to speak of religious beliefs and practices unless a student asks. the ONLY exception is a religion class (world religions) or a private school/college, where taking these courses or attending this school(as in private schools) are by choice. colleges and private schools are not held by the same rules, as they are private companies, if you will.
895902
It is acceptable to violate a law. Speeding to get someone to the hospital. Jaywalking to save someone. Countless others.\n\nI grew up in Boston. Strong Iriish Catholic but no prayer in public schools. My children are now in grade school in TN (Bible belt). They pray in public school. Could not draw Jack-O-Lanterns for halloween because it was satanic. Way over the top for me.
1082459
They've banned major religious symbols in general, I believe, in places such as public schools and government buildings. So a Jewish man can't wear a kippah, Christians can't wear giant crosses, etc. And I think it's to help prevent discrimination in the work place, but I disagree.
964317
I think it would be illegal under the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. The school board is a public function. Having a prayer or some other religious observance centers out people who believe differently and it could even prejudice the proceedings against them. A person who leaves the room or just looks indifferent during the prayer might not get a fair hearing.
889716
It's only a small minority of schools where prayer is banned, and we Christians can always send our children to Christian schools anyway if we have to, so your question is moot.
554192
Depends on the school and the nature of the symbol / display.\n\nIf a public school, the teacher should be able to wear religious symbols, and have personal religious items in their personal space (i.e. their desks, offices, etc.). They have the right to freely practice their religion, and this does not infringe upon others' rights.\n\nIf the class is about religions & religious philosophies, then as appropriate to the discussion and subject.\n\nBut a teacher should not turn their non-religious subject classroom into a religious billboard. That would be wrong.\n\nBut too much religious intolerance is being allowed. You have no right to prevent others from practicing their religion, or displaying their religious symbols in their own space.
83817
You can see all the bad fruits, sufferings that this method of teachings caused to ppl, so why would you want to have such teaching?  I myself I didn't attend Islamic school,but I suffered from the rules , too much rules. everything fun is banned in Islam.  like songs, music...etc. even some said drawings to creatures with souls is banned, chess is banned. I really felt bad because of these unfair rules, which neglect my hobbies and talents.  I really loved drawing, but one opinion of clerics drilled my talent.  my drawings love fall apart.  never do such crime toward your sons and daughters.
740246
it means that, while your child can have the "right" to pray quietly in school, the school doesnt have the "right" to lead group prayer and subject an unwilling child to the group pressure to participate or be ostracized.
849260
That's the flaw in their argument. Nine times out of ten, they only want Christian prayer and Christian material in schools. It's the same people who support the Ten Commandments being placed in a government building, but would flip over backwards with anger if someone put the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism or the Five Pillars of Islam in there as well.