This document displays the views of people against the prayer policy which were used as hearings before the committee on the judiciary. They argued that, "Prayers composed by politicians and governments have never been satisfactory to deeply religious people...because it contains no mention of Christ." The continue to say the prayer is "an empty salute to religion, a gesture which falsely parades as something real." These ideas intend to show that prayer is never the same to everyone and that not all people are religious enough to feel the need to say it. "To establish such a religious exercise upon these citizens is an unconstitutional use of government authority." In summary they are saying that forcing religion in school is unconstitutional. In the end they say, "The realm of religious experience is personal and private;please keep out."
I think that this was a strong argument and that religion should not be taught in public schools. I understand how it could help contribute to building moral values although the government can not for students to declare a God and ask for his blessing each morning. This could offend multiple people and their families. I believe prayer is a personal choice and needs to happen outside educational institutions. For example, last year after we recited the pledge in homeroom we had to stand for a moment of silence. Some students got offended by this new morning ritual that the moment was taken out the following year. I felt that it had a connection to religion and therefore was the reason for taking it out. Religion should be taught out of school and away from the raw education the children are trying to learn. The public system should not be responsible for formulating and requiring prayers.
Annals of American History, "On the School Prayer Decision". Feb 1, 2010
I agree with you that religious affiliations shouldn't be tied in with education unless given consent from parents. If schools were to take time out everyday to pray then that would be a problem for those who might not believe in God. It would affend them and maybe cause them not want to go to school. If there are parents who want their children to learn about their religion, they can enroll in a school speifically made to focus on that one religion. I have done that, I used to go to hebrew school at my synagouge a few days a week after going to public school. I have been informed that you went to Solomon Schechter, a private Jewish school. Did you pray multiple times a day? How was religion integrated with your education. Knowing you now go to a public school, which did you prefer? Learning in an environment with religion, or without?
ReplyDeleteI agree that prayer should not be integrated into the public school system. It would be too difficult in this country to try and incorporate religion into the school system because there are so many different religions in this country. Saying prayers in school would just create complications and anger. I think when you bring in something so personal and sensitive like religion, someone will always get offended. I went to Solomon Schechter and I know that I got a lot of my moral values from the religious aspect of school and I really enjoyed that part of it but there are other ways one can gain their moral ideals. Religion has no place in public schools.
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