Hot Topic (7/17): Prayer

[Cafe GroupAdmin]

Do you think prayer should be allowed in public settings such as public school graduations or the opening of legislative sessions?  How would you react if you found out that a public school teacher or official prayed aloud in school or if a community sports coach led his/her team in prayer?

Should public prayer be protected as "free speech"?

Do you pray?  Why or why not?

 

[witch_e_woman]

If the need to pray is that great then form a prayer group else where before the event.

Schools should NOT force others to have to sit/stand there while others Pray..form a prayer group in the cafeteria/Auditorium or some where other than a classroom

Same goes for school events/games, form a prayer group else where.

***Personally though..I feel a minuite of silence during any of the events stated above would be the best solution for all instead of forming a prayer group.
Then everyone can worship in silence & not have to be subjected to anyone elses religious beliefs aloud !

[rocklovinggirl]

Definitely!
Anyone should be allowed to practice their religion, it is one of our rights! 
Just as long as it is not forced upon everyone, such as, making a prayer over the announcements but what is so bad about a person bowing their head and praying silently... if that offends someone, oh well, get over it! It is called freedom of religion!
Yes, I do pray, every day!

[Raintree]

People can pray silently where/when they want. You just can't - what you said- force it on everyone.

Quoting rocklovinggirl:

Definitely!
Anyone should be allowed to practice their religion, it is one of our rights! 
Just as long as it is not forced upon everyone, such as, making a prayer over the announcements but what is so bad about a person bowing their head and praying silently... if that offends someone, oh well, get over it! It is called freedom of religion!
Yes, I do pray, every day!

[iluvmommyhood58]

I think students can personally pray, hell a group of them can get together... that's a right in this country. I think a teacher can personally pray if he/she wants to, within school property. That's a right too. A teacher, as an employee and representative of the public school system which is supported by the government and taxpayers, should not lead a prayer OR attempt to influence the religious choice of any student. And it's only because, as an employee of the school, that teacher is an extension of the school.

[AdkArmyMom]

Prayer in public school?  No.  However, I have no problem (nor should anyone else) with a moment of silence during which people may reflect (or not) as they choose.  They can pray, think about what they're having for lunch or whatever else they want and no one has ANY reason to be offended.

In answer to the latter question, yes I do pray and we pray and attend Church as a family.

[IhartU]

People should have to be forced to listen to prayer in a public setting. Not everyone prays the same or to the same God. It's arrogant, selfish and rude to think all those present are of the same belief you are. When it happens I inwardly roll my eyes and think how wrong it is. It's an intrusion on my rights.

As for prayer in Government sessions, I think this it totally unconstitutional and shouldn't happen.

 

[Miracle6]

I believe the saying is: Freedom OF religion, not Freedom FROM religion.

As an athiest, I support other peoples right to pray when and how they want to. No one can MAKE me pray.

[PamR]

People can pray whenever and wherever they feel they need to - no one needs someone standing up in front of them, telling them that now is when they "should" pray.

Separtion of church and state should be respected.  If we are going to lead school children or public officials in prayer, we should encompass every religion, not just Christianity - Judism, Islam, Buddist, Hindu, pagens - because Americans are free to worship any and all of these, and more. 

[WImom2]

They already open legislative sessions with prayer. Mainly from my research the Our Father. I am fine with that. If someone in that particular setting is not ok with it they can always NOT pray. What are they so afraid of? Like listening to a prayer may make them burst into flames? LOL

[Pepperlynns]

my kids school say the anthem, the pledge than a minute of silence each morning