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Religion in the Public Schools
One of the most hotly disputed – and most frequently misunderstood – issues involving religion in America is the role of religion in public schools. The airwaves are filled with rhetoric suggesting that the Supreme Court took prayer, God, or religion out of the public schools.
Here are some things that I have found through various websites that clarify our freedoms regarding religion and prayer.
First, children are free to pray in public schools either as individuals or in groups. In addition, whenever a teacher opens up an assignment topic for the children’s choice (such as which book to read, what to discuss in a talk to the class, or which song to sing), students may choose religious themes – and the ACLU has protected their right to do so. Schools may offer courses about religion or about the Bible or other religious works.
There are, however, two difficulties to which all should be aware. First, public schools themselves should not be in the business of promoting particular religious beliefs or religious activities. While it is permissible for public schools to teach about religion, it is not permissible to promote particular religious beliefs. Although public schools should not be leading children in prayers or religious ceremonies, they should also be respectful of the religious beliefs of students. Second, public schools should protect children from being coerced by others to accept religious (or anti-religious!) beliefs. Public schools should seek to create an environment conducive to learning by all students and not act as vehicles proselytizing for religious or anti-religious beliefs.
Here are my thoughts on the subject: Prayers in the home are much more effective than prayers in school. How many of those that are loudly protesting for schools to have prayer at school or football games, etc. actually have an active prayer life at home? Do they regularly attend church? Do they practice their faith in secret, with no audience? Do they read and study their Bible at home? When we can all answer these questions with a resounding “YES”, we will have no need for school-led religion. Our students will practice their faith without being
prompted!
“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. then your Father who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:6, NIV)
