The Debate Over School Prayer - 1096 Words

This paper will examine the topic of prayer in school. School prayer has remained a subject of national debate in the United States. This freedom has slowly but surely been taken away from students across the country. By bringing to light the laws pertaining to prayer in schools, understanding the current situation in schools, and rewriting school policy regarding prayer, this travesty can be avoided before it grows further. The dispute over school prayer has stemmed from the government s views on the relationship between itself and the church. Even though the national government aimed to tolerate all religions shortly after the Constitution was written, many state governments did not stand by this. Many state governments displayed favoritism towards different religions in the form of support. Therefore to further ensure that religion was independent of the government, a more precise interpretation of the first amendment was made by certain groups of people. By completely making reli gion and the state unconnected, the new understanding became known as the separation of church and state. This is taken out of context by many people and is only an understanding of the first amendment. Secularism, is the term used to define the separation of church and state. The antagonists argue that the total separation of church and state is extreme and that the writers of the Constitution would have allowed for more religious involvement in the schools (Whitehead, Freedom 5). ForShow MoreRelatedThe Prayer On Public Schools1240 Words   |  5 PagesFor much of the 20th Century and into the 21st, school prayer has been the focal point of an ongoing debate about the position of religion in American civilization. The question of the legality of prayer in public schools brings together a number of important notions in American government and legal philosophy. Opponents and proponents of school prayer set forth their arguments in such major constitutional issues as the separation of church and state, the right to free exercise of religion, and theRead MoreRuling Out School Prayer1276 Words   |  6 PagesMany people argue that school prayer is needed in schools, but I think that it is not necessary. I believe that it is not necessary to have prayer during school to please people of one religion. If a person can pray to him/herself, then there is no need for a public prayer. It has already been established in the constitution that school prayer has been banned and it should remain that way. In my opinion it should remain unconstitutional because it interferes with other student’s religion, the intentionRead MorePrayer in Public Schools894 Words   |  4 Pages Should prayer be allowed in public schools? This is a question with a highly controversial answer. There are many different angles to this question with varying ideas and opinions that never seem to agree with one another. The issue of prayer in public schools has, and will continue to be, at the center of many controversial debates. Just consider the fact that public educational system in United States is a secular or non-religious one that is quick to shut down any religious actions. This isRead MoreThe Debate Over Public Prayer1338 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿Public prayer is an issue that has been a topic for debate among many. The idea of intertwining religion with politics is something that, according to the United States Constitution, has been ruled decades ago as being inappropriate. However, prayer has shown to have very positive results when allowed to be conducted in a public manner. Prayer in school and work settings create a sense of morale and as a result allow individuals to have more motivation with the tasks at hand. Public prayer also promotesRead MoreEngel V. Vitale: the Beginning of the Battle Against School Prayer977 Words   |  4 Pagesreligious conviction became an ongoing debate on where and when is the right time to observe one’s faith. Most notably this debate extended to the public schools. One of the most prominent cases was that of Engel v. Vitale. The court case of Engel v. Vitale became known as the School Prayer decision and was the first of its kind in the American judicial system. The New York Board of Regents penned the following prayer to be spoken in New York public schools: â€Å"Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependenceRead MoreEssay on Prayer in School1341 Words   |  6 PagesOver the years, there has been a very controversial debate on whether there should be prayer incorporated within the public schools; half the population votes no on the topic. Many individuals feel that allowing prayer services within the schools will be offensive and time consuming. A common fear among the people is that there would not be an equal way to recognize everyone’s religion. There would be even more controversy as to which religions should be taught, in what manner, and it’s a veryRead MorePrayer In Schools Has Been A Much Talked About Debate In1434 Words   |  6 Pages Prayer in schools has been a much talked about debate in America over the past half-century. Conservatives, trying to regulate the religious freedoms of Americans , have tried numerous times to pass amendments that allow private student-led prayer in the classrooms(Baik, 243). Liberals, realizing that private prayer is and has always been legal, try to keep the balance between church-state separation as it is. This has kept the political issue of religion at a boil and confused many people on theRead MorePrayer in Schools Essay1215 Words   |  5 PagesPrayer in Public School There are many different philosophies regarding prayer in public school. It seems to be a difficult issue to decide upon. The opinions are wide-ranging and convoluted. This paper will attempt to highlight the many ideas and opinions as to whether prayers in public school should be allowed and to what extent. It will further show how our founders idea of a separate church and state has been taken out of context and why prayer in school should be allowed, but not requiredRead MoreEssay on School Prayer Should Be Allowed729 Words   |  3 Pages School Prayer Should Be Allowed I attended twelve years of Catholic School. My parents consented to the decision of my enrollment and they knew what was involved. They knew that the study of God and prayer was mandatory. Prayer in school in my case produced and environment of discipline and respect for the teachers. The involvement of my parents and the faculty in the use of prayer was in full agreement. However, my view was not even considered important. My rights had been violated. The FirstRead MorePrayer at Public School Athletic Events1007 Words   |  5 PagesPrayer at Public School Athletic Events -Can We Get a Moment of- -Silence Here?- If public schools are just that, public, then why is the issue of prayer in school such a prominent and controversial debate especially when most of the public wants prayer in school? The first amendment grants the right to free speech, yet everyday students are punished and ridiculed for their beliefs. Is this a fair system? Every person has his or her own rituals and for many students prayer is one of