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The Separation of School and State Families, these days, are becoming more and more religious; yet they can not decide if religion should actually be a part of the school day. Whether or not religion should be allowed in public schools is a very controversial issue. Some people strongly oppose it, and some strongly support it. In fact, they support it so much that the parents are choosing to pull their children from the public school systems. For decades now, since 1962, when the U.
S. Supreme Court threw prayer out of schools in the case of Engle V. Vitale (school prayer... 1), the separation of school and church has been a In recent years there has been a rapid growth of teen-prayer groups being formed. These groups, mostly made up of Christian teens, raise some major concerns (Newcomb 1). Although religious groups are not allowed to meet during the regular school day, they can meet after and before school. As a result of so many groups, children that are not Christian are beginning to question and try their own faith.
These children, the minority, feel left out and uncomfortable. In a survey that was conducted in Lincoln High School, sixteen students were asked if they would feel left out if students were publically leading group prayers. The results were varied, although most said they One anti-religion activist states, Public schools are for all children, no matter the religion, and are supported by all taxpayers, and therefore should be free of religious observances. Another states, Religion is private, and schools are public-so it is appropriate that they shouldnt mix (Riley 1). One pro-religion activist responds, Schools where clubs of different faiths operate, students can learn to coexist, be sensitive to different points of view, while still strengthening their own spiritual and moral beliefs (Newcomb 1). During those after school meetings a school official needs to be present at all times to not only ensure that the club members promote their activities in a way that doesnt offend others, but also to prevent adult manipulation (1).
Many parents and adults consider the uprising of crime and the lowering of values in society a result of taking prayers out of schools (School Prayer... 1). Public schools are thought by many as pagan, anti-Christian, and un biblical. When Christian mother, Nancy Mcfarland's daughter gave birth to an out-of-wedlock child, she blamed libertine teachers for promoting premarital sex (a sin in a Christians mind). McFarland states, Public schooling is no longer about educating children; its about destroying their minds (Koerner 54). Children are beginning to feel torn between their parents views, and the views that they have.
When asked if they felt obligated to believe the same beliefs as their parents and peers, the majority of the students surveyed said no. But, what does this mean? According to Riley, Religion should not tear people apart, it should bring them together. The students of today should be able to make decisions for themselves, and decide what they want. We are taking this gift of choice away from our children. We are forcing them to believe what we want them to believe (Riley 2).
Several groups have begun to appear, both pro-Christian, and anti-Christian, to try to separate church and state. Groups such as Exodus 2000, Rescue 2010, and Separation of School and State Alliance have some very far fetched, and unlikely goals. Rescue 2010 's goal is to exit every Christian child from the public school system within a decade (by the year 2010). There are currently about twenty-million Christian children enrolled in public schools. These groups believe that schools center on multiculturalism, the absence of prayer, and sex-ed (Koerner 54). Barry Lynn, the executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State argues, Its [Exodus 2000 ] based on this premise that public schools are pure evil, and they are spiritually raping your Most Christian parents that support school prayer view that not only does it [prayer] help make the transition into learning smooth, and it also helps students to resolve personal issues.
Prayers give students, no matter the religion, time every morning where they think about values and faith to help them through life. Many students have problems and prayer gives them time for them to think about their issues. Supporters view that starting the day off with prayer will not harm society. They see it as a way of allowing... students to clear their minds (School Prayer... 1). One supporter of organized religion in school states, Kids are to often found dead as gang members, or having children out of wedlock.
Prayer promotes peace and abstinence in almost every organized religion. It is absolutely vital to maintain moral health in our society. Prayer may cause children to become better human-beings, better members of society, and better parents for our young (School Prayer... 1). Many children and adults have been tried in the United States Supreme Court for violating the courts ruling of the 1962 case Engel V. Vitale. The ruling the court made defines what the first amendments Freedom of Religion really means to us today.
Prior to the Supreme Courts decision, the only person that had to actually utter a word during the prayer was the teacher, and no teacher complained. Students did not have to say a word, and could even leave the classroom if they desired (Bryce 26). The latest, and widely publicized case that was taken to the Supreme Court took place in Stephanville, Texas. Joel Allen, and Alan Ward, both 15 -year-old football players, decided that nothing, not even a federal court ruling-was going to keep them from praying. On August 27, 1999, before the coin-toss of the schools football game, the two borrowed a P. A.
system. Using the P. A. system, the two students led the crowd in a prayer. Allen stated that, We decided to stand for God, and overlook mans laws, the short prayer before the game is a tradition, and I intend to keep it that way. Here in Texas, football and religion are taken seriously.
Football is a religion. Although the court ruled that events like football games are hardly the sober type of annual event that can be solemnized with prayer, Allen and Ward are planning a repeat performance When someone is willing to go to such an extreme measure as to break a federal law more than once for a cause they truly believe in, they should be recognized and praised, not taunted and punished. Sufferings gladly borne for others convert more people than sermons (dc 207). Robert Simonds, president of CEE (Citizens for Excellent Education), brings up the point that the courts are actually doing these kids a favor. As Jesus is quoted in the Bible: Dont be upset when they haul you before the civil authorities. Without knowing it, theyve done you-and me-a favor, given you a platform for preaching the kingdom news!
And dont worry about what youll say, or how you say it. The right words will be there. The Spirit of your Father will supply t...
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Research essay sample on Separation Of School And State
