No Prayer in Public Schools Essay - 746 Words

No Prayer in Public Schools Chapter three of Civil Liberties: Opposing Viewpoints inspired me to research today’s issues of school prayer. To understand how we got to where we are today, I first delved into our countries history of court cases pertaining to rulings on prayer in schools. Lastly, to update my audience on how our lives are being affected today, I directed my efforts toward finding current situations. By analyzing these situations, I gained knowledge for a better understanding of why society needs to be aware of these controversies. I don’t think there should be any form of organized prayer in today’s public schools. Praying in school was first addressed in the Supreme Court in 1962 in the Engle v. Vitale case. The†¦show more content†¦Jaffree case, the court struck down Alabama’s moment of silence law by banning observance of â€Å"daily moments of silence† from public schools when students were encouraged to pray during the silent periods. When we move to current issues, we find children like Emily Lesk, a Virginia student, who stands in the hallway for one minute every morning because she does not agree with the moment of silence her school holds (Lesk). I feel that many children are faced with difficult decisions, affecting their self-esteem. Some parents put pressure on their kids to get up and walk out, just like Emily does. However, this draws attention to them and provides an opportunity for their peers to unfairly judge them. On the other hand, if they remain in class, they will be disobeying their parents. A wall of separation has long been established and it is understood that two basic institutions of society can influence one another, yet neither will dominate the other. The issue of teaching religion in school can be judged by this principal. A strong point addressed, which I agree with, states that teaching morals and values is different than teaching religion. Prayer in school has been an issue for many years, and there is not one solution that everyone will agree on. This issue will hit close to home in a short number of years when I start my own family. I will be faced with difficult decisions when placing my children into a school. Many pieces ofShow 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 MorePrayer in Public Schools656 Words   |  3 PagesThe United States was built on prayer. 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In the United States, organized prayer in public schools is prohibited because it goes against the Constitution’s separation of church and state (Jinkins 123). The United States promises religious freedom, but is yet to define the degree and limitation of that liberty. However, American citizens have been debating for many years, whether organized prayer should be an option or obligation in public schools. Some peopleRead More Prayer in Public School Essay3032 Words   |  13 Pagesthere is a way to express ones deepest thoughts and feelings--prayer. Prayer is something that most people due naturally. Whether it is in the morning before you start your day, before a meal, before you go to sleep, or when you just feel the need to express your feelings, prayer is always there. Religious faiths believe that this is central to human life. Even those who are not religious pray. Prayer affects the material universe. Prayer can be defined as an earnest request; a humble entreaty addressedRead More No Prayer in the Public Schools Essay3232 Words   |  13 Pages   Ã‚  Ã‚   Over the past three decades, the issue of the role of prayer in the public school system has become increasingly controversial. The current debate juggles the opposing interpretations of the exact intentions of Americas Founders, who came from an other country, England, in pursuite of expanded freedoms. The first colonists in the 17th century especially desired religious freedom, because their former British government forced them all to learn and practice a centralized religion. Consequently