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I can understand and even sympathize with the Fundies (and Christians in general), and they may feel they are being persecuted.
I think reason probably escapes many of them, but if they were to imagine themselves living in a Fundamentalist Islamic country as a Christian, they would recognize the importance of keeping the two institutions (government and religion) separate.
Even in a public school, everyone has far-reaching religious rights that are protected:
http://www.religioustolerance.org/ps_pra9.htm
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Enforcing religious rights:
Even though many religious behaviors are protected by the Constitution, they are not necessarily allowed by the teacher, school principal or school board. Sometimes, they have to be fought for.
A small percentage of public school teachers and principals have interpreted the constitution incorrectly. Some have:
forbidden a student from reading a Bible in the school bus.
forbidden a student from praying before a meal in the cafeteria.
refused to accept a student history essay on the life of an historical figure because the essay described Jesus.
refused to allow a Bible study group to be organized by students, while permitting political, philosophical, science and other special interest groups.
Such infringements on a student's religious freedom are clearly unconstitutional, and based on ignorance of the law by the teacher, principal and/or school board. The US Supreme Court has ruled that students' rights do not stop at the school door. Such disputes are usually resolved when the school is informed of student's rights. Many Christian litigation groups are actively involved in such resolutions. The Rutherford Institute 3 is believed to be the largest such organization. They have stated: "Many cases can be solved with a strong and professional letter from an attorney, a legal memorandum from our office, or a phone call from a staff member." Although it is a conservative Christian group, they occasionally take on cases which support the rights of non-Christians.
Factors to Consider About School Prayer:
This topic generates a great deal more heat than light. A number of points are might be considered concerning prayer and other religious activities in public classrooms:
Contrary to generally held belief, prayer is not forbidden in public schools. A student can come early to class, sit quietly, and pray silently. Similarly, with some discipline, a student can pray upon rising, as a family before leaving home, even (if they can concentrate over the noise) in a school bus, in the cafeteria, etc.
If students are allowed to organize any type of extra-curricular group, such as a science club or political club, then they are free to organize religious or prayer groups. The federal "equal access" law requires this of all school districts that receive federal funding. They may hold their meetings on school property, advertise their group, etc. to the same extent as non-religious student groups.
Students do not leave their constitutional rights at the door of the school: they can wear clothing that promotes a specific religion or denomination; they can discuss the religious aspects of a topic in class, etc.
There is a sizable minority of parents (and by implication, children) who follow other than Christian religions or who follow no religion at all. They find a state-sponsored Christian prayer to be deeply offensive, and an attack on their freedom of religion.
Many deeply Christian and other religious parents and children who pray regularly regard enforced, state written prayers to be deeply offensive and a violation of fundamental human rights.
Some jurisdictions have allowed objecting students to leave the room and thus be excused from reciting a prayer. However, this action subjects the students to harassment by their peers.
To require students to recite a Christian prayer implies state recognition of Christianity as a religion of special status in the country. This is interpreted by many that religions other than Christianity are of inferior status. That promotes conflict among faith groups and intolerance towards minority religions.
Attempting to decide what prayers should be used can result in inter-denominational conflict among Christians. More conservative groups might ask for prayers which deal with sin, Satan, Hell and the necessity of being saved. Mainstream groups may want to write prayers which emphasize the love of God and responsibilities to one's fellow humans.
The freedom for parents and a school system to require children to recite a state-written prayer conflicts with the rights of parents and students who wish freedom from compulsory prayer. Some jurisdictions have reached various compromises that balance the rights and desires of opposing groups: Some schools institute a moment of silence that students can use to pray silently, or meditate, or simply center themselves.
Most schools allow any interested students to gather outside the classroom in the school to pray as a group.
In Canada, some school systems have a list of prayers drawn from a variety of religions that are found in the state or province. These prayers are read in sequence by a volunteer. Students are not required to recite the words; they can simply remain silent. This approach has a valuable educational component. Students learn a little about many religions. They realize that there are many different religions in the world and that society recognizes that all have worth.
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Last edited by DaveSZ on Jun-09-2004 at 15:30
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