A bill designed to allow students to lead participants in prayer at non-mandatory school events, such as football games and proms, has passed a Florida House vote.
Hailed by Christians as a stance for freedom of religion, this bill will actually allow those of the majority faith (Christianity) to hammer their religion down the throats of any student, parent, or teacher who would like to attend a school event free of the seemingly constant drumbeat of Jesus and his followers.
The bill is also expected to allow teachers and school officials to participate in student-led prayers, citing religious freedom.
What conservative Christians continually fail to understand or appreciate is that teachers and staff are representatives of the government. They stand out as leaders in the classroom, leaders on the sports fields, and leaders in the school office. They are responsible for ensuring that all students feel welcome and respected.
For a teacher, coach, or school staff-member to join in a student-led prayer at any school function or on school grounds sends a direct, very clear message to the student population that this religion is the preferred religion.
And why is the religion always Christianity?
Why isn't it enough for Christians to be the majority? To worship in their churches and in their homes? To put religious signs in their yards or on church property?
Why are they so eager to force their religion into government and in public schools?
Why? Because they can't stand the fact that not everyone agrees with them and they will pound their religion into every corner they can in an attempt to force the rest of us to shut up, bow our heads, and do as they say.
Contact your congressional representatives in the House and Senate and voice your concerns.
Comments
So, next event, dress up like a Pirate and lead a prayer to the Flying Spaghetti Monster - demonstrate clearly that if it's good for one sect, it's good for all.
Perhaps the reason they want God in their schools and work is because even Christians go to school and work, and for most people who are religious (any religion mind you) you're faith doesn't just stop when you walk out of your church or house. I would have to read more about this legislature before speaking on it, but no student or worker should be stopped from praying if they want to. Even if such an action is perceived by non-religious people as "cramming their religion down people's throats".
OK... fair enough.
I would like to go to YOUR church, and give a science talk on evolution, cosmology, and biology. No one has to listen. I'm just using my freedom of no religion.
Allanna, no one and nothing prohibits anyone from private, personal prayer to whatever deity they wish.
The issue is official sanction by a government entity, which creates the perception that the government favors one religion over others.
IF you are going to legislate prayer at sanctioned events - even claiming it's okay because they are 'non-mandatory' events - then it's a clear violation of the establishment clause unless you allow ANY self-proclaimed belief system to participate: Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Wiccans, Pagans, Pastafarians and even Satanists.
Much simpler to keep your church in your church.
You do have the right to pray.
I have the right to poop too... but not in the middle of the street.
No rights are be usurped when you are restricted on where you can and can't do something.
Pray to your hearts content, just don't expect me to "respect" it and stand silently while you do it in front of me.
Would it be ok if all the Muslim teachers required you to kneel facing East a few times a day?
I don't find any problem with this legislation and I would consider this more a matter of freedom of speech than of religion. No one is making anyone participate in the prayers. The only problem would be if they had some discriminatory way of choosing who says the prayer. I'm a Latter-day Saint and I find no problem with Protestants, Catholics, Jews, Muslims, or anyone for that matter praying in my presence. I understand that they have a freedom to express their beliefs just as much as I do.
I also disagree that teachers participating in the prayer is somehow bad. Teachers are USA citizens just like anyone else. Does Barak Obama going to church send the message that Protestantism is the official government religion? I think not. People are smart enough to realize that people believe different things and pray in different ways. The only problem would be if students and teachers from minority religions were not allowed to pray if they wanted to.
So, in a place that is 90% Christian, they want to say a short prayer about protecting the football players from injury or thanking God for the freedoms we have, etc. People of other faiths can just sit there for 30 seconds in silence and respect. What's the big deal? If I went to a Muslim country I would be ok with them praying around me. I wouldn't participate, but I would be respectful. How can people be so incredibly sensitive to get offended because someone is saying a short prayer by them? I mean really, is it that bad? From the Christians' perspective, this kind of article is intimidating. It comes across as kind of hateful. We are making a very reasonable request and we get accused of hammering religion down peoples throats. And, by the way, not too long ago praying was very common at public events. So, it's not Christianity trying for force its way in. Rather, it seems Christianity is being forced out.
Mark, there is a difference between a group quietly joining together to pray in their common beliefs and someone leading the entire audience, regardless of individual beliefs, in prayer - especially at any government-sanctioned event.
The fact so few of the in-your-face christians understand that is why the rest of us seem 'hateful.'
As for 'not too long ago,' not too long ago, people of color had separate drinking fountains - the fact something ethically wrong was tolerated in the past doesn't justify continuing the practice today.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!