Monday, October 6, 2014

Robert G. Wilkerson: Seven reasons prayer should not be in schools

-It would violate the Constitution. That document clearly calls for the separation of church and state. Those who wrote it knew history. They knew how horrible and oppressive life could be when the two were not separated. All attempts to circumvent this provision have been struck down by the courts and will continue to be.

-It would not be fair or just. Most of those advocating prayer in schools are advocating Christian prayer. If Christian prayer were to be allowed, then prayers of other religions (Muslim, Buddhist, Jewish, Hindu, etc.) would have to be allowed as well. They are citizens and pay taxes that build, operate, and maintain schools; therefore, they have equal rights.

-It would be a terrible burden on the schools. Teaching and monitoring religion is not the purpose of public schools, and they are not trained or equipped to do it.

-The places for prayer and religious instruction are the home, the church, the synagogue, the mosque, etc. It is the parent’s responsibility to education their children in religious matters, not the schools.

-The advocates of prayer in schools may have less than Christian reasons for their advocacy; reasons like getting elected or re-elected to public office by sincere, but uninformed voters.

-Jesus Christ would not vote for prayer in public schools. He never forced himself, His teachings, or His prayers on anyone.

-Prayer still exists in the schools, but it exists quietly and privately in the hearts and minds of the students and staff. As one young girl told me one day—“Prayer will never be taken out of schools as long as there are final exams.”

  About the author: Dr. Robert Wilkerson is a minister, writer, and founder of People for the Christian Way, an organization whose mission is to encourage all people to practice Christian principles in business, politics, and every area of life. drbobwilkerson[at]bellsouth.net, http://www.peopleforthechristianway.com.

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