Prayer in school :: essays research papers

Since the Engel decision in 1962, religious advocates have been assailing the imperative Court for "taking God out of the classroom." In an effort to reverse this trend, conservative religious groups have been fighting for the passage of a school prayer amendment to gain greater leeway for religious activities in schools. Clearly not all school prayer advocates agree as to what types of religious activities ar permissible in public schools and why, but the following are some of the most frequently heard arguments. (1) Our Government is based on Religious PrinciplesSchool prayer proponents maintain the United States was established as a Christian nation with godliness playing a central role in guiding the nations destiny. Supporters of religion in school take aim the founding fathers never intended a separation of church and state, evidenced by the fact that the phrase "separation of church and state" is not in the Constitution. Signs of a church/state union can b e seen regularly Congress prays at the opening of every session federal officials take their oaths upon a Bible "In God we trust" is stamped on our national currency and Moses and the Ten Commandments are featured prominently in the Supreme Court building. If religion is accepted in these regimen institutions, they reason, it should not be stopped at the schoolhouse door. (2) The Free Exercise Clause Protects School PrayerDespite decades of Supreme Court rulings, many religious advocates claim the Constitution protects school prayer. According to their interpretation, the First Amendment does not separate God and regimen, but actually encourages religion. Many supporters turn over the Establishment Clause was intended to bar only the establishment of a state religion. They narrowly interpret the Free Exercise Clause as requiring the government to accommodate religious observances in public life. Many advocates believe the restriction on graduation and student-led school p rayers violates their First Amendment right to practice religion without government interference.