Prayer was Never Kicked out of School
Feb 17, 2007
Prayer in school seems to have become an issue that many Christians get very riled up about. The idea that God would be "kicked out" of school or any other part of our lives should be offensive to Christians (Colossians 3:17), and it clearly is. However, has God really been "kicked out" of schools? Is our ability to serve Him really being hindered by the rules regarding prayer in school or is it actually being helped?
First, the idea that God and prayer has been “kicked out” of school stems mainly from the Abington Township School District v. Schempp Supreme Court decision in 1963. This decision basically disallowed required religious activity in schools. Since then, things have gone further and organized prayer or religious activities that are run by the school are no longer allowed. It’s true that the school cannot organize prayers, but religious clubs are still allowed and prayer is perfectly acceptable in those. Also, there is no government regulation preventing individuals from praying in their own free time, even if it is during school hours and on school property. God and prayer have not been "kicked out" of school. The school just can’t be in charge of them anymore.
Many Christians seem to become very outraged about these rules, but is the lack of organized school prayers truly a hindrance in our service to God? In Matthew 6:5+6, Jesus outlined how prayer should be when he said:
"And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly."
According to these words of Jesus, the personal and private prayer, which is still permissible in schools, is how we should be praying anyways. It’s true that prayer can no longer be forced upon students by teachers, as it once could. However, does forced prayer even do anyone any good? According to James 1:5-7, we will receive wisdom if we ask, but if we ask in doubt we will receive nothing. A student who is forced to pray against his or her own will is certainly going to doubt. Also, if students prayed only to impress or appease teachers, then they would just be praying "that they may be seen by men," and we know how Jesus feels about that.
The rules our government holds concerning prayer are not a hindrance to true and sincere service to God. In fact, they may even be a benefit. If prayer or other religious activities still could be organized and required by teachers, then what would be preventing teachers from spreading false doctrine? 2nd Peter 2:1-3 describes the danger of false teachers and even states that "many will follow their destructive ways." Instead of being outraged about no more school organized prayers or religious activities, perhaps Christians should be grateful that this opportunity for false teaching is being blocked and that religious training is left where it should be left " with the parents (Ephesians 6:4).
1st Timothy 2:1+2 tells us to pray for "all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence." Let’s be grateful that, at least so far, those prayers are being answered in this country. The ability to pray in school has not been taken away so let’s not develop contentious attitudes about this issue. Instead, let’s follow Romans 12:18 and "as much as depends on [us], live peaceably with all men."
First, the idea that God and prayer has been “kicked out” of school stems mainly from the Abington Township School District v. Schempp Supreme Court decision in 1963. This decision basically disallowed required religious activity in schools. Since then, things have gone further and organized prayer or religious activities that are run by the school are no longer allowed. It’s true that the school cannot organize prayers, but religious clubs are still allowed and prayer is perfectly acceptable in those. Also, there is no government regulation preventing individuals from praying in their own free time, even if it is during school hours and on school property. God and prayer have not been "kicked out" of school. The school just can’t be in charge of them anymore.
Many Christians seem to become very outraged about these rules, but is the lack of organized school prayers truly a hindrance in our service to God? In Matthew 6:5+6, Jesus outlined how prayer should be when he said:
"And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly."
According to these words of Jesus, the personal and private prayer, which is still permissible in schools, is how we should be praying anyways. It’s true that prayer can no longer be forced upon students by teachers, as it once could. However, does forced prayer even do anyone any good? According to James 1:5-7, we will receive wisdom if we ask, but if we ask in doubt we will receive nothing. A student who is forced to pray against his or her own will is certainly going to doubt. Also, if students prayed only to impress or appease teachers, then they would just be praying "that they may be seen by men," and we know how Jesus feels about that.
The rules our government holds concerning prayer are not a hindrance to true and sincere service to God. In fact, they may even be a benefit. If prayer or other religious activities still could be organized and required by teachers, then what would be preventing teachers from spreading false doctrine? 2nd Peter 2:1-3 describes the danger of false teachers and even states that "many will follow their destructive ways." Instead of being outraged about no more school organized prayers or religious activities, perhaps Christians should be grateful that this opportunity for false teaching is being blocked and that religious training is left where it should be left " with the parents (Ephesians 6:4).
1st Timothy 2:1+2 tells us to pray for "all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence." Let’s be grateful that, at least so far, those prayers are being answered in this country. The ability to pray in school has not been taken away so let’s not develop contentious attitudes about this issue. Instead, let’s follow Romans 12:18 and "as much as depends on [us], live peaceably with all men."