Thoughts and Prayers: The Religion Thread

I actually think they should. But that's beside the point that, really, they could, and probably do so without offending anyone.

Let's say a class is starting in the morning. The teacher wants to, essentially, start the day off right, and on a good note. Say he/she goes, "OK, class, let's get into the right frame of mind for the day." And he/she continues, "My hope for today is that all my kids in this room work together to get through the day, safely and happily, and that I reach each of you in some way -- some way that helps you learn at least one thing today that you didn't know or realize before. Open our minds and hearts to each other so that everyone here has a good day together. I ask that you help me do that, and I give you my promise to help you do the same..."

Or something along those lines but perhaps a little bit different or tailored to specific classes, kids, activities, or circumstances each day.

Is that a prayer? Is it something people should be up in arms about because, clearly, it's sort of a prayer, even if not specifically directed toward any God? And even if it is actually presented as a prayer, is it so bad, or wrong?

I seriously doubt anything like this would do any damage to any kid, or class.

 

Define “non-denominational prayers,” please.

 

It is exactly what you said, and you know it. Let the Christian kids pray, let everyone else deal with the uncomfortableness of it. Those are lessons that should be taught at home. That's what we forget about religion a lot. I don't want it in our schools. If you want your child to have a religion education, send them to a religious school. If you want your children to understand your religion, teach them in your home. Keep it out of my schools, and don't make non-Christian children feel less than, because they don't pray when all the other kids in their class do. And yes, that is religious bigotry. because in this country and we talk about praying in public and praying and groups we are almost solely talking about Christian prayers.

 

A 'prayer' sort of presumes a God, doesn't it? Or at least some otherwordly recipient to whom or which the prayer is directed.

A pep talk is a good motivator, but it isn't a prayer.

 

And who are these “nondenominational prayers” targeted to? Is this Abrahamic religions only? What about students with Hindu, Buddhist, Shinto or other family religious backgrounds? My public school classes over the years had students from all of those backgrounds and then some.

 

Why is it so hard to remember that our country was founded on the principles of "freedom of religion" and "separation of church and state" expressly because the Quakers were objecting to having the Church of England rammed down their throats? You want to cite "framer's intent"? Remember this one first.

 

Well put. This idea that children in school should just have to deal with it is utter bullshit. When they are adults, they have options that children in school do not have. They can leave, for one thing.

 

It's all right. We can all read. Perhaps you should take a momentto consider that people might interpret the things that you've written differently than you intended them. Because again you've reiterated that you think this bigotry introduced in our schools is basically a chance for kids to learn. And perhaps they would learn from it, but it certainly not optimal and as I said, these are lessons they should be learning from their parents or at their synagogues or churches or mosques. I don't think seven and eight and 12-year-olds need to be felt like they are different and on the outside in a public school.

 

I can't wait to be able to share a rosca with my dad again

 

It's not worth arguing about. Any of it.

 

Not sure that it's a prayer. Is anyone here UU? That sounds like some of the invocations I've heard from their clergy. Well-wishes and maybe something that could be considered a blessing maybe? I like the idea, but see how it could turn into inches to miles, etc..

The rosca or prayer in schools? I'm pro-rosca, but prefer homemade.