Prayer in School

An issue that has been constantly debated for years is whether voluntary prayer in public schools should be permitted. A student should be allowed to pray voluntarily at the beginning of each school day based on many reasons. Prayer based on moral beliefs reinforce good citizenship as defined by our forefathers. A daily reminder of a need for the belief of good over evil is a necessary part of this society. Daily voluntary school prayer should be re-instated in public schools due to three reasons, the historical basis of the beginning of the United States government, the serious moral decline since prayer has been outlawed, and the government infringement on the constitutional guarantee of individual freedom of personal beliefs.

First, a student should be allowed to pray voluntarily at the beginning of each school day because the United States government was originally based on Christian principles. The Declaration of Independence, a document written to express the mission and purpose of this new country, states, " We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that God endows them, with certain unalienable rights....." Credit for the rights that Americans hold dear is given to God, the Creator, by the founding fathers of this Nation. In order to understand the basic fundamentals of the US form of government, students need to understand the religious teachings that influenced these early leaders; that is the creation, the providence of God and a final judgement day for accountability. Since the government was formed under these principles, it can only stay strong if students understand these beginnings. The first amendment states "that congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, nor prohibiting the free exercise thereof..." The first clause declares that the

federal government cannot establish a common state church. Many of the US

forefathers left Europe because they did not agree with nor want to be forced to

support the established state church. The second part of this clause insures

and encourages individual religious belief. The demonstration that religion is

important to the workings of the government of this country can be seen when

every session of Congress opens with a prayer. Why are the governing bodies

of this nation allowed to pray daily, but schools are prohibited? Although prayer

should be reinstated because it is an important part of our American heritage,

other reasons exists for re-instating volunteer prayer in public schools.

Another reason for reinstating volunteer prayer in public schools comes from the fact that since prayer has been prohibited in public schools, the morality of the nation has declined. Since the Supreme Court outlawed prayer in public schools in 1960, the nation has seen a steady moral decline. There is a strong correlation between the expulsion of prayer in public schools and moral decline. Between the years of 1960 and 1990, the divorce rate has more than doubled, teenage pregnancy and teenage suicide has increased 250%. Child abuse is now at an all time high and since the end of school prayer, abortions have gone up more than 1000%. Universal principles of a civilized society are mandated by the Bible and re-enforce by prayer. In the words of Ben Franklin, " When we were subject to danger from the war with Great Britain, we met daily in this room to pray for Divine protection. Our prayers, Sir, were heard and graciously answered......Have we now forgotten our powerful Friend? Do we no longer need his assistance?" The coming together to pray daily provide support, re-enforcement and fellowship to keep minds focused on good instead of