U. S. freedoms cover religion and prayers
by Chris Taylor, editor-in-chief

    A recent class discussion involved freedom of religion. A student who sits in the back wanted to know why people get so offended by public prayer.

    Obviously, this student was capable of viewing this topic only from the perspective of the majority. She insinuated that people who complain about public prayer were merely crybabies.

    I, of course, disagreed with her.

    She doesn’t see the whole point of public prayer or bans on it. Our country is founded on freedom for all, not just the majority.

    No one is telling people they can’t pray. People can pray freely in churches and private residences.

    The problem with prayer in school or football games is that it seems dishonest. People go to a football game expecting a football game, not a prayer. They go to school to learn, not to have a certain religion impressed upon them.

    If we reverse the situation, then maybe people will understand better.

    Say that a church promises prayer on Sunday, but instead of a prayer service, a rave takes place. That would probably upset a few people.

    Another point most people don’t understand is that when a school has a prayer or religious belief that is different from the student’s own it makes that student feel as though he doesn’t count.

    Students are around teachers and principals (people youngsters are taught to respect), and they are basically saying if someone isn’t like them, then that person is wrong and will burn in hell.

    First, that attitude isn’t very tolerant; second, it produces an uncomfortable feeling that often creates animosity.

    Many complaints have surfaced lately about how a few people control the majority. This argument usually occurs in the context of religion. I guess people with different beliefs shouldn’t be counted, heard or even considered.

    These same people want television and movies cleaned up to a certain morality because they believe they are the minority and are not being heard.

    Hypocrisy and prejudice lead people to dislike and reject certain religions.

    While it may feel good to flaunt your beliefs at football games or graduation, people should remember that pride is also a sin.