The topic of prayer in school has been heavily debated since the early 1960??? s, when standard prayer was removed from all public schools. Many believe that having prayer would prove to be very beneficial to the students. Those favoring the concept of the recital of prayers in school think that a school should not only train its students academically but should also cultivate the minds of the children.
Prayers can help the school authorities to instill fundamental moral values in the students??? minds. With this said, it is obvious that prayer should be allowed in school to develop the maturity of young students. The first issue that comes up is freedom of religion. Banning prayers in school could mean depriving the school children of this right.
Banning prayers is equal to being non-religious. According to those who think in favor of prayers in school, believe that prayer is an essential part of the school routine. For them, it seems quite irreligious not to say a prayer every day, especially at the start of the school day. Prayers give the students an opportunity to practice their religion. The children are in a way motivated to respect their religion.
It gives them a platform to live by their values (Manali Oak). Next school prayer would result in many society benefits. The public school system is tragically crumbling. There has been a rise in school shootings, increase in drug use, alcoholism, teen pregnancy, HIV transmission and a decrease in academic excellence. The year after prayer was taken out of schools, the pregnancy rate for girls under fifteen increased from 5, 000 per year to 27, 000 per year, and SAT scores plummeted. School prayer can help fight these issues.
It would instill a sense of morality that is desperately needed to protect our children (All About History). All in all, it is important to base education on moral values and principles. Making prayer a part of the daily schooling is indeed beneficial. Prayer has the power of creating a moral atmosphere that helps instill certain values such as humility and discipline in the students. This helps the children realize the real meaning of ethical values. Prayers in school encourage the students to believe in the value system of the school and follow it. Referenceshttp://www. buzzle. com/articles/pros-and-cons-of-prayer-in-school. htmlhttp://www. allabouthistory. org/pros-and-cons-of-prayer-in-school-faq. htm
