If You Ruled Your Own Country, Would You Ban Religion?

[Jericho]

I think most of us agree that anyone can believe what they want, but not get special treatment for their beliefs, and that religion would have absolutely zero bearing on laws and the government.

[KevinM1]

I would allow all religions and all would be able to worship as they see fit (within reason). I would also cut out the extreme interpretations of the Separation of Church and State. If someone wants to pray at school, I say let them. I would also allow places for Moslems to ritually wash themselves for prayer.

Prayer is allowed in public school.  What is not allowed is school staff leading/participating in those prayers while on the clock, or special time provided for prayer.  But, nothing is stopping little Johnny or little Sally from saying grace before eating their PB&J, or silently praying during reading time, or praying during recess, or anything else on their own that doesn't interfere with how classes or run or how the other students learn.

It's a bit more difficult with other religions that require more upkeep.  Like, I believe Islam requires semi-regular genuflection on prayer rugs.  I'm not sure how that, or something like that, would work from a logistical POV.  Kids are in school for, what, 6-8 hours a day?  That's basically enough time to spend a little less than an hour on each subject (English, Math, Science, History, Art/Music/Gym, High School Elective(like, a foreign language)), time for lunch and 1-2 recesses/study hall.  School days are pretty packed as is.

But, yeah, the Christians raging about how "they took prayer out of our schools!" is such BS.  Teachers are prohibited from joining in/leading prayer because they're employed by the state.  If they did pray, the implication would be that the religion favored by that/those teachers - whatever it may be - is endorsed by the state itself to the exclusion of all others as teachers are working as representatives of the state.  Which is a clear violation of the 1st Amendment.  

But there's nothing outside of the normal, don't-interfere-with-class rules prohibiting any student from praying.  

I really don't care if some kid wants to pray in school, so long as it doesn't interfere with my niece and nephew's focus in the classroom.

[Salacious B. Crumb]

Exactly, and many christians get mad when someone asks to get the ritualistic type of vocal prayer out of school.

"It's not fair that I don't get to ram my bullshit down everyone elses throats! I thought we had freedom of religion in this country!"

Oh, how fucking ignorant and braindead some are..

People can pray in their head all day if they want, and go worship their statue when they get home, no one is stopping them.

[Polaris]

I would allow all religions and all would be able to worship as they see fit (within reason). I would also cut out the extreme interpretations of the Separation of Church and State. If someone wants to pray at school, I say let them. I would also allow places for Moslems to ritually wash themselves for prayer.

Prayer is allowed in public school.  What is not allowed is school staff leading/participating in those prayers while on the clock, or special time provided for prayer.  But, nothing is stopping little Johnny or little Sally from saying grace before eating their PB&J, or silently praying during reading time, or praying during recess, or anything else on their own that doesn't interfere with how classes or run or how the other students learn.

It's a bit more difficult with other religions that require more upkeep.  Like, I believe Islam requires semi-regular genuflection on prayer rugs.  I'm not sure how that, or something like that, would work from a logistical POV.  Kids are in school for, what, 6-8 hours a day?  That's basically enough time to spend a little less than an hour on each subject (English, Math, Science, History, Art/Music/Gym, High School Elective(like, a foreign language)), time for lunch and 1-2 recesses/study hall.  School days are pretty packed as is.

But, yeah, the Christians raging about how "they took prayer out of our schools!" is such BS.  Teachers are prohibited from joining in/leading prayer because they're employed by the state.  If they did pray, the implication would be that the religion favored by that/those teachers - whatever it may be - is endorsed by the state itself to the exclusion of all others as teachers are working as representatives of the state.  Which is a clear violation of the 1st Amendment.  

But there's nothing outside of the normal, don't-interfere-with-class rules prohibiting any student from praying.  

I really don't care if some kid wants to pray in school, so long as it doesn't interfere with my niece and nephew's focus in the classroom.

Teachers don't represent the government. Also the same lines as military folk can't go to political events in their uniform....who really cares?

[Jericho]

Teachers don't represent the government. Also the same lines as military folk can't go to political events in their uniform....who really cares?

Well the funny thing about that, is why should a military member attend such an event in uniform? For one of us service members to attend an event while not working, and in uniform, would suggest that that person supports whatever event they are at. Now, I know that alone doesn't mean that the military is involved. But most people are likely to see that uniform and think to themselves that the military is somehow involved in the policies or events that are taking place.

Also, you are correct that teachers do not represent the government. However, we all know that children are susceptible to whatever they are taught since they do not know any better. Teachers are hired and expected to teach children whatever subject(s) they are responsible for. Now, if my math teacher had taken time out of the normal lesson to pray to Allah with the students, then I would be more inclined to learn more about Allah than other religions. It is a matter of fairness to all religions. Since most children hold teachers in high regard, they would take whatever that teacher said to heart. That is why prayer should not be present in the classroom, at least in that way.

[Jenny A]

Teachers don't represent the government.

Let's examine that a moment shall we?  Public schools are paid for and run by the government.  Teachers are paid by the government to run that government controlled institution.  Curriculum is controlled by the government and taught by teachers.  Teachers ability to discipline students is enforced by the government.  Students are required by the government to attend public schools if they can't find an alternate government approved education.

So how are they not representing the government in the classroom?

[wiploc]

If I ruled my own country, there would be no danger of religion infiltrating government.  That eliminates any argument for outlawing religion.  

[Jericho]

Let's examine that a moment shall we?  Public schools are paid for and run by the government.  Teachers are paid by the government to run that government controlled institution.  Curriculum is controlled by the government and taught by teachers.  Teachers ability to discipline students is enforced by the government.  Students are required by the government to attend public schools if they can't find an alternate government approved education.

So how are they not representing the government in the classroom?

Very good point Jenny. Anyone who is paid by the government is, in some way, representing them.

[Mudhammam]

Ban religion? That's a serious question? That's just dumb. No. Of course not.

[c172]

I wouldn't ban it, but I would also never allow monetary support of churches. As far as separation of church and state, I'm a bit concerned about separating church from conscience of those who represent us in state. Simply put, some folks derive their morality from church doctrine. Are we supposed to ask lawmakers to not think about God when drafting laws?

I'm not sure that's precisely what I mean, but my night's getting a bit rough. I'll revisit this in the morning.