Faith

Atheists Campaigning to Ban Prayer During Ala. High School Football Games

Atheists Angry With Lauderdale County School District Over PrayersHigh school football games and prayer simply don’t mix — at least that’s what one prominent atheist group is saying.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation is taking Alabama’s Lauderdale County school district to task after accusing officials of allowing prayers during Brooks High School football games.

The prayers, which invoke Jesus’ name (obviously a common element among Christians), are being called a First Amendment violation. At particular issue is the fact that they are said over a loudspeaker, making them audible to anyone attending the games.

According to the Times Daily newspaper, the complaint stems from a single source in the community — a man named Jeremy Green.

In an e-mail to the newspaper, Green, who is a member of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Humanists of the Shoals, and American Atheists, said that he is taking a stand in support of the “separation of church and state” and that he was seeking to protect the rights of those who do not embrace religion. In the complaint, he wrote:

“It is illegal for any public school to organize, sponsor or lead prayer at public athletic events. The Supreme Court of the United States of America has continually made rulings which strike down this practice as illegal.

Student or faculty-led prayer at high school athletic events could be confusing for impressionable children who are raised in nonreligious or non-Christian homes and see the faculty member or student who is leading the prayer as a school sponsored authority figure.”

According to superintendent Bill Valentine, to his knowledge, this is apparently the first time that such an objection against the prayers has been made. But for the FFRF, voiced frustrations against faith in the public square are common. The group has attacked everything from crosses on water towers to tax benefits for ministers.

Atheists Angry With Lauderdale County School District Over Prayers“We’ve referred that complaint to our attorney and we are in the process of reviewing it,” Valentine said.

So far, the school hasn’t made any decisions about how to handle prayer at school athletic events. Citizens have, thus far, responded with support for the prayers, Valentine says.

The community, which is actively religious on the whole, seems to understand the predicament that officials face, he explains.

David McKelvey, the pastor at the nearby First Baptist Church, says, “It’s very sad. I would think that any other prayer from another religion would not receive this kind of negativity.”

McKelvey, though, isn’t surprised by the developments, as he believes that Christianity is under attack. “It’s going on all over the place. You just hate for it to be coming to your doorstep,” he says.

FFRF has already been successful in stripping prayer from another Alabama high school. In yet another instance back in September, high school coaches found themselves in hot water after bowing their heads in prayer.

(H/T: Fox News)

Comments (291)

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  • hightide
    Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:34am

    If they stop it, we will surround the campus with believers and pray anyway. You can not make us go away by banning public prayer.

    Report Post »  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:41am

      Yes they will because you are lukewarm. If your parents didn‘t do anything about prayer getting taken out of schools in the 60’s, you’re not going to do anything effective now either.

      Report Post »  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:44am

      You don’t Really really care, you just want someone else to save you.

      Report Post »  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:50am

      Yo Eliasim:
      Sorry man, but that is a knucklehead statement. Are you God? Do you know this person and their parents?
      With a statement like that I suggest you turn up the heat on your own water.
      And don’t get back in my face, go look in the mirror….. blessing, I hope…

      Report Post »  
    • sgorney
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:52am

      @eliasim, why are you attacking @hightides’s character? Do you know them personally? Or are you making a “profiled” general statement about people of faith? Seems a little silly. OK, it seems ridiculous.

      Report Post » sgorney  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:56am

      Sure I do. I know they took prayer out of the schools successfully, and for many schools the Pledge of Allegiance. They took most religious things away from public buildings. Socialism has moved it’s way into most churches. So yes, I know the roots.

      Report Post »  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:57am

      But it’s not just HIGHTIDE, it’s all of you too.

      Report Post »  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 11:00am

      Eliasm is responsible for world hunger. Eliasm‘s parents did’t stop world hunger so, neither will Eliasm.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 11:01am

      But see it’s because all of you are busy with your little baby-toys. All your little gadgets and games. And your great-grandparents were not watching either when all of these movements started in the 1870‘s when they removed Thomas Jefferson’s statue from the front of the White-House. You just don’t really care. Therefore, why should you actually be free?

      Report Post »  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 11:06am

      Guess what GONZO? If people didn’t multiply like rabbits because they want just one of their children to be successful because the parents are afraid of being old and decrepit with no one around, or because the parents have no self control. Then, there wouldn’t be world hunger. It‘s people’s fault, and is not God’s fault.

      Report Post »  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 11:12am

      Just remember this. That I know how life works, and I know some new nation in the world will be free. And I won’t suffer in slavery, because I know when I eventually pass in time, I know I will pop-up someplace else.

      Report Post »  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 11:28am

      Yes you see, most people do not find living to be all that interesting, and that‘s why you can’t stand the silence of your own mind. That’s why you always jam music into your head, and that’s why you are always seeking out gadgets before you to keep yourself busy like a little child. Moreover, you constantly need entertainment right in front of your face. You sit on your lees. You don’t understand the Bible, and neither do you really want to because it doesn’t dance around and make noise. But I understand the Bible, and I understand we are living in the Kingdom “Of” Heaven, and I also understand that the “New Jerusalem” is the next completely free Nation or world, and I also understand that having that name written on someone’s head means that they will spring-up to live again in that Nation. And it‘s too darn bad that all of you don’t understand that thing.

      Report Post »  
    • Lantern
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 11:43am

      @ELIASIM
      Get back on the short bus, you got off at the wrong stop.

      Report Post » Lantern  
    • Okie from Muskogee
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 11:44am

      No one can stop you from praying, realize that. 
      We do not need someone to lead the whole school in prayer, we just simply need the ability to pray without persecution. 
      We do not need puffed up people praying in front of others to make themselves look Godly and to hear themselves speak. If you want to pray, pray. 
      We will not be favored higher for having a school led prayer over simply praying in your seat or on the field. Realize that. 
      I discourage no one from prayer. I encourage you all to pray and encourage the realization you cannot be stopped from it…..

      Report Post » Okie from Muskogee  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 11:48am

      You see, all you morons think that freedom is the natural state of men because you are so spoiled rotten and ungrateful that you haven’t been keeping watch. Slavery is the natural state of men, and freedom is the natural state of “Man.“ And most men are not ”Man” because if they were then they would have been watching the creeping thing. And now you are going to lose your freedom for a very long time.

      Report Post »  
    • Bill Rowland
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 11:50am

      Economin sgrikes again uner one of his many alias, just a rabble rouser

      OMG

      Report Post »  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 11:57am

      You don’t know anything, because you don’t want to, and you think some stupid certificate showing a degree hanging on your wall means something. Only to your arrogance does it mean something. Case in point, most intelligent rich people are buying antiques that were made in the U.S because they will move them over-seas as a collectors item. All that history in the Smithsonian – it will be moved over-seas. Because historically it happens over, and over again. This country is changing folks, and you aren’t spiritual enough to really care.

      Report Post »  
    • proudinfidel54
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 12:33pm

      MAN! I am going to have to stop reading The Blaze otherwise I am going to end up with Anger Management issues between this *&%*# , the border agent doing time for ruffing up a drugdealer and the hate mongering, antisimitic, racist professor. it is too sick

      Report Post » proudinfidel54  
    • jb.kibs
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 12:35pm

      it’s actually not illegal. it‘s unconstitutional to tell anyone they can’t pray. you have ever right to ignore it and not participate… but you have no right to infringe on others rights. and by not letting people lead prayers in public, you are doing just that. i will start praying everywhere just because i know it makes them mad…

      Report Post »  
    • Mosell
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 1:17pm

      Eliasim, You seem to have ALL the answers. What did your parents do to stop prayer from being removed from the classroom. It was there when I was in School (1964 – 1976).

      Report Post »  
    • SEPARATENOW
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 1:45pm

      The government has no right to restrict private religious beliefs and practices unless those practices and beliefs undermine the rights of others.

      As an atheist myself, these atheist activists make me sick. They are trying to restrict religious belief and practice with government power directly against the Constitution. The First Amendment prohibits the government establishing a State religion and restricting others religions unless they violate or seek to violate the rights of others. (No one is protected from being offended. So these atheist goofs should put on their adult pants and deal with it.)

      We all have our right to believe as we wish privately. These atheist nuts constantly behave as the enemy of freedom and our Constitution.

      Report Post » SEPARATENOW  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 2:39pm

      Yo Eliasim:
      First off… you know nothing about me and the others you address.
      second… take a breath
      third… to make a point… did you come from zugomugo… that you have no family history here on earth.
      Fourth… it would be nice if your own words spoke to what the bible said and how we are to do carry that about.
      fifth… YOU are not my God and judge….. thank you God for not making Eliasim God.
      sixth… humble yourself
      seventh…truth given…….. sincerely… no hate here…. peace

      Report Post »  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 2:58pm

      “It is illegal for any public school to organize, sponsor or lead prayer at public athletic events.”

      If the kids spontaneously do it on their own without a teacher leading the prayer, what are the goose stepping ACLU going to do?

      Report Post »  
    • Pontiac
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 3:41pm

      [At particular issue is the fact that they are said over a loudspeaker, making them audible to anyone attending the games.]
      Meaning if the prayer was for Allah, you would have no say in the issue using the same principles everyone is posted above.

      [and American Atheists, said that he is taking a stand in support of the “separation of church and state”]
      They need to stop claiming that… There are legitimate reasons and a bogus one doesn’t need tossed around.

      [It is illegal for any public school to organize, sponsor or lead prayer at public athletic events]
      Which is what is going on here.

      This can all be solved by Praying on your own Time and on your own Dime.
      This is no different than Hertz firing employees for praying on company time, only this time they’re praying on the tax payers time and wasting the time of others while doing it.
      http://www.theblaze.com/stories/update-hertz-fires-muslim-drivers-for-praying-on-company-time/
      Note the hypocrisy between the comments there and here…

      Report Post » Pontiac  
    • Blackraven
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 5:20pm

      AMEN & AMEN! We don’t stop them for being what the want. Why do the think theirs is the only way? It’ NOT. Go do your thing somewhere else, so we don’t feel we have to protest YOU!!!

      Report Post »  
    • DYNA
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 5:25pm

      Just defy the atheists by praying anyway. They do not own you. Who cares if they feel uncomfortable.
      The fear of man is a snare. You know they cannot save themselves so why let them bring you down with them? As Jesus said, let the dead bury their own dead.

      Report Post »  
    • pavepaws
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 6:18pm

      That’s it. They can’t stop a spontaneous outbreak of prayer in the stands from the fans.

      Report Post »  
    • Pontiac
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 8:55pm

      “That’s it. They can’t stop a spontaneous outbreak of prayer in the stands from the fans.”

      Exactly! If you want to pray in the stands, in silence, on your own dime, that’s your choice! If you behave like a class clown and disrupt the event then don‘t be surprised if you’re not arrested for disorderly conduct. And if you‘re on the clock don’t be surprised if you get fired. Your personal freedoms do not extend beyond yourself and onto others. If you impose them on others they get mad the same way you would get mad at them for praying publicly to Allah, Buddha, Zeus, Krishna, or whatever. Stop being a religious zealot that has to make your business other peoples business.

      Report Post » Pontiac  
    • DYNA
      Posted on October 28, 2011 at 5:22pm

      @PONTIAC
      And who are you or the atheists to tell the rest of us what orderly conduct is!
      There is a past precedent of open praying and most of the people did not consider it disorderly conduct. Those who don’t like it can leave rather than telling us what we can or cannot do.

      Report Post »  
    • Pontiac
      Posted on October 28, 2011 at 7:13pm

      “And who are you or the atheists to tell the rest of us what orderly conduct is!”

      So you can interrupt a “publicly funded” game so you can have your prayer session? No. That is not orderly conduct. That is forcibly injecting your religion and causing a delay for everyone else waiting for your inane little token display to end.
      By your standards a student can interrupt a lecture a teacher is giving so they can pray in class.
      Or a teacher can use his time in the class room praying to mecca.
      I am a TAX PAYER! That is who I am! I don‘t give a damn about your private functions but when you are on my dime you don’t waste my time or money with your religious beliefs. Don’t like it? Stay home and pray as vocally as you like. God doesn’t need you and your constant group prayer sessions. There comes a point where you’re simply doing it for your own selfish reasons – which is to peeve others off as so clearly expressed here in the comments.

      Report Post » Pontiac  
    • binge_thinker
      Posted on October 28, 2011 at 9:15pm

      All the atheist malcontents just fear what they cannot comprehend, so they must attack it to make themselves feel superior, it’s normal behavior for the ignorant and undeveloped. If they would apply just a little thought to it (if they’re capable), they would realize that it not only poses no threat to them, in fact it doesn’t affect them in any way at all, that others choose to believe and worship as they will. I can’t really be angry with them, any more than I could be angry with the child who misbehaves – they just don’t know. I can only feel sorry for them, as stupidity and ignorance are a life sentence.

      Report Post » binge_thinker  
    • Pontiac
      Posted on October 28, 2011 at 10:35pm

      //Binge_thinker post nothing of factual value. Gets ignored for it.//

      Report Post » Pontiac  
  • sgorney
    Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:32am

    Atheism is a secular religion. Believe it. One solution to this is if large masses of people of faith organize, group together and pray together at these events. It does not need to be led by the school or coaches. A group of five of us did this at a high school sporting event yesterday! The more “dirty looks we get” the more inspired we are to growing this movement. The school team members who wish to have EVERY RIGHT to pray. Even on school grounds. 100% protected by the Supreme Court. That is goofy anyway because if you look at any history around rulings about “separation of church and state”, all rulings were in support of faith in schools until the secularism movement in the early 1950′s. It’s the ongoing slaughter of principles and history by secularists, attorneys, and special interests. Hey, the ride down the slippery slope is fun! :(

    Report Post » sgorney  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:46am

      “It is illegal for any public school to organize, sponsor or lead prayer at public athletic events.
      The atheist are wrong it’s Unconstitutional for Congress to command a prayer before any sporting event. The schools and the coaches aren‘t Congress further more they are’re forcing anyone who doesn’t want to pray to pray. This secular crap is ripping this country in two. And for the record
      The Supreme Court of the United States of America has continually made rulings which strike down this practice as illegal. The U.S. Sumpreme court has passed an UNCONSTITUTIONAL RULING when faced with SCHOOL PRAYER. The Constitution could be plainer NO LAWS RESPECTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF RELIGION OR PROHIBITING THE FREE EXERCISE THERE OF.
      THE SUPREME COURT PASS A LAW PROHIBITING RELIGION.

      Report Post »  
    • Bill Rowland
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 11:53am

      The Supreme court is not supposed to make laws only interpret the constitutionality of actions or laws passed by congress. Only congress can make laws and only congress can spend money

      OMG

      Report Post »  
    • kmichaels
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 12:20pm

      The history of how we got separation of church and state in our federal law may surprise many. It came from the KKK. The KKK, hating catholics, started requiring a separation of church and state oath to be taken by each KKK member. One of these members was future justice Black. When Black made it to the USSC he instituted his understanding of separtion of church and state into US law, thereby giving us the modern liberal retarded idea of separation of church and state.

      It is true Jeferson used the terms, but his use included the idea that states had the authority and right to decide religious issues.

      As to the US constitution, it’s only restriction was against US congress not passing laws regarding the establishment of religion.

      Liberals today, anxious to destroy the rights of free speech of conservatives, relish any lame excuse to shut them down or shut them up. So they gladly rush to destroy the freedom of speech of others, because they no longer care about the freedom of speech than they care about a fair tax system.

      Report Post »  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 12:50pm

      When any court rules on a case it is refered to as case law. And when the supreme court rules on a case it is case law passed by the highest court in the land. Take abortion for instances there is no Congressional law the prohibits or establishes abortion as legal. The supreme court ruled it was legal and thus it is case law.
      You ever wonder why ******** like Woodrow Wilson moved the court system away from Constitutional law to case law…..TO CUT THE PEOPLE(CONGRESS) OUT OF THE LAW MAKING PROCESS.
      National laws can then be applied through case law…..Other than 4th,5th,6th,7th, and 8th amendments are the only true constitutional provisions in our justice system. And the 6th,7th,and 8th are abused by the courts all the time.

      Report Post »  
  • STIMGUY
    Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:31am

    You know I personally don’t think it is appropriate to have prayer at a football game. But I also agree that it is no big deal to let it happen and if you are a non-believer just don’t pray! Why make things difficult. Being an athiest should be a private matter same as being a Christian. These people seem to want attention.

    Report Post »  
    • DoseofReality
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:36am

      If its a private matter why do you need public prayer? A little contradictory

      Report Post »  
    • TulsaYeeHaw
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:46am

      A public event is a private matter.
      Debate honestly.

      Report Post »  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:46am

      Yes, but do you know where all this will finally lead? It will lead eventually to Muslims plowing right over you.

      Report Post »  
    • kmichaels
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 12:23pm

      [Eliasim
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:46am
      Yes, but do you know where all this will finally lead? It will lead eventually to Muslims plowing right over you.]

      It will lead to lying liberal trolls such as yourself to die sad, lonely, and severely beaten.

      Report Post »  
    • Pontiac
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 3:53pm

      @DoseofReality
      Spot on. It’s clear where the anger really is. They can‘t stand it when they can’t monopolize public prayer at everyone elses expense. And when when the tables are turned and Muslims or some other religion tries to do the same thing they throw a hissy fit.

      Individual rights do not extend beyond the “individual”. You can’t use my time or my tax dollars for your prayer time or religious propaganda.
      People are there to watch the game, then go home and possibly go back to earning money.
      People are there on tax payer dollars.
      You can’t hijack a portion of their life for your self interest. PERIOD.

      Report Post » Pontiac  
  • Smokey_Bojangles
    Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:30am

    Let us see.You are an Atheist yet fear people who pray to God? How can you dismiss religion yet fear it? I Do not believe in Frankenstein so when I see one why should I fear it? It is a dude in a costume.It is not about being “Offended.” It is about control.Pure and simple.

    Report Post » Smokey_Bojangles  
    • paulusmaximus
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:59am

      Yes

      Report Post » paulusmaximus  
    • Nlitend1
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 12:23pm

      I’ll try to answer your question…
      If someone doesn’t believe in god, they won’t necessarily have a disbelief in religion. religion is powerful and the people that practice their faith will often push their religion and its accompanying values on others. The issue does not have to be put in the context of atheist and believer, it can could be christian and jew. School sponsored prayer that neglects other faiths in favor of christianity or any other religion may offend/hurt/ostracize people of another faith. It may make them targets of hate, and may give the impression that the State supports this hate. I don’t think it is about control…maybe the opposite, it is about not giving control to the state. I think this is a fair answer to your question/point.

      Report Post »  
    • Nlitend1
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 12:33pm

      Maybe I can add a point to help clarify…If a school sponsored a particular political ideology it would probably stir up some anger. While this is not unconstitutional, like school prayer is understood to be, you can imagine the consequences to students of a different/minority political belief. No one likes a public school teacher indoctrinating their students, this would apply regardless of which political denomination being taught.

      Report Post »  
  • don young
    Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:30am

    Atheist dont belive in god so dont be against something you dont belive in you are not very smart.

    Report Post »  
    • holy ghostbuster
      Posted on October 28, 2011 at 6:28am

      I don’t believe in the tooth fairy, therefore I cannot be against the tooth fairy. I can however be opposed to people taking the tooth fairy seriously, especially when doing so affects public policy. If the tooth fairy told the president to invade a country, and he did so based upon the tooth fairy’s instructions, that would concern me.

      Report Post » holy ghostbuster  
    • binge_thinker
      Posted on October 28, 2011 at 9:20pm

      The problem is not with the different beliefs this nation shares, it is with those that feel the need to put down people that don’t NON believe as they do. There is no “tolerance” for difference in our society anymore. Rather just hatred and ignorance as shown by this fringe leftist group in Wisconsin.

      Report Post » binge_thinker  
  • FoxRules
    Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:29am

    A sum it all up story, feel free to share:

    An atheist was seated next to a little girl on an airplane and he turned to her and said, “Do you want to talk? Flights go quicker if you strike up a conversation with your fellow passenger.”

    The little girl, who had just started to read her book, replied to the total stranger, “What would you want to talk about?”

    “Oh, I don’t know,” said the atheist. “How about why there is no God, or no Heaven or Hell, or no life after death?” as he smiled smugly…

    “OK,” she said. “Those could be interesting topics but let me ask you a question first. A horse, a cow, and a deer all eat the same stuff – grass. Yet a deer excretes little pellets, while a cow turns out a flat patty, but a horse produces clumps. Why do you suppose that is?”

    The atheist, visibly surprised by the little girl’s intelligence, thinks about it and says, “Hmmm, I have no idea.” To which the little girl replies, “Do you really feel qualified to discuss why there is no God, or no Heaven or Hell, or no life after death, when you don’t know crap?” And then she went back to reading her book.

    Report Post »  
  • uncleben
    Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:25am

    Lets campaign to send all the Atheists to Afghanistan where they don’t have to pay attention to GOD!!!

    Report Post »  
    • Baikonur
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:32am

      @uncleben
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:25am
      ‘Lets campaign to send all the Atheists to Afghanistan where they don’t have to pay attention to GOD!!!’
      ************
      Is there less God in Afghanistan than in the US, in your opinion? Is God geographically constrained?

      Report Post » Baikonur  
    • kmichaels
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 12:35pm

      [Baikonur
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:32am
      Is there less God in Afghanistan than in the US, in your opinion? Is God geographically constrained?]

      Jesus stated that humans were the temples of God. And some of these temples have more God in them than others. So yes, God is geographically contrained in one sense.

      God knocks to everyone, requesting entrance, but not everyone lets him in. So there are many Godless individuals, homes, communities, etc.

      Report Post »  
    • kmichaels
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 12:39pm

      Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

      This obviously implies that when gatherings are not in God’s name, in conjunction with his spirit, then he will not be considered in their midst.

      Report Post »  
  • Centralsville
    Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:22am

    It is too bad that the constitution doesn’t protect us anymore. No more free speech, no more freedom of religion. One of our biggest mistakes as a country was giving our children over to the government with public schools.

    Report Post »  
    • HKS
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:28am

      Hit nail on head, schools are the root of all evil.

      HKS  
    • Aguy54321
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:34am

      What law is being broken. The phrase seperation of church and state was written by Thomas Jefferson in response to the baptist church. the baptists were questioning why a catholic priest
      was opening congress. In short it was a letter of assurance that ths state was not making Catholosism a state mandated religion.It was just a pick out of the hat so to speak

      Report Post »  
    • blahblah19
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 1:07pm

      Now that I’ve figured out how to use this site…

      HKS,

      What a completely ridiculous comment. If this is truly how you feel, I strongly suggest you stop using all technology and most definitely stop going to see doctors. There was a time in the past when education was frowned upon…can you guess when that was?

      Hint–Dark Ages

      Report Post »  
  • ltb
    Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:22am

    Let’s look at the effects of listening to atheists, who have duped people into believing our founders wanted a secular nation:

    *50+ million babies have been slaughtered while they slept in their mothers’ wombs.

    *Top problems in public schools before the Bible was removed were talking, chewing gum and making noise; today those top problems are rape, robbery and assault.

    *The SAT has had to be dumbed down several times, since children are no longer taught to think in schools.

    *We used to be a nation that cherished freedom of speech, now you can’t even say “MERRY CHRISTMAS” in the public square without being sued.

    *As secularists promote their “IT’S ALL ABOUT ME” agenda, America continues to become more divided and home to the rudest, most self-centered people on earth.

    *America used to be the richest nation on earth, now we are bankrupt and have been forced to beg for money from our enemies.

    *America used to be the most powerful nation on earth, we now have a president who bows to dictators of Musl!m countries.

    Is this what you want people? Because if you keep listening to fools who have conned you into believing that being a godless nation is better than being a nation blessed by God, things will continue to get worse.

    ltb  
    • William
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:34am

      We should pray as much and as often as we can. There is no problem with saying prayers at the begining of a sporting event at school. Liberals have worked their way deep into our society and we need to weed them out one at a time. Conservative elected officals to include Judges, school boards, mayors, governors and all the way up to the white house

      Report Post »  
    • Bill Rowland
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 12:01pm

      We pray before meals at home and when we eat out. Sometimes we get strange looks but mostly favorable reactions from people. Are the athiest going to sue us for praying in public or even in our own home?

      OMG

      Report Post »  
    • mficentral
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 12:13pm

      If we don’t take back our God Fearing Country, 9-11 will seem like a punch on the arm. We must put God back into our lives and Country or we will suffer greatly. Let us start with ourselves.

      Report Post »  
  • Baikonur
    Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:22am

    I always thought it was a very stupid custom. it has no place in a public institution where children from families of multiple religious backgrounds attend.

    It is aso an illogical custom, and a blasphemous one, if you are a believer.

    If God cares about one team winning over another team in a sport, yet does not care about cancer, murder, child abuse, etc.–then this deity is not worth praying to. it is illogical to pray to a deity of such low moral character.

    On the other hand, if there is a deity worthy of praying to (because of moral character, not because it is capable of making us suffer even more), then it would be ridiculous to pray to it for such a triviality as a football game victory, when there is war, famine, illness, taking place in this world on a daily basis.

    Report Post » Baikonur  
    • Locked
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:28am

      “If God cares about one team winning over another team in a sport,”

      Do you know this is what the prayer says? None of the articles I checked had the text of it; only that it ends with “In Jesus’ name.” It could very well be a prayer for a good game without injury, or a game without penalties to show honor. Not saying that changes the case overall, but your premise quoted here may be incorrect.

      Report Post »  
    • Baikonur
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:37am

      @Locked
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:28am
      ‘…Do you know this is what the prayer says? None of the articles I checked had the text of it; only that it ends with “In Jesus’ name.” It could very well be a prayer for a good game without injury, or a game without penalties to show honor.’
      ***********
      Well, possibly, maybe someone on this board who is familiar with this type of custom cvan tell us what the football team prays for. Still, the fact that the team prays to a supreme being to begin with as a group is unfair to atheist members, and the “In Jesus’ name” part would be quite offensive to Jews and Hindus.

      Report Post » Baikonur  
    • rockinroadie99
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:38am

      Prayer groups, like what you are reading about at high school football games (as well as at the end of NFL games that involve players from both teams who gather, hold hands, and bow their heads) almost always pray for the health and safety of all players and coaches involved, not for whoever wins or loses.This is prayer that the Lord God listens to, as well as appreciates.

      Report Post »  
    • Mommy_of_3
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:39am

      @Locked ~ that is quite true.

      As someone who grew up in a small Texas town, where high school football was extremely popular, our prayers never included the words “please let us win”. It was a prayer to protect every player on the field from injury as well as keeping the integrity of the game. While I‘m sure there were people there who didn’t not share the belief in prayer, there were far more who did. And the crazy thing was no one was made to feel uncomfortable for their choice to bow their heads or not.

      Report Post »  
    • TulsaYeeHaw
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:44am

      Perhaps you are right, we should a individuals bow our heads and pray out loud together.
      THEN YOU CAN’T STOP IT.
      Nobody is making you bow your head, nor punishing you if you don’t.

      NOR PROHIBITING THE FREE EXERCISE THEREOF.
      These “atheists” (who are fighting a god they think is non-existent) are using gov’t to prevent the free exercise thereof, and you KNOW they are, but because you don’t like the custom, you’ll turn a blind eye to peoples rights trampled on..

      Report Post »  
    • sparta48
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 11:07am

      Baikonur you are a complete imbecile you have no business on this site get out of your mom’s basement and get a job if you hate this country or GOD so much then leave and I will say this, you wouldn’t say that in front of anyone in public you coward piss of s@*t

      Report Post » sparta48  
    • kmichaels
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 12:31pm

      [Baikonur
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:22am
      It is aso an illogical custom, and a blasphemous one, if you are a believer.

      If God cares about one team winning over another team in a sport, yet does not care about cancer, murder, child abuse, etc.–then this deity is not worth praying to. it is illogical to pray to a deity of such low moral character.]

      Yours is a typical liberal strawman argument. Every prayer I have ever heard at a sporting event has never prayed that their team might win. The prayers go along the line of praying for the continued health of the players, a good honest game, wisdom and kindness being used by the fans. etc.

      All of these sorts of prayers tend to be totally compatible with any religion, including the atheist religion. Unless atheists really don’t like an honest game, or wishing safety upon the players and the fans.

      Will some people be offended? Of course. So? More people are offended by idiot atheists trying to shove their views down the throats of others, at the same time denying them freedom of speech and freedom of religion.

      Report Post »  
    • Biff Marupis
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 7:21pm

      Yep. We prayed in the locker room before every game. Our coach was usually the one leading us in prayer. This AFTER prayer was taken out of the schools. We did however bow our heads each morning for a “moment of silence”. What you did with that silence was your business. When we prayed before games, even in our own locker room we didn’t pray for a win. We prayed for everybody on both sides to play with honor and integrity and to go home uninjured and safe after the game. Gosh….isn’t that just so friggin evil!

      Report Post » Biff Marupis  
  • ares338
    Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:21am

    Pray if you want to! Don‘t pray if you don’t want to. Everything doesn’t have to be difficult. Most things done today are done just to be contentious. In the words of he the great American Patriot Rodney King as he was getting whaled on, “can’t we all just get along”?

    Report Post » ares338  
    • Baikonur
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:26am

      @ares338
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:21am
      ‘Pray if you want to! Don‘t pray if you don’t want to.’
      *************
      Not really. If you are on a team that thinks it is OK to pray ‘as a team’ and you do not want to, your social standing within the team is going to take a huge hit. In the US, people cannot mandate that others share their religious feelings in a public institution.

      Let the players who want to pray, do so in their hearts, in private, quetly. God will still hear them, and they won’t make others on the team feel uncomofortable.

      Report Post » Baikonur  
    • Mommy_of_3
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:29am

      Exactly!

      Report Post »  
    • Blackhawk1
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:29am

      Was that the same Rodney King who was higher than a kite or drunk resisting arrest? Rodney King’s criminal history played a large role in the high-speed chase that led to his arrest. King explained his decision to flee–at a speed exceeding 110 mph–from CHP officers as resulting from a fear that his arrest for speeding would lead to a revocation of his parole and a return to prison. I’m sure his 12 prior arrests might have had something to do with it.

      Report Post » Blackhawk1  
    • Baikonur
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:45am

      @Blackhawk1
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:29am
      ‘Was that the same Rodney King who was higher than a kite or drunk resisting arrest?’
      ************
      To me, Rodney King represents a moment in time when police abuse was caught on camera for all the world to see. Probably happened 100 times a day before then, but that time it was captured for the rest of the citizens to see and judge. it was proof of what the police do daily. And no amount of previous misbehaviour on the part of the suspect excuses the police from abusing their victim.

      Report Post » Baikonur  
    • Blackhawk1
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 11:31am

      Baikonur

      So were you there while ol’ Rodney was resisting arrest? I guess in your mind no amount of misconduct or endangering peoples lives constitutes getting a beating you probably deserve. Here is some advice, don’t go to Germany with that attitude because there is no such thing as Police brutality there. When the cops tell you to stop, you either do it or get a smack along the head with a spring steel baton or get shot.

      Report Post » Blackhawk1  
    • kmichaels
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 12:45pm

      [Baikonur
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:26am
      @ares338
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:21am

      Not really. If you are on a team that thinks it is OK to pray ‘as a team’ and you do not want to, your social standing within the team is going to take a huge hit. In the US, people cannot mandate that others share their religious feelings in a public institution.

      Let the players who want to pray, do so in their hearts, in private, quetly. God will still hear them, and they won’t make others on the team feel uncomofortable].

      Again with the stupid comments and lack of logic. First off, public speech does not mean that you are forced to share the view. Most Americans don’t share the view of the idiot occupiers, yet we still hear their words. We simply tune them out. It is very easy to do. We do not feel forced to share their views, no matter how loud, obnoxious or stinky they become.

      As to things making you feel uncomfortable, so what, get used to it. It’s called life. I certainly don’t get excited hearing your stupid views. They do not give me the warm fuzzies. But you are still free to be publically or privately retarded every which direction you choose. More power to your stupidity. Let it rip. In America you are free to be a dimwitted liberal or free to make wiser choices.

      Report Post »  
  • Mommy_of_3
    Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:19am

    Oh good grief – if you don’t like, don’t do it! That is your right & I will respect that right but then I will expect you to respect mine to bow my head if I so choose.

    Report Post »  
    • TennesseeConservative
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 11:36am

      Why do the atheists do exactly what they accuse Christians of doing? Proselytizing there beliefs. On the one hand Christians say Repent and believe or burn in hell forever, the other we do not believe so don’t tell us about it or remind us that we are going to burn. Which message is more relevant, seeing as we all die. HMMM! Uh I will take the Christian message,rather then the I do not want to hear it message.
      But seeing as the atheist insist they do not want to hear or be reminded of judgement day, I will agree with their premise, I do not want to hear what they think. Go away you deniers of liberty.

      Report Post » TennesseeConservative  
  • thegreatcarnac
    Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:18am

    In my little home town…we still invoke the protection of Jesus in a prayer before every game. We will continue to do so no matter what. No one has attacked our rights yet but we know that some day some atheist liberal may do so. We have decided that we will not bend to their unconstitutional attacks. What this country needs one day soon….is a 1776 style Revolution. If that does not come…then we will definitely have a 1861 type rebellion involving more than just Southern states. Enough is enough.

    Report Post »  
  • DoseofReality
    Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:16am

    “Whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray while standing in synagogues and on street corners so that people can see them. Truly I say to you, they have their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:5-6).

    No one is stopping you from bowing your head and praying in silence – Jesus can hear you without doing it publically correct? Its a public school, one particular religion should not be given creedence and priority over any other. Would you be complaining if there were muslim or buddhist or hindu prayers before a game?

    Report Post »  
    • ltb
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:20am

      “If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:38).

      Report Post » ltb  
    • DoseofReality
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:26am

      LTD – no one is saying you should be ashamed, but why does it have to be public prayer for one particular god? Pray to yourself all you want in your church, in a christian school, or to yourself. but it does not belong in a public school….we do not live in a theocracy

      Report Post »  
    • birther2012.com
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:26am

      @ltb…Right on!

      Report Post » birther2012.com  
    • AlmostaCowboy
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:27am

      No, we wouldn’t complain. One more thing – there’s no such thing as “freedom from religion” other than what is stated in the Constitution of the United States of America.
      Simple test – demonstrate any harm done by hearing the name of Jesus. Simply “not wanting to hear it”, in my opinion, is not harm. I don’t want to hear hip-hop or rap, but it does me no harm.

      Report Post » AlmostaCowboy  
    • Locked
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:34am

      @Almostacowboy
      “Simple test – demonstrate any harm done by hearing the name of Jesus. ”

      If led by a school official, it is unconstitutional (Abington School District v. Schempp, 1963). If using school equipment, it is also unconstitutional ( Santa Fe Independent School Dist. v. Doe, 2000). While “harm” may be negligible, you’re also not allowed to break the legal framework of the country: the Constitution. Crimes that don’t harm anyone occur all the time: see prosecution for drugs.

      Report Post »  
    • DoseofReality
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:38am

      Almostacowby: So if your local town only had Muslim prayers before a game it wouldnt offend you?

      Report Post »  
    • ltb
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:46am

      Doseofreality, you know what doesn’t belong in a public school? Telling kids that they are descendants of slimeballs, accidents of nature whose lives are completely meaningless. Our public schools were started by America’s Christian founders for the purpose of teaching children about the Bible and about Jesus, but now, someone like you wants to tell me prayer doesn’t belong in a public school? I honestly couldn’t care less what you think.

      …..

      “When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:
      ‘Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!’ Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, rebuke your disciples!’ ‘I tell you,’ he replied, ‘if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.’” (Luke 19:37-40)

      Report Post » ltb  
    • ltb
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:54am

      Locked, just because a couple of judges, who evidently have contempt for Our Constitution, gave their ignorant opinions about prayers in public schools, doesn’t mean they were right. The Constitution doesn‘t say religion can’t be condoned by the State, it says, “Congress shall make no law…” Until Congress makes a law that says something like, “Every public school in America shall have a Christian led prayer prior to all sporting events,” there hasn’t been a Constitutional violation. The judges, who made the two rulings you mentioned, should be impeached.

      Report Post » ltb  
    • Locked
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 11:23am

      @LTB
      “ just because a couple of judges”
      Technically speaking, a majority of the judges granted the power to interpret the constitutionality of the cases they hear. Abington, for example, was a vote of 8-1. Santa Fe was 6-3. Neither one was off by a single vote; the SCotUS has been quite clear where they stand on the issue.

      Disagreeing is fine; after all, neither was unanimous, and the dissenting opinions represent a good place to start. Rehnquist had decent thinking on it in Santa Fe:

      “His material objections were, first that the policy on which the Court has now ruled had not yet put in to practice. “[T]he question is not whether the district’s policy may be applied in violation of the Establishment Clause, but whether it inevitably will be.” Second, Rehnquist also stated that the speech in question would be private, chosen and delivered by the speaker, rather than public, school-sponsored speech.” (quoted from wikipedia, for expediency’s sake).

      But even Rehnquist agrees that sponsored prayer isn’t allowed in public school; he just argued that this wasn’t necessarily public, nor sponsored by the school despite using school equipment.

      Report Post »  
    • ltb
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 11:58am

      DoseofReality, sorry you feel the need to resort to name calling, but I guess that just demonstrates your lack of maturity. At any rate, Evolution is not science, it is a philosophy developed by atheists to provide humanistic answers to existential questions. As far as the evidence is concerned, there is no evidence whatsoever to support Evolution and if Darwin had understood the complexity of the “simplest” of cells, he would have never written “On the Origin of Species.” I can say that with confidence, because Darwin said, “If it could be demonstrated that any complex organ existed which could not possibly have been formed by numerous successive slight modifications, my theory would absolutely break down.” Furthermore, Darwin believed that future archaeologists/paleontologist would discover abundant fossil records to support his notion of Evolution, but the exact opposite has proved to be true. In fact, what the fossil record does show is that billions of creatures were laid down around the earth as if by a flood, just like the one written about in “Genesis.”

      Report Post » ltb  
    • Lantern
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 12:01pm

      @DoseofReality
      Who do Buddhists pray to? As far as I know, there is no deity in Buddhism.

      Report Post » Lantern  
    • ltb
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 12:09pm

      DoseofReality, do you think I would fight so hard to defend my beliefs if I didn’t have evidence to back up those beliefs? Most of the disciples of Christ experienced agonizing deaths in defense of their faith. Do you think they endured torture because they had a notion that what they believed is true, or because they knew beyond doubt that what they believed is true? Of course I would prefer people to pray away sickness, because I know God answers prayers and I know Jesus still heals just like he did 2,000 years ago. I’m not some blind idiot, who has never seen someone healed, or a psychotic patient in a mental ward, who has experienced delusions, rather I know these things happen because I have witnessed them. FYI, I have a master’s degree and since only about 5% of Americans have master’s degrees, there’s a 95% chance that I’m more educated than you. As far as growing up, it seems like you’re the one who needs to grow up, since you can’t even put a paragraph together without lacing it with profanity. That, man, demonstrates someone with a very stunted EQ.

      Report Post » ltb  
    • kmichaels
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 12:58pm

      [DoseofReality
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:16am
      “Whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray while standing in synagogues and on street corners so that people can see them. Truly I say to you, they have their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:5-6).]

      Did Jesus go against his own good advice when he was caught praying in public? Or are you misreading what his advice is? The pharisees made a show of prayer, not for public enlightenment but for personal self-agrandizement. So Christ was saying that it was better for these sort to pray in private, to prove their sincerity.

      Jesus also went to public worship services in synagogs. These had public prayer, public enlightenment, public discussion, etc.

      Example of large group praying in public …
      Luke 1:10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.

      Jesus praying in a large crowd …
      Luke 3:21 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,

      Here is Paul (church leader) praying that people would learn to “pray everywhere”
      1 Timothy 2:8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

      So obviously you know very little about the scriptures in general.

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 2:12pm

      @KMichaels

      You seem to misunderstand, or are deliberately misusing, the word “public.” Public as you’re saying refers to “out in the open” and there is no law against praying out in the open (provided it isn’t hurting anyone else). “Public” in this case refers to public schools, which mean schools that receive government funding.

      Report Post »  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 2:49pm

      Yo Locked:
      to seperate God from government would be a foolish thing… no wonder it is all going bad. but then, God did say… if that’s what you want; fine, I’ll give it to you, and when and if you come to your senses, just call.

      Report Post »  
  • Tradition Dies Here
    Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:16am

    This is NOT an example of “scary atheists” trying to tell others what to do, and strip you of your rights to freedom of religion. It is the opposite. This school is a PUBLIC INSTITUTION, and it is ILLEGAL for a school led authority to lead a CHRISTIAN PRAYER (or any prayer for any denomination) during a school sponsored event. How furious would you blazers be if there was a Muslim led prayer at your children’s school? Just because this public school may have a Christian majority, it does not justify imposing Christianity down the throats of the entire faculty and alumni. Classic case of minority protection against the over entitled majority. There is a reason these cases have been successes for FFRF, and the court has forbidden prior schools from leading a prayer.

    Report Post » Tradition Dies Here  
    • Blackhawk1
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:22am

      “It does not justify imposing Christianity down the throats of the entire faculty and alumni.” One mans complaint does not justify imposing atheism down the throats of the entire community. If he doesn’t like the prayer, don’t attend the game.

      This is more like the Classic case of majority protection against the over entitled minority!

      Report Post » Blackhawk1  
    • birther2012.com
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:24am

      You “blazers”? Why are you being so offensive? Does it burn your ears to hear a Christian prayer? Does it cause you some sort of internal pain when someone says “in Jesus name”? I really don’t understand why I have to sit down just because you say so.

      I, on the other hand, am patient with others. If there is someone who wants to pray to cherry tree I will be kind and keep my opinion to myself. The REAL interpretation of the First Amendment gives the “cherrytreeite” the same right as me, a Christian.

      Report Post » birther2012.com  
    • Smokey_Bojangles
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:33am

      I am against Gay Marriage,So I did not marry one.Seems simple enough.Why not here?

      Report Post » Smokey_Bojangles  
    • momprayn
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:41am

      Might be interested in knowing that the Muslims HAVE indeed infiltrated our public schools and are conducting their teachings under the guise of “multiculturism”. There was a Middle school near Houston, TX a few years ago that called a mandatory assembly, did not notify the parents for an “opt out”, and via CAIR, had some Muslims give a “sermon” about Islam, think they had them do some chants, etc. The parents were livid & sued – ACLJ took the case. This is going on all over the country. I suggest all of you to watch your schools carefully & act when necessary. It’s in California a lot. Check out Dearborn, MI. Great site for info/action: http://www.actforamerica.com

      Report Post »  
    • RichNGadsden
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:50am

      TRADITION DIES HERE, Okay, I will agree with you that it is illegal only by precedent. And, only because the SCOTUS with nothing but Democrat appointees in ‘64 misinterpreted the 1st Amendment as lawyers twisted the phrase “Freedom Of Religion” to also mean freedom from religion as well. It is well apparent to me that the founding fathers who wrote the Constitution and the Bill Of Rights wrote the phrase to mean freedom from religion to the point that religious rights are banned simply because those tax payers are on tax payers’ property. Nor did they set about to violate this perverted twist to the Bill Of Rights by building houses of worship on tax payer property, holding religious meetings and fellowship on tax payer property, etc, etc. Even with this cry of separation of church and state, there is an awful lot of government meddling in the church. One of these cases needs to get back into the SCOTUS to right such a terrible wrong. The religion of atheism should not be forced upon any of just for the mere fact any person is standing on government property.

      Report Post » RichNGadsden  
    • paulusmaximus
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 11:01am

      You are was ignorant of the constitution as you are to the truth!

      Report Post » paulusmaximus  
    • kmichaels
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 1:07pm

      [Tradition Dies Here
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:16am
      This is NOT an example of “scary atheists” trying to tell others what to do, and strip you of your rights to freedom of religion. It is the opposite. This school is a PUBLIC INSTITUTION, and it is ILLEGAL for a school led authority to lead a CHRISTIAN PRAYER]

      Actually, it is not illegal for a public institution to lead a prayer. Congress does it all the time. Various US presidents have prayed publically at public gatherings, and US politicians since the beginning of our nation have been involved in public prayers at public gatherings.

      You are simply mistaken. And more than that, you are ok with the misguided idea that it is ok for US law to silence public prayer. And since public prayer is a protected form of free speech, just like your idiot stinky friends and there loud public prayer for more of somebody else’s money, then you are free to shut the heck up. But, alas, not by force, because I believe in the freedom of speech.

      And yes, little idiot, that means free public religious speech as well.

      Report Post »  
    • kmichaels
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 1:19pm

      Here is the generic defintion of prayer: “obtained by entreaty”
      In other words, it is to ask someone for something.

      “Pray tell, do you have the time?”

      Public prayer, “obtaining by entreaty in a public setting.”

      Here is an example of public prayer …

      “I wish that rich people would pay even higher taxes, and then give that money to me.”

      Prayer is asking somebody for something. Liberals want to outlaw this, because liberals want to shut down conservative desires. So these liberal rats desire, pray if you will, that conservatives are not allowed a public voice.

      The KKK spread the idea of separation of church and state mainly for the purpose of shutting down catholic political influence in a public envirornment. So the KKK instituted a required oath for their members (mostly white protestant democrats) in order to strengthen protestant agendas and minimize catholic agendas.

      Justice Black, who made some aspects of separation of church and state federal law also happened to be a KKK member.

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 2:10pm

      @KMichaels
      “Actually, it is not illegal for a public institution to lead a prayer. Congress does it all the time. Various US presidents have prayed publically at public gatherings, and US politicians since the beginning of our nation have been involved in public prayers at public gatherings.”

      You’re mixing up cases. It is indeed unconstitutional to have public schools lead prayers according to Abington School District v. Schempp, but in that same year (1963) we had Marsh v. Chambers, which ruled that the opening prayer of Congress is an acknowledgment of the history of the country, and does not constitute an actual prayers to a specific deity. The case itself technically referred to hiring a chaplain for the prayer (thus, state funding for religious use), but the opinion held that the prayer itself was historical and not actually endorsing a religion.

      As for public prayer, you’re completely off. You’re using “public” as in “out in the open,” whereas this case pertains to public schools and institutions, which mean “schools/institutions receiving government funds.” It’s an obvious misuse of the word “public” on your part.

      Report Post »  
  • brntout
    Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:13am

    Wow, to have a life must be grand! To be able to butt in wherever you want and although you are the minority impose your will on all has to be the thing that all good people strive for.Stand up Alabama lest your state name be changed to Alobama

    Report Post »  
    • STIMGUY
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:29am

      I didn’t knoiw Obama had weighed in on this. Is he against prayer? Is he an athiest? I thought you all thought he was a Muslim. It’s a funny pun, but this has nothing to do with Obama

      Report Post »  
  • Tom in Tn
    Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:10am

    Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, OR PROHIBITING THE FREE EXERCISING THEREOF; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

    they always seem to over look that part of the 1st amendment

    The separation of church of church and state is no where in our Constitution

    Report Post » Tom in Tn  
    • Tom in Tn
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:16am

      The point of the 1st amendment was to prevent the U.S. from having a state sponsored religion like the church of England

      Report Post » Tom in Tn  
    • HKS
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:18am

      Maybe they just use that separation thing to try to add some relevance to their miserable lives. With no hope and all alone one must be quite the miserable sole.

      Report Post » HKS  
    • birther2012.com
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:31am

      The real separation will come at Judgement when our Lord divides the wheat from the chaff.

      Report Post » birther2012.com  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 11:12am

      Yo Birther:
      Ever look across a field of wheat on a bright sunny day…… because the SON shines ON it, it looks like a field of gold. Further, when the wind blows it gives the appearence of dancing in unison.
      The chaff………well… not so pretty in the light.

      Report Post »  
    • holy ghostbuster
      Posted on October 28, 2011 at 6:33am

      In the first part the Constitution is focusing on the government, “no law establishing religion.” In the second part, it is focusing on the individual, “nor prohibit the free exercising of religion.” The problem is when the government exercises expression of religion, then it borders on establishing religion.

      Report Post » holy ghostbuster  
  • banjarmon
    Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:09am

    Christians out number atheists! You atheists SIT DOWN…SHUT UP…YOU MIGHT LEARN SOMETHING THAT IS GOOD FOR YOU!!!!!

    Report Post » banjarmon  
    • Blackhawk1
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:17am

      Here we go again. The minority expecting the majority to bow to their wants. Tell Mr. Green if he doesn’t like the prayer, don’t go to the game.

      Report Post » Blackhawk1  
  • Shenandoahvalleypatriot
    Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:09am

    I would continue to say the prayer before every game. The truth shall set you free! And the truth is that this in no way violates the Constitution.

    Report Post » Shenandoahvalleypatriot  
  • KangarooJack
    Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:08am

    Anyone else engage in a conversation with an Atheist? I have-many a time. It all starts out with me being politically incorrect and saying “God Bless You” after they sneeze.

    Report Post » KangarooJack  
  • biohazard23
    Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:08am

    Here we go again…..

    Report Post » biohazard23  
  • joe1234
    Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:06am

    atheism is all about taking rights away from others

    Report Post » joe1234  
    • HorseCrazy
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:12am

      exactly. these militant athiests drive me bonkers but need our prayers.

      Report Post »  
  • Nations
    Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:05am

    It is time to meet their challenge. We will not go away. We will speak out against those who would thwart our prayers to our God. Our words hurt them because they know they are wrong in their hearts. Stand and Deliver.

    Report Post » Nations  
    • Tradition Dies Here
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:11am

      Pray to your non-existent sky fairy all you want. Prayer, much less Christian led prayer by a school authority, at a PUBLIC high school is illegal and does not belong there.

      Report Post » Tradition Dies Here  
    • really.truly
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:22am

      @tradition: I don’t care if you choose not to pray. Why is it so threatening to atheists to have chrisitans pray? If I went to a school where the majority of people were Jewish I would expect for there to be some speak of the religious pratices of their faith. It doesn’t mean I have to accept their beliefs into my own belief system… It just means religious tolerance. Which is something athiests completely lack. I really wish they’d read the constitution before they try quoting it. Hint: seperation of church and state isn’t in there. And even if it were.. It doesn’t mean that no one can pray!!’

      Report Post » really.truly  
    • barber2
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:37am

      TRADITION; Think your “sky fairy” jab is typical of the mean-spirited nastiness of the elitist Left. You guys are filled with way too much anger which is as destructive to yourselves as it is to those you ridicule. Arrogance is not a sign of intelligence. Arrogance is just a sign of pride – often undeserved.

      Report Post »  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 11:23am

      Yo Dose:
      Just trying to understand; you say. Really, if so, do you seek truth. What is it then that you do not understand? Wisdom leads understanding. Truth lends to wisdom and understanding honors God.

      Report Post »  
    • kmichaels
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 1:12pm

      [Tradition Dies Here
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:11am
      Pray to your non-existent sky fairy all you want. Prayer, much less Christian led prayer by a school authority, at a PUBLIC high school is illegal and does not belong there.]

      Actually, it is not illegal. Some dimwitted moron like you repeating the claim does not make it so. You are a fool, nothing more.

      Report Post »  
    • binge_thinker
      Posted on October 28, 2011 at 9:17pm

      All the malcontent atheists fear what they cannot comprehend, so they must attack it to make themselves feel superior, it’s normal behavior for the ignorant and undeveloped. If they would apply just a little thought to it (if they’re capable), they would realize that it not only poses no threat to them, in fact it doesn’t affect them in any way at all, that others choose to believe and pray and worship as they will. I can’t really be angry with them, any more than I could be angry with the child who misbehaves – they just don’t know. I can only feel sorry for them, as stupidity and ignorance are a life sentence.

      Report Post » binge_thinker  
  • barber2
    Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:04am

    Another example of why home schooling and private religious schools are important.

    Report Post »  
    • DoseofReality
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:21am

      Exactly – if this is at a private christian school or in your home or church…have group led prayer all you want. But it does not belong in a public school. No one is stopping you from bowing your head and praying to God by yourself….do that all you would like. or does jesus only hear you when you pray together? i though collective salvation was bad? isnt it an individual thing between you and god?

      Report Post »  
    • barber2
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:34am

      DOSE : I think a dose of politeness should be served with your “reality.” You sound too angry. Way too much of that going around these days.

      Report Post »  
    • DoseofReality
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:39am

      How does that sound angry? Im not at all angry, just trying to understand thats all

      Report Post »  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:47am

      Then why does a President get sworn in with a Bible?? Or Witness’s in court??

      Freedom from Athiest’s
      No God, No Peace

      Report Post » 13th Imam  
    • kmichaels
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 1:29pm

      [DoseofReality
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:21am
      Exactly – if this is at a private christian school or in your home or church…have group led prayer all you want. But it does not belong in a public school.]

      Listen, nitwit liberal troll, how about you go home, in private, in your closet, and tell yourself what does and does not belong in public school. Apparenly you think that you are the judge of what should or should not be allowed in public. Well, hate to break it to you nitwit, but you are not the judge.

      Report Post »  
  • HKS
    Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:01am

    Maybe its time to put the political correctness away and put these people away with it.

    Report Post » HKS  
    • Gcopp6
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:07am

      Amen!

      Report Post »  
    • thegreatcarnac
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:13am

      I second that ‘Amen”…

      Report Post »  
    • DoseofReality
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:17am

      What do you mean by put these people away?

      Report Post »  
    • kmichaels
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 1:33pm

      [DoseofReality
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:17am
      What do you mean by put these people away?]

      As a minimum, we should at least take away liberals right to excercise free and or public speech, since you idiots are so darned gung ho to take away other’s freedom of speech. I call that justice served.

      Report Post »  
    • Pontiac
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 3:43pm

      @kmichaels
      My, how very noble of you Joseph Goebbels.

      Report Post » Pontiac  
    • gmoneytx
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 4:42pm

      You can’t band public prayer, so go to HE LL.

      You’re going there anyway! Atheists!

      Report Post » gmoneytx  
    • Pontiac
      Posted on October 27, 2011 at 4:56pm

      @gmoneytx
      Band?

      “You’re going there anyway! Atheists!”

      Can’t argue using logic so rage about it and make empty threats…
      Have fun when they start praying to mecca at public schools and public events.

      Report Post » Pontiac  
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