Opinion: Louisiana student sues school for praying
Jazmyne Boozer, Assistant Editor
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The views and opinions expressed on in this article are soley those of the original author. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of The Vision NGU or North Greenville University.
Of all the Bible belts, Louisiana would be the buckle. And of all the buckles found in the Bible belt, Webster Parish County is probably the clasp that holds it together. For any Christian, this county is a safe zone. Prayer is encouraged and Bible study is supported from the church to the classrooms. Although this is a good thing for Christians, for students like Kaylee Cole; this county is irritating at best.
Cole, an agnostic student who resides in the buckle of the Bible belt, was sitting in her classroom one day as the typical morning routine rang in her ears. Students begin their day with morning announcements, the pledge of allegiance and the Lord’s prayer. For the past few weeks, Cole found that the allotted time for prayer was beginning to grate on her nerves (much like the demons in hell). Every day for years, Cole was “forced” to listen to a 30-second prayer that asks for God to have his way in the days of the students.
Cole was always allowed to opt out of morning prayer. She was never forced to pray or even stand during prayer. In fact, every morning prayer, she sat quietly for the Lord’s prayer.
The school Cole attended is particularly Christian. Although a public school, it is easy to see where the school’s allegiance lies. Quotes such as “Want a Change? Pray” and “Love God,” are seen plastered on hallway walls as a constant reminder of who the school is serving. For any devout Christian this seems like heaven in a secular world. But we are in a secular world…
God is a God of order and authority. We see evidence in His Word that He likes delegated authority as well. The law of the Land is that religion should not be indoctrinated to children in public schools. According to the Word; we are supposed to obey the law of the land unless it contradicts the will of God. The Bible also tells us to pray without ceasing.
In the grand scheme of things (discounting the law of the land and from a strictly neutral perspective); it seems silly to appease one student when most of the students are fine with praying before class starts. I could understand the issue if a petition was signed by students and the number of students against prayer outnumbered the number of students for prayer. Our governmental system is a democracy, yet in this situation, one student was appeased while the majority was inconvenienced.
A Christian worldview perspective tells us to pray without ceasing. I think a compromise could be instilled instead. I do not think it is necessary to have a dedicated time of prayer at a public school as it is a PUBLIC school. I do not believe, however, that there is anything wrong with praying to oneself throughout the day. Since we are called to do this, I believe we are within our Christian rights to do so whether in a public setting or private setting.
