Sociology Discussion Question: Controversy of Separation of State and Church

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Sociology Discussion Question: Controversy of Separation of State and Church

The relationship between religion and politics has been an important theme in the society today. Among many social political controversies in question today is the issue of prayer in public schools. Organized prayer in public schools is unconstitutional. Private and voluntary prayer is constitutional only if it does not interfere with the normal school activities or school’s mission. Students have a right to engage in prayer as long as it is not coercive or disrupts the school’s activities. For instance, students have a right to say a prayer before meals. However, school officials should not encourage or promote students’ prayer, as this should be a personal initiative. Students may engage in religious activities during periods that are not curricular as long as it is does not disrupt other school activities (Marzilli 47). School officials should control discussions that seem to cause some incitement or religious harassment. It is essential that religious activities do not disrupt the school’s activities or mission in any way.

Religious activity by individuals mat not always interfere with the school activities or the well being of others in the school community however, pressure and threats of harassment should be keenly monitored (Marzilli 82). It is critical that religious activity is student initiated and no employees in the school participates or supervises student religious activity. Prayer should be allowed as long as it personal since prayer in itself can be quite beneficial. Prayer contributes greatly to shaping good citizens as it encourages moral uprightness. A lot can be gained from the general acceptance that a moral God exists. It forms the basis for morals and may prevent the society from drifting towards social and moral anarchy. In light of the aforementioned, personal prayer should be allowed in public schools as long as it not imposed on the students, causes any harassment, interferes with the normal school activities or the schools education mission.

Works Cited

Marzilli, Alan. Religion in Public Schools. Philadelphia: Chelsea House, 2004. Print.