Your Kid Can Pray

 

The 2021 "War on Christmas" is over. We are eleven blessed months away from the next one. I sigh with relief!

I like Christmas well enough. I was raised in the Presbyterian church, then was an active member of the United Church of Christ for over thirty years.

Thus, I can truthfully tell you that Christmas, when I was young, was a special holiday in our family. Once I had my own children, I enjoyed the Christmas lights, songs and activities we shared, now finding it even more fun.

But, I can honestly also say that I never thought those who do not celebrate that holiday were wrong. What on earth is a "war on Christmas" or a "war on Christianity"? As an American, I find it stunning that some of my fellow citizens would have school children be required to participate in public prayer. The talking point is that they want their child to be able to pray in school. 

Perhaps I misunderstood the "rules" when I went to public school, where we did not have prayers in any organized fashion. Back then, as I'm sure it is today, kids prayed in school. Trust me-I prayed a lot!

Before every important test, I prayed to God to let me pass. Before every presentation in speech class, I prayed to God to allow me to be fluent and to not faint. In every P.E. class, I prayed to God to "just let the ball go to the softball star (or basketball or volleyball...) and not me! Dear Lord, have mercy! This outfield ain't big enough!"

From my own vast experience, I am here to testify that kids prayed then and they pray now.

It took me a while to have The School Prayer Epiphany. But, one day as I pondered yet another online news article about this controversy, it hit me like lightening!

Your kid can pray in school. Between classes, at lunch, on the way to and from the school building itself, study hall, are all chances each day for your child to pray, if he or she chooses to do that. So, where is the issue?

That was the flash and the thunder in my much clearer mind! 

The issue is that some people want my kid to pray in school. Let me repeat that-my kid!

I was stunned at how simple it was and how long the whole thing had me confused. It was shameful, really. I try to be quicker than that!

Here's the bottom line: My kid can pray, just as yours can, if he so chooses. But, in a public, tax payer funded school, organized and/or public prayer is prohibited under our Constitution. Period.

Your kid can wear a cross necklace, carry a Bible, hold a rosary in hand, or none of the above in a public school. But, my kid can wear a pentagram necklace and carry a book on wicca, as well. In both instances, what cannot happen is that their teacher gathers them together to pray to Vishnu. Or Allah. Or Jesus. Or Satan. Or The Flying Spaghetti Monster! NO!

To summarize, I say "Merry Christmas", if I want to. But I don't subject others to some "Karen"  or "Ken" tantrum if they say "Happy Holidays". I have taught my children that their belief, religious faith or lack of any tradition at all, is their private matter. Actually, even Jesus said, in Matthew Chapter 6, to keep your prayer life private. 

Oddly enough, the simplest explanation of faith I've heard so far came from a young Pakistani man. In describing Islam, he said "The definition of Islam is "peace". It means finding peace on your journey toward God-and that is a journey that is personal. Each one has their own path." Isn't that beautiful?

It is sensible, tolerant, confident, and Constitutional.

Very beautiful, indeed!