Religion in Schools, Blog Assignment #2

Wow it’s amazing what people will do to stand up for what they believe in. When I read cases like these, I automatically think, “Who has time to fret over such small stuff?” But who am I to say that this is “small stuff” in the eyes of either of these students or their parents? We have in one article an atheist girl who does not want to observe a moment of silence and in the other article a Jehovah’s Witness boy who will not salute the flag. These are two completely different scenarios in some ways, but both are refusing to adhere to the laws or rules of the school because of their religious beliefs. I don’t really consider atheism as a religion, but it is referred to as a religion in many places. I think the court ruled incorrectly in the case of the girl refusing to pause for a moment of silence because it was meant for prayer or personal reflection. Did they miss the memo? It is meant for “prayer OR personal reflection.” You have the CHOICE! They gave people who do not want to pray an option. Prayer is a process that your mind creates. It’s basically thinking in the direction of God. And if they have an issue with personal reflection, no one can force you to think certain thoughts. They can force you to remain quiet but what goes on in your head, they will never know. So why shouldn’t a school be able to require a “moment of silence.” It seems the court made a hasty decision in my opinion on this one.

Now, in the case of the boy refusing to salute the flag, it was eventually decided that the government does not have the authority to require the saluting of the American flag or recitation of the pledge of allegiance. It was interesting to me how the boy claimed it was a form of idolatry. I’ve never thought of it that way, and although I don’t agree with him, I can actually see his point. However, the pledge does say “One nation under God” though, so it seems it is in a sense recognizing the commandment, “Thou shall have no other gods before me.” Unlike the moment of silence case where the court, in my opinion, made the wrong decision, I think the decision made was ultimately fair in the case of saluting the flag. And it’s hard for me to say that since I’m all for respecting the flag. But respecting in my eyes was considered idolatry in the eyes of this young Jehovah’s Witness. That’s all for now.