Powerless Against prayer

The following is an arguing essay I wrote for my college writing class. Any comments, advice are greatly appreciated.

Prayer in public schools and in public assemblies has been a topic of debate at all levels of government for the last forty years. Many different arguments have been made both for and against allowing prayer in public schools. Anti-prayer activist claim that prayer in public schools violates a non-believer’s constitutional right to religious freedom. At the same time, pro-prayer activist claim that limiting or not allowing prayer in public schools violates a believer’s constitutional right to free speech, and their right to practice their religious beliefs without fear of harassment. Both sides believe that their arguments and beliefs are the correct belief. However, when reality is considered, both sides, and our national government, are completely powerless against public prayer.

                If I were to tell a reader of this paper that I can make them think about anything I wanted to, their initial reaction would more than likely be one of denial. However what is the first thing to enter a reader’s mind when you see the word food. More than likely the reader is now thinking about what was available for lunch, the meal they have just eaten, or the meal they will eat. However as soon as they wish, they can change their thought process and can proceed to think about anything they wish. Such is the same way with the topic of prayer. Yes it is very possible that when I say prayer, thoughts immediately switch to religious matters. However, as soon as a different topic is mentioned, such as football, thoughts are no longer on religious matters.

As hard as I try, I cannot control an individual’s thoughts. All humans have been blessed with free will. Free will means that we are able to think about whatever we want, whenever we want. Those who say that their rights are violated by people saying a prayer are saying that they are mentally weak and do not have the ability to think their own thoughts. However the same thing can be said about those who argue that prayer should be allowed in public schools. For a person to say that their right to practice their religion freely is violated by prayer not being allowed in schools also shows a lack of mental capability. Just as those who wish to refrain from prayer, a person who wishes to pray can simply pray in their mind.

Trying to impose religious beliefs or the lack of them, on a person is wrong. Trying to make everyone believe the same thing you do is wrong. However the reality of the situation is that both sides are completely powerless. As hard as the liberal left tries to take God out of schools, there will always be students who go quietly to God in prayer. On the opposite end of the scale, no matter how hard the conservative right tries to put God back into schools, there will always be students who elect not to believe and participate in activities that promote faith. To say that one way is right and the other is wrong truly would be ineffective. When it comes to the topic of prayer in public schools the issue is left up to each individuals own prerogative. Our national government will never be able to fully enforce or fully prohibit prayer.