[Gitback Coach]

This is not preventing anyone from praying. Prayer by individuals is not prohibited, nor is having a "moment of silence/reflection" to allow those in the audience who wish to pray to do so. All this does is prevent a public entity, paid for with tax dollars from Americans of ALL faiths, from using school resources (in this case, the PA system in a football stadium) to promote a certain religion, when this is not the business of a school system (or any other public entity) to promote a certain religion. The issue at heart is not a persecution of Christianity; it's the legal concept that government shouldn't be promoting ANY religion (be it Christianity, Judaism, Islam, et al.) via use of public-funded resources. It may seem a harmless prayer if you're a believer, but if you're a non-believer or believe in something else, it's your school district telling you over a public address system THIS is what we think you should believe, and your belief (whatever it may be) is NOT our official district religion.

Thank whatever power you believe in that we do NOT live in a country where the majority always gets what it wants, no matter how right the majority thinks it is. Unless you think the black folk should still be riding in the back of the bus...

Thank you, Diogenes. Very well put.

Those who wish to pray may do so privately ANYWHERE they wish. If they covet the right to broadcast their prayers over PA systems at public/secular events, well, no, that infringes on the rights of others.

"But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret."

[cuppett777]

This incident happened at the Bell Co./Harlan Ind. SEKC Gridorama. It was my Pastor that was supposed to deliver the pregame prayer. He has Given the pregame prayers at Bell Co. High School for many Years. He spoke about this attack on Christianity a few times since. It is sad. It is an attack on the very moral fiber that holds this country together. That moral fiber is tattered and torn now. I don't see it coming back. People ,You need to be ready for things to get worse. I could see there being a ban on churches and Bibles and Jesus in general. The world has tried to get rid of him since his birth 2000 years ago and it can't. But, they will keep trying and things will get worse. Thats why the Bible says to keep the word in your heart. Get to know Jesus and read your Bible and keep those holy words locked in your heart. No one can take it away from you that way.

thats true, and the WORD says those who are against ME(GOD) then i will be against them, the US(NATION) as a whole,not every one has rejected HIM,and thats why the US is done,will never recover, and only get worse,put your trust in HIM...

[Hatz]

thats true, and the WORD says those who are against ME(GOD) then i will be against them, the US(NATION) as a whole,not every one has rejected HIM,and thats why the US is done,will never recover, and only get worse,put your trust in HIM...

So by that reasoning there was a time when the US was "for HIM?"

Was it when we were building our society on the backs of slaves?

Was it when we practiced the segregation by race of our society through the laws of the land?

Was it when we decimated and killed thousands of men, women and children who were indiginent to this land?

Was it when we made fortunes on the backs of poor, paying them a miniscule wage and working them 7 days a week in dangerous conditions at 12 hours a day?

Was it when we imprisoned others who were Christians but happened to be of a different "brand" of the faith? (see the history of Baptists, Quakers, Mormons, etc.)

:popcorn:

[BADCAT74]

After the National Anthem is played all the fans say the Lords Prayer . They can't stop everyone from doing this on there own!!!!!!

That's exactly what they should do. IMO :Thumbs:

[dontfeedthebears]

Let me first say this- I'm not posting on here to argue whatsoever. I love each and every one of you regardless of your stance and/or beliefs. I, myself, pray in private daily and continually. I agree that the Bible says for us to not be hypocritical and pray for other men to see and send an "image" of religion. But the Bible also says "Ye are the light of the world." I am no judge of anyone's heart and neither are you, but who are we to say that the prayer is hypocritical because it is over the PA. If its a fervent and sincere prayer, there's no better thing we could possibly do before a game or anything else. PSALMS 17:1
"A prayer of David. Hear, O LORD, my righteous plea; listen to my cry. Give ear to my prayer--it does not rise from deceitful lips." 2 Chronicles 7:14 "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." Psalms 55:17 "Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice." Psalms 145:18 "The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth." Proverbs 15:29 "The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous."

[Gitback Coach]

So by that reasoning there was a time when the US was "for HIM?"

Was it when we were building our society on the backs of slaves?

Was it when we practiced the segregation by race of our society through the laws of the land?

Was it when we decimated and killed thousands of men, women and children who were indiginent to this land?

Was it when we made fortunes on the backs of poor, paying them a miniscule wage and working them 7 days a week in dangerous conditions at 12 hours a day?

Was it when we imprisoned others who were Christians but happened to be of a different "brand" of the faith? (see the history of Baptists, Quakers, Mormons, etc.)

:popcorn:

:Thumbs:

[Proud Ram Fan 1168]

That's exactly what they should do. IMO :Thumbs:

I think if it happens at Raceland we should have someone with a bullhorn stand up on the highway were lots of fans set on the hoods of their cars, tailgates ect. and watch the game say a prayer for the players and fans. WE NEED IT FOR LETTING THIS HAPPEN!
Maybe a prayer for the schoolboard for letting a handfull of people rule over the vast majority.

[Stardust]

What a shame to where our country has progressed to

[nky]

I think if it happens at Raceland we should have someone with a bullhorn stand up on the highway were lots of fans set on the hoods of their cars, tailgates ect. and watch the game say a prayer for the players and fans. WE NEED IT FOR LETTING THIS HAPPEN!
Maybe a prayer for the school board for letting a handful of people rule over the vast majority.

It's not the local school boards that have the power in this issue. They are reacting to various Supreme Court cases most recently Santa Fe Independent School District v. Jane Doe 2000
Not to get all political and such but when you vote you have to know the position of the candidate on judicial nominees especially in Presidential and Senate races. You elect a liberal president you may get liberal judges on the bench

[Proud Ram Fan 1168]

It's not the local school boards that have the power in this issue. They are reacting to various Supreme Court cases most recently Santa Fe Independent School District v. Jane Doe 2000
Not to get all political and such but when you vote you have to know the position of the candidate on judicial nominees especially in Presidential and Senate races. You elect a liberal president you may get liberal judges on the bench

Your right nky. Believe me I'm not a liberal. I never vote for a liberal. Never will most likely. Love my kids to much for that... I here what your saying. Just wish that people would stand up and say enough is enough! We can start with the town and schoolboards. And then on to the state officials ect.

[zaga_fan]

What a shame to where our country has progressed to

It's bad....
I just wish we had a way to go back in time and ask the framers of the constitution if it would be alright to pray to God before a football game.

[Unregistered]

Keep praying. Test come from everywhere. Don't fail those test. I would pray this friday night.

[charlie22]

This is not preventing anyone from praying. Prayer by individuals is not prohibited, nor is having a "moment of silence/reflection" to allow those in the audience who wish to pray to do so. All this does is prevent a public entity, paid for with tax dollars from Americans of ALL faiths, from using school resources (in this case, the PA system in a football stadium) to promote a certain religion, when this is not the business of a school system (or any other public entity) to promote a certain religion. The issue at heart is not a persecution of Christianity; it's the legal concept that government shouldn't be promoting ANY religion (be it Christianity, Judaism, Islam, et al.) via use of public-funded resources. It may seem a harmless prayer if you're a believer, but if you're a non-believer or believe in something else, it's your school district telling you over a public address system THIS is what we think you should believe, and your belief (whatever it may be) is NOT our official district religion.

Thank whatever power you believe in that we do NOT live in a country where the majority always gets what it wants, no matter how right the majority thinks it is. Unless you think the black folk should still be riding in the back of the bus...

You nailed it Diogenes.

If the players need a prayer before each game to develop their moral fiber, then I'd suggest their parents, their communities and their churches have done a very, very poor job of raising those players.

[CenturionNation]

As a coach and parent at Christian Academy, I would like to state to any and all listeners that EVERY team is welcome to pray before, during and after the games at Centurion Field.

It is a sad day in the Bluegrass

[Benchwarmer]

So by that reasoning there was a time when the US was "for HIM?"

Was it when we were building our society on the backs of slaves?

Was it when we practiced the segregation by race of our society through the laws of the land?

Was it when we decimated and killed thousands of men, women and children who were indiginent to this land?

Was it when we made fortunes on the backs of poor, paying them a miniscule wage and working them 7 days a week in dangerous conditions at 12 hours a day?

Was it when we imprisoned others who were Christians but happened to be of a different "brand" of the faith? (see the history of Baptists, Quakers, Mormons, etc.)

:popcorn:

How old are you? You have done a lot of sad things in you life.

[Benchwarmer]

This is not preventing anyone from praying. Prayer by individuals is not prohibited, nor is having a "moment of silence/reflection" to allow those in the audience who wish to pray to do so. All this does is prevent a public entity, paid for with tax dollars from Americans of ALL faiths, from using school resources (in this case, the PA system in a football stadium) to promote a certain religion, when this is not the business of a school system (or any other public entity) to promote a certain religion. The issue at heart is not a persecution of Christianity; it's the legal concept that government shouldn't be promoting ANY religion (be it Christianity, Judaism, Islam, et al.) via use of public-funded resources. It may seem a harmless prayer if you're a believer, but if you're a non-believer or believe in something else, it's your school district telling you over a public address system THIS is what we think you should believe, and your belief (whatever it may be) is NOT our official district religion.

Thank whatever power you believe in that we do NOT live in a country where the majority always gets what it wants, no matter how right the majority thinks it is. Unless you think the black folk should still be riding in the back of the bus...

So what harm can become of prayer. NOTHING. So what if I said it was against my religion to wear shoes to a football game. Then, people should respect my religion and not wear them because if they do I feel wearing shoes is being forced on me.

[Hatz]

How old are you? You have done a lot of sad things in you life.

"I've been alive forever . . . and I wrote the very first song."

:biggrin:

(Now you've gone and done it, I've had to quote a Jimmy Webb/Barry Manilow song)

[Unregistered]

This very thing happened to us in Lee County Virginia recently and it's sad but we have to overcome. The school is not allowed to use the stadium speakers for prayer but nothing can be done about anyone and everyone praying. Now, before each home game at Lee High School, Players, Cheerleaders, fans, etc. (from both teams) march onto the field for prayer at the 50 yard line and it is actually better and more united than the traditional way so they have only strengthened us here in Lee County. We do need to stand up and be heard and stop sitting back thinking these things can't happen. I encourage each of you to do this at your school and stand up for our Lord. Thanks for reading and GOD Bless.

Note: Some schools may not permit people on their field so make sure before you do and if they don't have someone start the Lords Prayer in the stands and let everyone join in.

[FMBball]

I hate this. If those individuals that don't want to hear the prayer shouldn't show up until after the prayer. So game timme for the should be 7:45..

[wildone89]

This very thing happened to us in Lee County Virginia recently and it's sad but we have to overcome. The school is not allowed to use the stadium speakers for prayer but nothing can be done about anyone and everyone praying. Now, before each home game at Lee High School, Players, Cheerleaders, fans, etc. (from both teams) march onto the field for prayer at the 50 yard line and it is actually better and more united than the traditional way so they have only strengthened us here in Lee County. We do need to stand up and be heard and stop sitting back thinking these things can't happen. I encourage each of you to do this at your school and stand up for our Lord. Thanks for reading and GOD Bless.

Note: Some schools may not permit people on their field so make sure before you do and if they don't have someone start the Lords Prayer in the stands and let everyone join in.

i need to talk to you cream puff. pm me please!

[comeback_kidxXx]

This is the dumbest thing i have ever ever seen in my life. Honestly who would complain about praying before a game??? This kind of stuff really gets under my skin, an if it was me i would tell them to take that letter an fold it up long ways nice and neatly, turn it sideways an shove it right up their a**! If you dont like religion take your shit an go somewhere else thats the way i see it. what is wrong with people?

[hypersport]

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is an organization that is allowed in the schools. If the pregrame prayer is led by a student and the school has/or starts an FCA program there is not anything anyone can do to stop them. The key is student led.

[hypersport]

One more thought I agree that prayer should be allowed without question. And we let a few control the mass. Remember when they tried to get Allen Central to change their name because it offended others, the community bound together and it did not happen. I think all Bell County fans should start a tradition of holding prayer in the stands. God does not have to have a loud speaker to hear us. I would not let anyone keep me from giving thanks for what we have. Maybe is we prayed more we would not be in the mess we are in.

[nky]

This is not preventing anyone from praying. Prayer by individuals is not prohibited, nor is having a "moment of silence/reflection" to allow those in the audience who wish to pray to do so. All this does is prevent a public entity, paid for with tax dollars from Americans of ALL faiths, from using school resources (in this case, the PA system in a football stadium) to promote a certain religion, when this is not the business of a school system (or any other public entity) to promote a certain religion. The issue at heart is not a persecution of Christianity; it's the legal concept that government shouldn't be promoting ANY religion (be it Christianity, Judaism, Islam, et al.) via use of public-funded resources. It may seem a harmless prayer if you're a believer, but if you're a non-believer or believe in something else, it's your school district telling you over a public address system THIS is what we think you should believe, and your belief (whatever it may be) is NOT our official district religion.

Thank whatever power you believe in that we do NOT live in a country where the majority always gets what it wants, no matter how right the majority thinks it is. Unless you think the black folk should still be riding in the back of the bus...

MOment of silence may violate the Sumpreme Court Case
Wallace v. Jaffree,1985

[Franchise]

MOment of silence may violate the Sumpreme Court Case
Wallace v. Jaffree,1985

I don't think it does, nky. Even if it did, the PA announcer could just fiddle around for 30 seconds without making a formal "moment of silence announcement".

[nky]

I don't think it does, nky. Even if it did, the PA announcer could just fiddle around for 30 seconds without making a formal "moment of silence announcement".

better yet just have you're parent booster/parent section start saying a prayer

[Football1]

Legally, prayer over the schools loud speaker may never win. And if the prayer I ever have to hear is a Muslim prayer; I'm all for that. Sorry, I'm a little biased. You see, I have chosen sides. John 14:6 says tells me that Christ is the way, the truth, and the life and that no man comes to God the father except by Christ. Christ himself warned followers that if they denied Him before man he would deny them before His father. As a veteran, tax paying, proud American I choose to support any cause that furthers the name of Christ. I hope the laws of our land someday support my love of Christ for when they make me choose "as for me and my house we will follow God".

I hope fans pray. I hope coaches pray in locker rooms. I hope preachers are allowed to pray in the name of Christ over the loud speakers. And for those who don't share this opinion - I understand; its a bit radical - maybe even intolerant. But my Lord was alot radical and refused to tolerate all sorts of junk during his time on earth. I'm just trying to live up to his example.

[Yellow Jacket fan]

They need to figure out which students are new to the school are from out of the area, and ask them if they had a problem with the prayer. I would almost guarantee you it's a new student from out of the area.

[Stardust]

legally, prayer over the schools loud speaker may never win. And if the prayer i ever have to hear is a muslim prayer; i'm all for that. Sorry, i'm a little biased. You see, i have chosen sides. John 14:6 says tells me that christ is the way, the truth, and the life and that no man comes to god the father except by christ. Christ himself warned followers that if they denied him before man he would deny them before his father. As a veteran, tax paying, proud american i choose to support any cause that furthers the name of christ. I hope the laws of our land someday support my love of christ for when they make me choose "as for me and my house we will follow god".

I hope fans pray. I hope coaches pray in locker rooms. I hope preachers are allowed to pray in the name of christ over the loud speakers. And for those who don't share this opinion - i understand; its a bit radical - maybe even intolerant. But my lord was alot radical and refused to tolerate all sorts of junk during his time on earth. I'm just trying to live up to his example.

AWESOME post!!!!

[Gitback Coach]

I simply cannot see why this is such a big issue. There's an appropriate time and place for everything. We all have interests, pursuits and hobbies of all types, and most reasonable human beings find ways to consider others and peacefully co-exist.

Don't broadcast prayers at ball games, and I promise not to come into your church to work on my golf game. Simple stuff.