Nov 3, 2011
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A standoff over prayers at a school flagpole is looming between a longtime Baptist preacher and a Florida public school system.
Ron Baker, the pastor of Russell Baptist Church in Green Cove Springs, said he plans to keep on praying, regardless of what happens.
“Did you ever think that in America you’d be in trouble for praying at the flag?” Baker told Fox News. “It’s disturbing.”
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Baker was referring to a legal opinion submitted by the Clay County School Board’s attorney and published in Jacksonville.com. The attorney determined that a series of prayers on the grounds of four schools was a violation of the U.S. Constitution. The attorney further declared that the prayers were a clear endorsement of religion and Christianity.
“It is a violation of the United States Constitution for a teacher, school administrator or other school district employee to join in a prayer session during their work time,” wrote J. Bruce Bickner in a story that appeared on Jacksonville.com.
Bickner did not return telephone calls or emails seeking comment.
“I never thought I’d ever see that happen in America,” Pastor Baker told Fox News. “Maybe in North Korea or China or Russia – but not America.”
For quite some time Pastor Baker has been praying at all four of Clay County’s schools. Normally he’s joined by church members, parents, grandparents and students – offering thanks to God around each school flagpole.
But the Baptist preacher said all that changed when an atheist group complained – leading to the ban.
“Who would have thought when you’re praying for the safety of the school, the students and respecting the teachers and faculty – that that would be deemed as wrong and impermissible?” he wondered.
Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-president of the Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation, told Jacksonville.com that their complaints would be satisfied so long as the early morning prayers were halted.
“I’m just so pleased to see that someone else has some legal common sense,” she told the newspaper.
The pastor said he’s contacted the American Center for Law and Justice – and was told that his prayers are indeed – Constitutional.
“I don’t feel I did anything wrong and I don’t feel any need to stop,” he said.
So on Monday morning at 8:15 a.m., Pastor Baker said he will be at the flagpole at Clay Hill Elementary School – in defiance of the school attorney.
“I’m not going to stop,” he said. “We’ll be praying.”
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All you people huffing that you have a right to force an organized Christian prayer sessions on schools are hypocrites. If a Muslim Imam showed up and wanted to lead a call to prayer, you'd be first in line screaming about the rights of the poor students not to be indoctrinated.
You are incorrect, Sir, both in your contention that the activity is forced on anyone and in the contention that Christians only want Christians to be protected. We just want Christians to ALSO be protected. And, the school isn't doing anything…these are citizens and their children who attend the school. To be truthful, if this was a group of Muslim students, I doubt we'd see all of this backlash from people claiming to be so offended by the activity.
Stacie Moellendorf Bullshit!! If this were Muslims you would see MORE of a backlash and hate crimes. Remember the cultural center they wanted to build at Ground Zero? EVERYONE was up in arms on that one.
Annie Laurie Gaylor….afraid of prayer. Why? If she is truly an atheist, she must think that Pastor Baker is praying to a god who does not exist meaning that the prayers would have not value. Perhaps she fears the God who she claims does not exist. Keep praying, Pastor. May many join you.
I like the name of His churchLOL keep praying brother.
This is our right!
Why don't Miss Gaylor open a private hate god hate america school for dumb folks kids…
"doesn't"
You should use commas after "private" and "hate god". Also, use an apostrophe in "dumb folks' ", (or, "dumb folks's"). God should also be capitalized. We need to be careful here- "dumb folks kids" may get confused when we mangle our grammar so wretchedly.
Also, do you think they are praying that students pay a lot more attention in English class?
Let me be helpful here- perhaps what Ms. Lagos is saying is, "Why doesn't Miss Gaylor open a private, hate God, hate America school for children of people with learning disabilities."
>“It is a violation of the United States Constitution for a teacher, school administrator or other school district employee to join in a prayer session during their work time,”<.
NO! It is not!
The First Amendment says, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;…"
That means "Congress (the makers of the laws in the U.S.) shall make no law respecting an establishment (endorsing or interfering with) an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the FREE EXERCISE thereof."
For the last 80 years, every time Congress has addressed religion it has openly and blatantly interfered with the free exercise wording as it effects all things Christian and Jewish, BUT…
Congress HAS supported atheism – the religion of ante-religion, and islam.
Please listen to me. We all can pray in school. We all can pray in malls, churches, outside, inside, etc. We can all do this individually. But, we have no more right to expect a Hindu to be forced to listen to our prayers than he has to force us to lsiten to his. I am a Christian and have been for 48 years. I get the reasoning behind the law. Don't you? Not everyone believes like you do. Do you have a right to engage them in your beliefs if it is not your beliefs? Do they have the same right? Do you really want school employees to teach your kids to pray? Isn't that your job as a parent? Good Grief!
Well said David!
Do you not understand the concept of voluntary? What part of this activity to you percieve to be forced on anyone in this school? It isn't! They don't have to stand and listen or participate or engage! Good grief is right!
Stacie Moellendorf what part of pray at a church, on the street corner, in a closet, in your car NOT at a school where 1. Not everyone has the same beliefs 2. PUBLIC school is for learning and I am POSITIVE religion is NOT part of the requirement!
Donna Cassise … Again, no one is forcing it on anyone who has different beliefs. It isn't even organized by the school. It's like talking to a brick wall… BUT, thankfully, when it comes down to the constitutionality issue, the law is on the side of the citizens who have the FREEDOM to pray anywhere they choose.
Donna Cassise … Again, no one is forcing it on anyone who has different beliefs. It isn't even organized by the school. It's like talking to a brick wall… BUT, thankfully, when it comes down to the constitutionality issue, the law is on the side of the citizens who have the FREEDOM to pray anywhere they choose.
This is less about freedom to pray han looking for a fight. You can pray anywhere, so follow Jesus' teachings and go to your closet. A public display just makes you a modern Pharisee.
KEEP PRAYERS AND THE FLAG. This is ridiculous, there are more serious issues in the world. We need prayers, and the flag, if people do not like it they do not have to pray, do not ruin it for everyone else. the problem in the world is there is not enough prayers. The flag is a symbol of our country.
Seriously NO ONE IS SAYING YOU CAN'T PRAY! You all would have your christian panties in a wad if a wiccan danced around the flag pole teaching your children what you don't believe. PRAY all you want, but not on the tax payers dime who may not have the same belief you do. I am so sick of the holier then thou christians who want to be able to parade their beliefs around like theirs is the only way. Your God (my God too) is no better then anyone else's God.
One thing that no one has mentioned here is the fact that if it were a Muslim praying for 2 hours in a public place, no one would be filing court documents or telling them that they are not allowed to do it. It happens everyday in our country – in workplaces, in public buildings, etc. Many of them are government employees that are praying during their work hours and while they are in government buildings. Interesting how that happens and is allowed, but if it is a Christian praying all of the hate groups get involved. Sounds like persecution to me, mild definitely but persecution the same.
Jim Lee – I guarantee you that people would be MORE pissed off if it was a Muslim. I also guarantee you that if any of them do pray at work, no one knows about it because they do it in private – which is what Christians should do and were told to do in their own damn book.
"And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you." —Jesus (Matthew 6:5-6).
Yes, it is time to stand up and be counted. They are unaware that the Constitution does not promote separation of religion from the secular. Read the Constitution, it is just the opposite. Use your own mind and don't just go along with the biased media. This pastor is right and we should all stand up and be counted and this would not go on. The problem is that good people have stood by and done nothing and that is why this is happening. Are schools don't need prayer?
Yes, it is time to stand up and be counted. They are unaware that the Constitution does not promote separation of religion from the secular. Read the Constitution, it is just the opposite. Use your own mind and don't just go along with the biased media. This pastor is right and we should all stand up and be counted and this would not go on. The problem is that good people have stood by and done nothing and that is why this is happening. Are schools don't need prayer?
"Bickner did not return telephone calls or emails seeking comment."
This is how these cowards on the Left work – they lie, then they hide. I'm grateful to have Pastor Baker as a brother in Christ and will be praying for him.
Don't Ask, Don't Tell is better suited for religion.
If he was Muslim, he would be allowed to pray, just ask the school in San Diego that allowed children of Muslim faith to openly pray!
I wouldn't care if it were the muslims doing the praying as long as they're praying for the safety of the school kids and the teachers. What's the problem with anybody praying for safety it's not like they're there burning flags and threatening to kill anyone that doesn't believe in their religion.
Everyone should be able to pray. I think the prayers of Christians have keep the Lord from pouring His wrath out on the United States. If we take away the prayers we will be in a worse state than what we are now. We also need to get the interpertation of seperation of Church and state right. The government needs to stay out of the Church's buissnessbut the Church should play an active role in goverment.
So you're saying without prayers things would be horrible or "worse." Well obviously they're not freakin working!! So you're saying that the god you believe in is so petty and superficial that if people aren't worshiping it, it will reign fury and wrath on the world? That is ridiculous.
Goog for you, Give um Hell pastor.
Isn't that a little contradictory?
I can remember Colombine like it was yesterday, and the CNN interviews with all kinds of people.The one common voice was "How could God have allowed this".I'd be willing to bet my life that if you went to this school this morning and asked the principal, teachers, and other staff who are Christians how they feel about this matter, they would say they appreciate people praying for them, their safety and the safety of the kids.As a parent of an 11th grade son.I know I'd sure appreciate that.John Wesley said-God does nothing but through prayer.
John Buchanan —- that has to be the most idiotic thing I have ever read. So you're saying that because no one prayed at Columbine, "god" allowed a massacre to happen. Do you really believe that? I tend to think if there is this all knowing, all seeing entity in the world that he/she/it is not thriving on prayers. Columbine happened because those kids parents were not paying attention to them. For goodness sake they were making bombs or whatever in the garage. The parents said they would hear "loud noises" and they never checked on them. Really? The problem with our society is parents have gotten LAZY and want to be friends with their kids instead of parents.
How could you have even taken something like my comment in such a light.I clearly said and it's archived with CNN and numerous peoples comments about the tragedy,and repeatedly they said-How could God have allowed this?Where was God?It's all well documented.After Colombine many prayer movements have bbeen formed,including SEE YOU AT THE POLE.The crux of the article in question centers around a pastor in Florda praying at a school.Stay on task.
If praying in public in a public school ground is unconstitutional, without being harmful to anyone but to a bigot, the lawyers and school administrators suing the preacher for unconstitutional activity, should direct their attention to the very fact of UNCONSTITUTIONALITY of the usurper in the white house whose eligibility to be president of the United States is creating an utter destruction of the socio-eco-political life of the nation. One may ask for proof of this accusation, simply read Obama's birth certificate that he/his administration had published against the reading of the constitution. If one distinguishes this fact, you're a reasonable citizen of the America.
If praying in public in a public school ground is unconstitutional, without being harmful to anyone but to a bigot, the lawyers and school administrators suing the preacher for unconstitutional activity, should direct their attention to the very fact of UNCONSTITUTIONALITY of the usurper in the white house whose questionable eligibility to be president of the United States is creating an utter destruction of the socio-eco-political life of the nation. One may ask for proof of this accusation, simply read Obama's birth certificate that he/his administration had published against the reading of the constitution. If one distinguishes this fact, you're a reasonable citizen of the America.
Oh great another birther wingnut!
Donna Cassise Are you for law and order, or for lawlessness?
“I never thought I’d ever see that happen in America,” Pastor Baker told Fox News. “Maybe in North Korea or China or Russia – but not America.”.
You won't see this happen in any of those places because there are far fewer people there who try to telepathically communicate with imaginary friends.
It would be most interesting to know if Mr. J. Bruce Bickner is a active or participating member of the ACLU or of any like organization with the same goals/philosophies of the ACLU. The goals being the bit by bit destruction of our freedoms under the constitution.
I am sick and tired of seeing 14% of the people in America telling us what we can or can't do when it comes to prayer. 86% of the American people believe in God. It's time we tell that 14% to shut up or leave. There are plenty of other countries in the world where they could lead their athiest lives and they wouldn't have to worry about freedom of religion, which is what our country was founded on. I don't force my religion on them, they shouldn't force their athiesm on me.
Where did you get your numbers Charles? I can tell you that organized religion and the hate they breed has turned many of us off to religion period. FOR THE HUNDRETH TIME OUR COUNTRY WAS NOT FOUNDED ON ANY RELIGION, FOR ANY RELIGION or AGAINST ANY RELIGION. Learn to think for yourselves people and stop regurgitating the lies and hate!
Cynthia Gallaher it is REMARKABLE that you spew hatred towards Christians yet seem to imply you have studied God's word so extensively that you can judge a Christian's prayers? Wow. I wonder why you continue to put up post after post stating that anyone is REQUIRING this activity?
Charles F Parks —– so your rights are more important than the rights of those who don't agree with you? So they don't have a right to voice their opinion? Hmm. I believe the 1st Amendment says otherwise. Our country was in NO way founded on religion. Read the Constitution – if it was founded on religion, it would be in that wouldn't it? I am so tired of the religious fanatics in this country who think it's their way or no way. We'll all find out when we die what happens won't we? So why do you care if someone believes the same thing as you?
Stacie Moellendorf — How was Cynthia Gallaher "spewing hatred" toward Christians? She's simply stating her opinion. That was a lot less hateful than what "Christians" have been posting on here. Get out of your ivory tower.
Stacie Moellendorf — How was Cynthia Gallaher "spewing hatred" toward Christians? She's simply stating her opinion. That was a lot less hateful than what "Christians" have been posting on here. Get out of your ivory tower.
Kelly Calder … sorry to be unclear Ms. Calder. I have been following many of Ms. Gallaher's posts and she has moved far beyond simply stating opinions. I have no problem with people disagreeing and am not in an ivory tower by any stretch of the imagination. I am a sinner saved by grace. I can't speak for those you feel are christians here making hateful comments – other than to say anyone saying they are a Christian should be following what He has to say.
Freedom from religion has ruined this nation. So has the right to spank our children that was taken away from destroyed disicipline in children (spare the rod and spoil the child) We haven't learned our lesson yet, but its coming soon.
Spanking and flat out abuse are two different things. No one said you can't spank your kid. You can't beat the living shit out of them with a belt or a switch. I bet you agree with that judge in Texas who beat his kid in 2004.
Southern baptists are the worst. Our own Amerikan Taliban.
AMEN!
stor B aker full speed a head.
nooooooo, hello did they ll forget that little freedom of religion amendment to the constitution?
To the so called "Freedom From Religion Foundation," I and family will practice our religion to include.
prayer when and where we choose to do so. I have encouraged our children to say grace before meals.
and before taking test in school if they feel that they can use the help of our maker. And, should "ANYONE" deny them the practice, "Please tell them to see me!"
You can say all the prayers you want at home. But it has no place in a public school. If they want to say a prayer in their head, go for it. But if your kids can't pass a test on their own, god is not going to help them. So what if your kid prays out loud next to the non-religious kid – what about that kid's right to NOT practice a religion and not have to listen to it?
J. Bruce Bickner — there's something wrong w/you — your elevator certainly does NOT go all the way to the top. I believe you and all law enforcement/politicians who condone your actions need to relocate — out of the USA. More power to you Rev. Baker.
When prayer was removed from schools, that is when school systems began loosing control. Full speed a head Pastor Baker.
When parents stopped raising their kids and expecting the schools to do it is when things got out of control.
Thank you for writing this article. I have been to Russell Baptist Church and heard Brother Ron Baker preach. He is standing up for the rights of all people.
No he is standing up for himself. Not everyone believes the same way so he can't possibly be standing up for the rights of " all people." I wouldn't want to hear prayers going on while I was in my public school.
But its okay to advocate for "alternative" lifestyles, abortion, etc in school no matter how many people may be offended.
Who advocates for abortion??? Do you even know the meaning. If by alternate lifestyles you mean the gay life style, it is in the schools in hopes to stop the cruelty, and brutality that these kids face because some religious nut tells their kids it isn't normal and said kids go and beat the shit out of the gay student.
What is an "alternative" lifestyle? No one is advocating an abortion AT school. I dont' think I ever heard about abortion when I went to school.
Righttttt Ivymike. If an egg or an embryo was not a person you would not be here.
An egg or embryo have the POTENTIAL to be a person. You don't look at an acorn and call it an oak tree, it has the POTENTIAL to become one.
Donna Cassise …back to Biology 101. Ms. Cassise. An egg indeed has the potential to become a person. An embryo (the result of the union of egg and sperm) is already a person.
"Violation of the Constitution"? What about "free-speech"? If there's one thing this country and it's citizenry need more of;;; it's prayer. Pray for yourselves, pray for your country, pray for the men and women in uniform, just pray for something! Annie Laurie Gaylor obviously is very content in her past, present and future. Let's ask her to; "please go away". Isn't there some financial buidling she could be camping out in front of somewhere"? GOT TENT? Go Pastor Ron.
Speech in this country is not 100% free. You can't yell "fire" in a crowded theater if there is no fire. You can't slander or libel someone. So nothing is 100% "free" in America.
If this is promoting Christianity and Religion in schools, what does it say when special rights are given to muslims to pray in schools and the workplace? Is the government saying this is the only acceptable "religion"? Come on America, are we really going to let them dictate what we can believe and express? I thought that was one of our constitutional rights!
I don't know of any Muslims who pray in schools. I know some corporations/businesses will allow Muslims to pray but that's different. Don't get on the kick of "Muslims get special treatment." No they usually don't. People had a damn fit they wanted to build a cultural center in NYC. People treat them all like terrorists. No one is dictating what you can or can't believe. Get a grip.
go for it pastor baker I'm for JESUS ALL THE WAY!
Matthew 10 v 33-But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
Cynthia Gallaher I don't need you to tell me what Jesus said because I have a personal relationship with Him.You on the other hand are a God mocker.What right do you have to quote scripture?For 2 days you have ranted about a pastor,a man of God who's aim is to please God and show care and compassion for his fellow man,whose heart is for a school,and you so dogmatically have tried to tear down his character.You had better be real careful about speaking ill of a man of God,in particular one you don't know.Surely after two days your finger must be sore from pointing.Even God waits til a person's life is over to judge them,why don't you?You don't know what's going on at that school and the difficulties,divorces,and health challenges teachers and staff there may be facing.You better examine your heart.You better judge yourself.One day you Cynthia will stand before the mercy seat and give an account of your life to the only true and living God.On that day you and I will need all the grace and mercy we can get.
Cynthia Gallaher The Constitution protects free speech and assembly regardless of whether or not it is 'in front of other people's children on public property'. Don't like it? There are plenty of countries that deny free speech and public assembly you could move to.
Cynthia Gallaher – Wow, Ms. Gallaher, you really have deep-rooted hatred towards Christians, both those who call themselves Christians because they are under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, as well as those who want to call themselves christians when they in no way are representing Christ. It is too bad that you lump them all together as one. However, foundationally, you're argument SIMPLY ISN'T VALID because the school system IS NOT instituting this activity (Meet at the Flagpole). If the school leaders planned this activity and requires attendance or participation, THEN would would have a serious problem and a constitutionality issue. The reason these people CAN assemble at the flagpole to pray if they CHOOSE, is because the 1st Amendment to the US Constitution PREVENTS a governmental entity (ie, the school board) to PROHIBIT the activity. You are mistaken that the law bans citizens from praying of any kind on public property. That simply is not true. The restriction is on the government, not on the people.
Cynthia Gallaher – are you really equating the two? We're talking about apples and oranges when it comes to what law(s) would be applicable to the situation, what harm could come to the public (in a myriad of ways), etc. At the very minimum, I believe there are laws about having weapons on school campus…knives and whatnot? Com on, Ms. Gallaher. I have read many of your posts this morning, and you continue to repeat the exact same points, while continuing to ignore the numerous posts responding to your issues point by point. It is of course your choice to stay in this hardened, darkened state… be sure to thank God for the free-will He gave you. And in response to your comment to Mr. Postema…again, PLEASE read God's Word more completely before you pull verses out of context and attempt to preach them to His people! Good grief!
Cynthia Gallaher — Nice assumptions. I never said I was a Christian. Regardless of my beliefs, freedom of conscience is a right guaranteed by our constitution's first amendment. You can continue to interpret your 'biblical' views however you wish, but they certainly sound like an attempt at rationalization.
I'm sick of posting this, but for some reason people just aren't getting it. Our Constitution, largely influenced by the ideas of Roger Williams (please, please read about him), says:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
This amendment, the only that references religion, prevents the federal government from establishing a national religion and from prohibiting the exercise of religious expression. Extended down towards public schools, it is painfully obvious that no religion is being established at this school. Free citizens have the right to practice their beliefs of any kind on public grounds. Again, do you have a problem with this?
Why can't they pray on the sidewalk? Can we stop wasting our courts time with this argument already? These jesus freaks never win but they always pick a fight. I hope they toss this preacher's ass in jail. Schools are already a hostile enough place without throwing christianity into the lot.
I would like to know what law school the town attorney attended, what his/her grades were, and does he/she specialize in Constitutional Law issues? He/she is dead wrong on this issue and appears to shooting from the hip to placate the idiots from Wisconsin.
I'm still an atheist-for-the-constitution on this subject. if he wants to pray there, I got no problem with it, if 300 million want to join him, good for them. if I'm forced to, not good. let the darn guy pray already.
Why can't he pray in his church? Or his house? Or in another building? Their own bible tells them to pray in private…I don't think it should be on school property.
Kelly Calder and i dont think this hurts anyone. if you are as TRUE an atheist as i am (and not just some bitter weirdo mad-at-god) then what threat does someone standing around praying provide? If someone stood to my left and wished with their arms folded that a unicorn would fly down from the sky and impale me, i would not really lose sleep on it. same difference. NO DIFFERENCE AT ALL.
Robert Germanovich – I – am – not an atheist and never said that. I just don't like any religion. I think they're all bullshit and have just taken ideas from other belief systems and incorporated them into their own. I was raised Catholic so I find that especially retarded. So I'm not an atheist, I'm not agnostic and I follow no religion. I don't know why everyone feels they have to label everything. I don't think that anyone knows what some higher power wants. Here's my point – THEY ALREADY HAVE PLACES TO PRAY WHY DO THEY HAVE TO DO IT AT A PUBLIC SCHOOL? Do prayers not follow the same route to heaven if in a different location? Is there a certain place that only that place allows prayers to get through? Is it like trying to find a cell phone signal? Yeah I'm being sarcastic too.
Robert Germanovich – I – am – not an atheist and never said that. I just don't like any religion. I think they're all bullshit and have just taken ideas from other belief systems and incorporated them into their own. I was raised Catholic so I find that especially retarded. So I'm not an atheist, I'm not agnostic and I follow no religion. I don't know why everyone feels they have to label everything. I don't think that anyone knows what some higher power wants. Here's my point – THEY ALREADY HAVE PLACES TO PRAY WHY DO THEY HAVE TO DO IT AT A PUBLIC SCHOOL? Do prayers not follow the same route to heaven if in a different location? Is there a certain place that only that place allows prayers to get through? Is it like trying to find a cell phone signal? Yeah I'm being sarcastic too.
Go for it, Reverend Baker! God needs to be back in our schools now more than ever!
Why?
Kelly Calder Because too many of our children have NO idea what their nation is all about: PERSONAL freedoms-INCLUDING the freedom to worship (or not) as we please. The corruption of the Constitution by the Left has kicked God out of where our children's lives are spent most of their waking hours! SCHOOL! The amendment states "The Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or PROHIBITING the free exercise thereof!" Just because a school takes federal money does NOT give the gov't the right to "prohibit the FREE exercise thereof"!
Mellie Torre — Oh you have a different comment for once. Congratulations. We don't need god in public school. If you want god in your children's education, SEND THEM TO A PRIVATE religious school. I went to public school, didn't have god taught and I turned out fine. Actually it's been interpreted by the Supreme Court that taking federal money does mean you can't promote one religion over another. We don't need religion in public school. Religion has NEVER solved any of the world's problems has it? No because it's not religion's fault – it's the "followers" who take that ideology and molest it into something else. We don't need religion in the world to function. Christianity has been around what 2000+ years give or take…well the world functioned before it, and Islam and Judaism, etc, etc. I think there is some sort of higher power but I don't know what it is, or what it wants and I definitely don't believe it wants some crazy "pastor" standing outside a school praising it. If so that is the most narcissistic being in the world if it only survives on people's prayers.
Mellie Torre — Oh you have a different comment for once. Congratulations. We don't need god in public school. If you want god in your children's education, SEND THEM TO A PRIVATE religious school. I went to public school, didn't have god taught and I turned out fine. Actually it's been interpreted by the Supreme Court that taking federal money does mean you can't promote one religion over another. We don't need religion in public school. Religion has NEVER solved any of the world's problems has it? No because it's not religion's fault – it's the "followers" who take that ideology and molest it into something else. We don't need religion in the world to function. Christianity has been around what 2000+ years give or take…well the world functioned before it, and Islam and Judaism, etc, etc. I think there is some sort of higher power but I don't know what it is, or what it wants and I definitely don't believe it wants some crazy "pastor" standing outside a school praising it. If so that is the most narcissistic being in the world if it only survives on people's prayers.
When in Gods name are we going to stop listening to these whiners that have a problem with others of us who worship God. It's no skin off this Arheist's nose, so tell him to shut the Hell up and live and let live. If he doesn't like what America's about, maybe he would be happy to move to a Muslim Nation. let him bitch there about worshiping Allah and see what happens.
I would also like to add that a nation that allows it's unborn to be routinely murdered also needs to find God : STOP the killing – START the praying!
Murder is a prosecuted crime, hence by law abortion is not murder.
Mellie Torre — Take your pro-life BS somewhere else. That's not what this article is about.
Donna Cassise It soon will be once again.
Kelly Calder you must have aborted one of your children.
Mellie Torre — Um no I have never had a child unfortunately but if I ever was in the position where I had to make that choice, that is up to me and not you or the government. So how about you think before you type next time and not be such an ignorant asshole.
Mellie Torre — Wow, can't come up with anything original can you? Why don't you do the world a favor and put yourself out of our misery.
All I can say is what is this pastor duing on school property if he isn't a teacher or dropping off his students. Seems like they have a security breach that needs to be attended too. Attendance at his church must be low if he is having to go to schools to get followers. Wonder if he is passing around the collection plate afterwards.
the same people here who are supporting the pastor would be the same ones outraged if it was a cleric from a mosque doing the same.
What is it that is said about making assumptions? I've seen so many of you say this – it's totally untrue! Christians would just like Constitutional protections to be provided EQUALLY to Christians as well as everyone else.
ignorance is bliss I guess. Last time I learned about American history and how are country came to be was by same amazing people who left England because they were tired of being told what religion they should practice. Last I checked this nation was not founded on the principles of Christianity it was founded on the freedom to practice any damn religion you want. The problem here is he is trying to make a spectacle and say that only he is right and Christianity is the only way to live. Its not there are hundreds of other religions. I went to school and kids had the right to pray at the school when it was not school hours. you can come here all you want and pray that's fine but not during school hours. I think it is pretty well known that government funded schools are not allowed to openly pray during school hours. why does everyone think that we are becoming immoral? why because I don't believe in your God? That seems very unchristian. No I'm not an atheist and I have never seen one trying to shove his beliefs down any ones throat. That is a bogus argument they just ask for you not to be making your religion always seen. You say this country is going downhill I say what happened to respect that people deserve. the way people talk about someone just because I say we aren't a Christian nation doesn't mean you can say whatever you feel. Oh by the way Thomas Jefferson(who is a great man) who did so much for this nation for you to have the rights you have wasn't a christian but he didn't condemn anyone for it either. take a second and think about how you are treating people and the way you talk to them is far more of a reason to be concerned about our country not what religion we are.
Screw this lawyer and the school board and the ACLU! The atheists can go pound sand also! Bless you pastor!
So this guy can force people to pray and promote Christianity and die-hard Christians are willing to break the Constitution to allow this (as seen by these posters who are just in _LOVE_ with Jesus, who they never knew…), but Muslims can't build a mosque in New York City? How can you call yourself decent people when you only want to push your own agenda onto the world? Just like Muslims…lol….so similar yet so different.
Unconstitutional is Unconstitutional. Good luck fighting that. I hope this pastor gets a clear message, and isn't made a "martyr" out of this, which is what he is trying to do.
Have you read the Constitution? Who is resricted by the 1st Amendment and who has the freedom?
To my Christian brothers and sisters. Do NOT fall into the "trap" of even arguing with these nutjob atheists. We all know that in the end "they lose"! That is the best part of knowing that God is in control. Unfortunately these lost people will get their due reward and will have no one to blame but themselves. They talk a lot of garbage now but in the end their mouths will be silenced. Those of you who know the Bible know exactly what I am saying.