Saturday, March 19, 2011

The Right to Expression... Prayer

People shall have the right to pray.

In the public presence of others,
here are some considerations:
1) one may have to modify one's methods/words/gestures
due to other people's Right to Respect, 
thus respecting another's differing belief systems
OR
2) one may have to modify one's tolerance level
allows others to practice religion
as they desire or need.



Somewhere, a middle ground must be found
for public moments of prayer--
an accomodation--
as described in the Right to Disagree.


Here is a situation of this type being brought to U.S. court.
At a city council meeting, Fredericksburg, Virginia,
a council member offended other members
when ending a prayer "in Jesus name."

Another larger debate.
Guards prevent Christians and Jews
from their Right to Pray on the Temple Mount
(the contested religious site in the Old City of Jerusalem
claimed by both Judaism and Islam).
They cannot even move lips in prayer.
This is enforced to keep peace.
Due to this restriction, Jews pray near the Western Wall,
since it is the site closest to the Foundation Stone.


Temple Mount, Jerusalem


49 comments:

michelle said...

everyone has the right to pray. People pray in time of need, and they pray because its their religion. I know that students in public schools are not allowed to use religion in any form because most likely, everyone has a different religion/God. I think when you do pray in a public place thats not a church, you should pray silently in your head because alot of people dont like the "fanclub" of religion.


"I believe in God. It's his fanclub I cant stand."-Anonymous.

Anonymous said...

I think everyone should have the ability to pray at home, before a meal, or in public as long as the considerations mentioned above are followed. This is another situation where we have to agree to disagree with respect. As for the Jews and Christians that cannot pray on the Temple Mount I would have to disagree with the guards. They should be allowed to pray and say what they feel. Instead, the Jews should be allowed to pray and the guards can serve their purpose there and make sure there is peace. I believe we have the right to pray wherever, whenever for whichever reason whether it may be out of respect to one’s religion, a form of consolation in times of grief, or simply to express one’s feelings. -v.p.

Anonymous said...

I believe people should have the right to pray wherever they are, and they should do so in a respectful way that does not infringe on the rights of others.
Gabe

Anonymous said...

I think everyone is entitled to the right to pray. We all have our own religious beliefs. That being said, I don't see how or why someone would deny someone else their right t =o pray.

Eddie M.

Anonymous said...

I believe no one should be offended by someone else's prayers. We as humans are entitled to choose what god or saints we want to pray to, it is our right. Although, I do think we should pray in mind not out loud just to keep peace and respect others beliefs.

Gaby R.

cd884 said...

In public school systems students must pledge to the country (the pledge of allegiance). This is a form of praying in which students are required to do if we believe so or not. This is taking away the right to pray from students that their religion does not allow it. We all should have the right to pray the way we want without being prejudice against others. We all have the right to perform our rituals without being judged. We, humans all have the right to pray publicly.

Anonymous said...

The right to pray is a very difficult topic now a day. People are forbidden to pray to their God because it may offensive to others or it may cause a disturbance in a public place. I believe that as long as you respect everyone else’s religion, everyone should have the right to pray to whomever they believe in. I find it a little ironic that when the country is at a time of need, the media is telling the people that we should all join and pray together. Isn’t this hypocritical? People should have the right to pray wherever they are, whether they are in a park, school, work, restaurant, beach anywhere. I believe it falls into place with freedom of speech, if we can say what we think, why can’t we pray to our God or Gods?
MelB

Anonymous said...

I agree that everyone has the right to pray. I believe that there is a time and a place to do so. I believe in God but not a crazy fanatic.

Francisco A

Anonymous said...

I definitely agree with the right to pray just like the comments above mine. However I believe that people should respect the place they do it and the timing, so it won't interfere other people and offend anyone that does not want believe in the same things that a certain person does.

Anonymous said...

This right ties to the right to religion and the right to respect. In America we should not have an issue by praying to anything we desire to pray to, in fact we all have that freedom and by law it should be respected. In countries ruled by an extremist religion or regime, people may not be as fortunate as Americans because they are not allowed to practice other religion other than what it is prescribed by their government and could be punish if they are caught praying to something else. I believe that international authorities should take the action and Implement the right to choose and practice any religion throughout the world. GIL RO

Esmeralda A said...

Everyone should have the right to pray, regardless where it is done at. I believe that no matter what religion or belief one has, it should be respected. Praying in front of someone is not a disrespect. I believe that disrepect is when a person goes against one's belief. Everyone should pratice their beliefs any where as long as no one is being disrespected.EA

Unknown said...

The right to pray is like the right to freedom of speech. People pray because it gives them strength and courage along with a sense of peace. What kind of country would we be if we didn’t make accommodations for religious prayer?

-Nicole Chaplin-

Ingrid J. said...

We all have the right to pray. Prayer has been a part of our lives for centuries, a part of this country even, all of a sudden prayer is offensive, but yet as soon as we are in trouble or facing danger, OH GOD!

Anonymous said...

something as private as praying should not be anybody else's business but the persons praying and should not be discussed by any kind of government for either limiting it or enforcing it, it should not be mentioned.

JB

Anonymous said...

People criticize, what they don't understand. We encounter offenses daily, but mention Jesus and ALL prayer is taken off? What is everyone really standing for when they claim freedom of rights, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, etc. As long as everyone respects each other while praying, I don't see why people should get offended. If that were really the case then it would be so in every aspect of our lives, like when your neighbor blows his leaves into your yard, or when the guy in the lane next to you cuts you off and throws you the finger. When it comes down to it, EVERYONE eventually recognizes that they need God and in a 911 moment, they all turn to Him. Maybe if people prayed more, there would be more peace, less worry, more compassion, less pride. I am 350% for the right to pray anywhere, anytime, with anyone for any reason. AMEN :) -- KB

Anonymous said...

I have been praying all my life, when I was a kid
my mother taught me to pray every day in the morning and give thanks to God for the day every night. It gives me strength and peace of mind and
to be kind with my fellow being.

Ismael DelValle

Anonymous said...

People should have the right to pray. Prayer brings peace to an individual’s soul. I was raised religious and have my own beliefs but I do not impose them on others. In my profession people need their religion even more when they are ill, therefore I respect all my patients rituals.

Ann Marie

Patricia Delgado said...

There are moments for everything, and when it comes about each individual religion that most of the time involves "prayers" those shall be done in each individual temple, space and privately. This in order to not disturbed, interrupted, or alarmed anyone.
Patricia Delgado.

Anonymous said...

No one should be denied the right to pray. It like telling not to think, or dream because I am not allowed to. My belief is that people should mind there own business and get a life. E.S.

Espy said...

I think we are all on the same page that everyone has the right to pray regardless of the religion. But there are situations where I have been in that I can see where it would be awkward for people of different religions. In pro ball for example, there have been a few instances where I had a Christian coach lead our team in prayer but there have been Jewish and Mormon people on my team. It makes them feel awkward. I think people have the right to pray but independently. That way people don't feel left out.

Anonymous said...

Noone should be prevented to pray. praying is a way to connect to our God, praying allows us to be in a more peaceful mind set. praying is allowed anywhere and at anytime and should not be interrupted by anyone. praying is something that comes from the heart. praying is a right that shall not be denied not today, not tomrrow, or ever.

f.c.

Anonymous said...

I can not believe that this is even a question. Some people need prayer in their life. Everyone shall have the right to pray as long as they are not disrespecting anyone.

Anonymous said...

Everyone has the right to pray. Praying is allowing yourself to have faith. When I read the last paragraph about the Guards preventing Christians and Jews from their right to pray on the Temple Mount, I was in shock. Everyone is entitled to their own religion, thus, they are entitled to pray to whoever they desire. It should not be forbidden to pray somewhere other than a church or at home. When someone has faith and they have the necessity to pray, they should do it openly. Praying is helping the soul from whatever troubles the mind. Everyone from everywhere should be able to pray, not in silence and not behind wall.
-Shivani

Anonymous said...

I believe that there should be a mixture of both the right to freedom of religion and the right to respect. An individual has every right to practice whatever religion they please, but they also have to take into consideration what others might be feeling around them when they are practicing their religion, because what might seem normal to you could be offensive to others.
-D. Diaz

RhWim said...

I believe that everyone should have the right to pray to whatever creator they believe in, in any environment they want. As long as they acknowledge that others in their presence may serve a different creator. When I pray in public, I always state that this prayer is to whatever creator or God you worship. Everyone should have the right to pray.

Anonymous said...

I don’t think anybody should feel offended by other people’s prayers. Everyone should have the right to express their prayers whenever they need to. I think we have to educate our selves better and learn about the different religions. By doing this, we will understand other people’s beliefs and their reasons to pray. We would become more tolerant and would learn to respect each other more. GS

Luz Mery said...

This is a topic that is not easy to talk about. I believe everyone has a right to practice their own religion and to pray wherever they please. No one should be told where they should pray and how to pray it. But those that pray should know that they should always respect those that may not practice that form of prayer.

Fernanda A said...

Praying deals with religion and everyone has their own. Either you have one or you don't. This is a choice. Praying is also a choice yet its a right. People should be able to pray whenever and wherever they please. It doesn't bother anyone. Praying helps people let out their emotions to God, or better said to connect with him. Everyone should be entitled this right because sometimes doing it puts you at ease with yourself.

Unknown said...

I believe in prayer. It's the best way we have to draw strength into our daily lives. Everyone has the right to pray. No one should be denied the right to pray.

Pedro said...

The Right to Pray is an issue that is being addressed everywhere on the planet. All people who pray to their god need to respect other religious groups while they pray. An accord must be reached between religious followers, and between those that govern. P.L

Anonymous said...

I believe everyone has the right to pray and, a right to follow there beliefs. I also believe that no one should deny anyone this right because, this is what they believe is true and, is right. If we all accepted each other for what they are and, what they believed in everything would be better we could make large advancements in many things such as technology and medicine and peace.
Marcia P

Unknown said...

People pray for all types of reasons, and they should not be limited to when and where they can pray. A lack of respect or having a narrow-minded mentality is why some people might not be able to tolerant prayer in public. No matter what religion someone practices it is everyone else’s responsibility to show some respect. In the case of the Jews and Christians who are not permitted to pray on the Temple Mont, their right to pray is not being acknowledged. Although it is meant to keep peace it is then restricting their right to practice their religion.
Luisa Isla

Anonymous said...

I think everybody should have the Right to Pray wherever and whenever they want as long as they show respect towards other people and their belief. I don't think nowadays anybody should be punished for exercising their Right to Pray either in public or in private. Laura R.

Anonymous said...

Denying someone prayer would be denying them the right to their religion. On the other hand, being respectful and obeying the law should be kept in mind when considering to pray.

Anonymous said...

I agree with the right to prayer; as a child, my father would pray at 12 noon every day. This gave him inner strength and courage to face whatever came at him. Prayer gives me a connection or a direct line with my creator. No one should be force not to pray or to pray because prayer should always be based on freedom of choice. Gary Norris

Anonymous said...

Praying brings a sense of peace to one's soul and surroundings, why not have this right? Anything that puts the rapid moving human mind and body at peace is a bonus.

-Ukeme Akpan

Mirror said...

The best prayer is the one you do with your heart!
Aimara Ors

Anonymous said...

Everyone has this right. It might be suppressed but even then you still have it. No one can tell what your thinking, anything can be going on in your head and no one will know. If prayer is important then it is something inside of you and its not necessary to display it. We cant see God or whoever most people pray to, why should there be the need to see prayer if it can be felt?

-surfershoes

Terrance Carter said...

I believe that there is supernatural power in the name Jesus Christ. I and no believing individual should create an uncomfortable environment for others. I do stand firm in my belief that Christ followers should recognize Jesus in all walks of life. I think people view prayer in a incorrect manner. I believe prayer is a personal conversation with Jesus and nobody needs to know about it.

aquintana said...

Praying is something very personal, I do support the right to pray but I believe that the person praying should have as much respect for others as we do for their prayer.

Miglaude said...

People of diverse types apply the capability to pray as a benefit. Prayer can help anyone who is in need of curative from sickness, diseases or problems that hold up with daily lives. It can also help people to achieve goals, dreams and other tasks they may want to complete in life. I believe that we need a right to pray because prayer is out there to facilitate people live their lives better and more joyfully.

Janet Almonte said...

We all should have the right to pray and worship whomever we feel fit to worship. Religion has been the main problem with starting many wars in our world and it is unfortunate that others still have such issues with respecting others opinions of religious beliefs. This has caused so many problems that we are not allowed to mention any religion or pray in our public schools out of the fear of offending the person next to us. I believe that is pure bogus and that instead of fearing of disrespecting the person next to us because we are praying we should begin with learning to respect others to begin with and not look as to what religious affiliation they belong to. If we could only live in world where we could just respect and not really need to understand others we would have less problems.
Janet Almonte

Unknown said...

A family that prays together, stays together. Prayer change things, I totally agree with this right.

Anonymous said...

I think we all should respect each one belief. Anyways, I think is better to practice silence prayer when we are in public.

Claudia B.

Anonymous said...

The right to pray involves religion and respect. Most pray in various forms but nonetheless. Whichever way practiced, besides respect of others beliefs and tolerance of religions, personal space of another should be considered too. – D.T

Anonymous said...

We're all born with the right to believe what we want. Along with this right, we should have the right to pray as it is a part of religion. --Rosa F.

kevin0121 said...

There are many religions and many ways to pray. Pepole shouldn't be offended by others when they pray in public. If they don't like it, they should just look away. Respect others and their believes.

Jenny said...

I believe that everyone has the right to pray to whom/whatever brings peace into their lives. We, as humans, have very stressful lives and to have the ability to vent our worries and concerns is a great way to make our days a little bit better.

JR

RV said...

Everyone should have the right to prayer but as long as it is done with respect.