Every once in a while a politician makes a headline splash in the media because they propose an idea that has been rejected time and time again. Sen. Dennis Kruse has been making that kind of splash these past few days.
Kruse, of Auburn, has introduced a bill in the Indiana Senate that would allow school boards to require students to recite the “Lord’s Prayer,” each day at the start of school. The proposed law states, “In order that each student recognize the importance of spiritual development in establishing character and becoming a good citizen, the governing body of a school corporation or the equivalent authority of a charter school may require the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer at the beginning of each school day. The prayer may be recited by a teacher, a student, or the class of students.” The law allows students or their parents to opt out and not attend such an event.
Kruse has tried to interject the teaching of religion in public schools before. Last year he wanted teachers to be required to teach the “intelligent design” theory that a superior being designed the universe and everything in it. The theory is the first portion of the book of Genesis wrapped in a new package.
Another of Kruse’s bills this year will allow students in science classes to challenge teachers on the accuracy of what they teach and then the teacher will have to defend that accuracy. Supposedly this is to allow students to debate their teachers over issues related to the theory of evolution.
We think Kruse’s effort to introduce children to religion and their own spiritualism is admirable, but he should be working with the churches in his district to accomplish his goal.
Our state and our nation have adopted laws to protect children from being subjected to being a captive audience for proselytization. The reason Hoosiers and Americans have collectively adopted these laws is because there are so many competing Christian sects and other religions that the Founding Fathers knew if government got involved in promoting religion, chaos would follow. These men also knew the history of deadly religious conflicts in Europe that were spurred by governments promoting one form of Christianity over another and they wanted their young nation to avoid such internecine conflicts. Therefore, they adopted the First Amendment and its guarantee that government would not favor one religion or sect over another.
But during the past few decades we have seen repeated attacks on that decision. One argument is that some Americans believe that prayer has been taken out of schools. But we have to point out that any student is free to pray at any time during their school day. So, individual religious freedom is alive and well in public schools. But organizing religious services is overstepping the line the people of Indiana and the United States have drawn.
Opinion
Prayer bill goes against First Amendment
- Opinion
-
-
Council makes a smart move on tax breaks
The Goshen City Council’s adoption of a tax phase-in policy for local governments will help bring uniformity to a competitive process that has pitted local governments against each other.
-
Like it or not, Sheriff is going to speak freely
Elkhart County Sheriff Brad Rogers has taken heat the past couple weeks after he commented during a political rally in downtown South Bend that he would not enforce proposed future gun-control legislation within his jurisdiction.
-
Goshen neighborhood stands together on north side
Sometimes a news photographer is at the optimum location at exactly the right time. Goshen News staffer Sam Householder was in such a spot Wednesday.
-
We just can’t thank our moms enough
The purpose of this editorial is quite simple. We just want to say, “Thanks, mom.” And by “mom” we mean all of the great mothers in our community who have gone above and beyond to lead the way in the development of their children.
-
Letter carriers help to Stamp Out Hunger
There’s still time to help someone you probably don’t know.
-
Farmers are positive this will be the year
Farmers and Cub fans have something in common. They are eternally positive and expect a better season next year.
-
It's time to spruce up the Maple City
This is the season and today is the day, finally.
-
Smooth sailing for this year’s regular session
The final gavel has fallen on the 2013 regular session of Indiana’s General Assembly. During the 14-week session, our lawmakers passed nearly 300 pieces of legislation, including the state’s $30 billion biennial budget that contains the largest tax cut in state history.
-
Palm Sunday tornadoes a reminder of sudden danger
It was a beautiful day, most people around these parts who can remember will tell you. It was one of those near-perfect, early spring days, they would likely say, a stark contrast to what early evening would bring on April 11, 1965.
Yes, the Palm Sunday tornado outbreak of 1965, is still very vivid in our local history five decades later. Those were days before Doppler Radar, 24-7 cable television, countywide siren warning systems and even seatbelts in most cars. So, when afternoon turned to early evening, many local residents had little or no warning that killer tornadoes were nearly on top of them. -
Graduation is always a great achievement
While many of us have been waiting patiently – some not so patiently – for spring to finally show up in Northern Indiana, students throughout the area have been busy working on term papers, taking tests and ordering caps and gowns.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
Council makes a smart move on tax breaks
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
