Expert: Ed Buckner - 2/10/2008

Question
Hi. My question is what is the harm in having the Ten Commandments posted in government buildings, or having prayer in school? For example, students who do not believe in God could simply choose not to pray right? No one is forcing them to. I am just curious as to why atheists and humanists get so upset over these things. Thanks.

Janet

Answer
Dear Janet,

The threat--a real one--is to everyone's religious liberty, not just to the liberty of atheists or secular humanists. If one document considered sacred by one religion could properly be posted in government buildings by government, then so could a document attacking that religion or supporting some other. There is of course plenty of prayer in school by those who believe in prayer and no one is trying to stop that--the problems arise when government endorsement of religious positions occurs (or seems to) or when government agents--public school teachers, for example--require or encourage religious decisions or actions of others.

To understand this best, try a thought  experiment: imagine that a judge wanted to post the Secular Humanist Manifesto in his courtroom or that a teacher asks his or her elementary students to pray five times a day facing Mecca. If you would object to either of these--as I would--ask yourself on what grounds these things should be prohibited? The basis for prohibiting them is the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the fact that in this country, government has to stay out of religious matters. This is so not because religious belief is not powerful or important, but because we insist on restraining governments. Individuals, not governments or majorities, are empowered and protected under our laws.

I hope this helps clarify these important matters.

Regards,

Ed Buckner