It has always been the
custom at Roane County High School football games to say a prayer and play
the National Anthem to honor God and Country. Due to a recent ruling
by the Supreme Court, I am told that saying a prayer is a violation of
Federal Case Law.
As I understand the law at this
time, I can use this public facility to approve of sexual perversion and
call it an alternate lifestyle, and if someone is offended, that's okay.
I can use it to condone sexual
promiscuity by dispensing condoms and calling it safe sex. If someone is
offended, that's okay.
I can even use this public facility
to present the merits of killing an unborn baby as a viable means of birth
control. If someone is offended, no problem.
I can designate a school day
as earth day and involve students in activities to religiously worship
and praise the goddess, mother earth, and call it ecology.
I can use literature, videos
and presentations in the classroom that depict people with strong, traditional,
Christian convictions as simple minded and ignorant and call it enlightenment.
However, if anyone uses this
facility to honor God and ask Him to bless this event with safety and good
sportsmanship, Federal Case Law is violated.
This appears to be at best, inconsistent
and at worst, diabolical. Apparently, we are to be tolerant of everything
and anyone except God and His commandments.
Nevertheless, as a school principal,
I frequently ask staff and students to abide by rules which they do not
necessarily agree. For me to do otherwise would be at best, inconsistent
and at worst, hypocritical. I suffer from that affliction enough
unintentionally. I certainly do not need to add an intentional transgression.
For this reason, I shall,
"Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's, and refrain from praying at
this time. However, if you feel inspired to honor, praise and thank
God, and ask Him in the name of Jesus to bless this event, please feel
free to do so. As far as I know, that's not against the law yet."