BioBeing

I went to Church of England schools and the advice I remember best is STUDY! I don't think anyone actually recommended prayer in its place Of course, we all develop our little pre-test rituals to clear our heads before the test - set your pencils out in a certain order, take deep breaths, recite a mantra, say a prayer if that is what floats your boat - whatever it takes to get you calm and ready to write.

I think that the main point here is that the Principle used this time to obviously deride the Church/State separation. He probably kept it barely legal, but ethically I'd say he was just as wrong. This seems like his problem with the CSS - he wanted to mandate a prayer before the test, but legally is bared from doing so. So he makes a snide comment. I think he understands it perfectly, but doesn't agree with it.

MaximusDementis

Yes, and the first ammendment protects his right to say it. Don't pick and choose which part of the Constitution you want to apply to a situation. He has the right to say it, and you have to the right to laugh at his statement.

Kevbo

Correct me if I'm wrong, James, but it just sounds like he was joking around with you guys about the difficulty of the exams (I'm taking a few this week as well). I don't think he meant it as an affront to anyone, it sounds as if he was joking or sincere and did not consider the non-theist or non-monotheist position. I certainly don't think it's a call for writing letters or action. Be better than the fundamentalist theists who want to make an issue out of religion, show people that atheists are reasonable and that religion just doesn't matter when no one is directly pushing your nose into the pew.

James Hamlin

I posted here, in Secular Lifestyle and Support, because I felt that my principal did not violate the First Amendment, but did display a lack of respect for very important principles, i.e. freedom of religion. Obviously he has a right to say whatever he wants, but he is abusing his position if he makes comments such as these. This guy seems like he just came from leading one of those Christian teen groups; basically, he's full of bs.

It wasn't meant to offend, no, but the fact that he did not consider a position other than his own is the problem. He comes into our class, interrupts us, tells us to help eachother out in these times of stress, then tells us how church/state separation is no big deal and how he always likes to pray to God before tests. While not oppressive or coersive, the statement was, in my eyes, inappropriate.

I think he knew what he was saying was inappropriate. My AP Government teacher is uber-liberal, and when the principal came into that class, he omitted the remark. The way he spoke made it seem like the two didn't exactly see eye to eye.

Lucky for me I sold my soul to Satan so I could ace all of these tests.

Beetle

Just take this as an opportunity to learn one of the most important lessons of life: "Pick your battles." What actual harm was done to people, what would it cost you to complain officially about it, and what gains could you realistically expect? Your probably right in gritting your teeth and letting this one pass. (aside from some appropriate venting here, of course!)

Paperstreet

Don't let the comments get to you. They were probably just a joke, told really badly. Also, I say just swallow your pride and let him say what he wants to say. Laugh it off and study (not pray ) for your tests.

GL