Prayer should beat big mouth doubters

By Greg Rivara

Columnist’s note: If you are an atheist, agnostic, or other-named disbeliever, do not read this column. The author does not want to offend anyone by interfering with what a person can and cannot read.

Please join your brothers’ and sisters’ hands and bow your heads so that together—with the help of the Almighty—we may stave off any evil attempt to trample on the Word and level NIU graduations to the realm of the devil.”

Yes, a little ridiculous. Yes, a tad bit of an exaggeration.

Nevertheless, NIU should keep the graduation prayer.

Separation of church and state is a thorn lodged in the country’s side many years ago. The phrase is almost meaningless today because signs of a potential lawsuit are everywhere.

“Amen!”

But they shouldn’t be. NIU shouldn’t succumb to the pressures of the not-even-representable minority who choose to take up glorified issues so they can be a pain in someone’s behind.

That’s what this really boils down to.

When the constitution was drafted, pioneers had more to worry about than how narrow-minded people would twist the words around to fit their individual purpose.

And in doing so, combined with changing technologies and declining morals, there is a mess of gray-area between what the law says and what is reasonable.

“Hallelujah!”

It is here where common sense is thrown out the window.

For example, when the Bill of Rights was ratified, the leaders didn’t foresee people stammering about assault rifles.

Same goes for the separation of church and state. The leaders wanted to make sure a national religion wouldn’t be driven down somebody’s throat. That’s all, no more, no less.

It is unfortunate that in today’s society, people are afraid of doing something that might not be liked by the few. But the few often are so small that society shouldn’t let them dictate what goes on.

This doesn’t mean the voice of small groups should be thrown away. Undoubtedly, without this input, America wouldn’t be the country it is today.

Still, when the minority is so small as to be obscure, it is time for rights of the majority to come first.

“Praise the Savior.”

If most want a prayer—and evidence shows this is the case—then there should be prayer. The non-denominational invocation and benediction—so vague that every religious denomination would be included—is overwhelmingly accepted.

And if someone doesn’t agree with the prayer, then don’t participate. If you’re absolutely disgusted with people who pray, show them by not bowing your head or standing up or joining hands or whatever. But have enough class and respect not to interfere.

The majority has rights, too. It is wrong to infringe upon the majority’s rights to make sure the obscure minority feels comfortable.

In America, you have to take the good with the bad. The Constitution isn’t flawless, but it’s the best in the world. If the overwhelming majority want to pray, they shouldn’t be stopped by the miniscule minority.