Randman's call for nonSecular education...

I strongly disagree.Catholic theology, as taught by a catholic, is likely to have a very different tone an emphasis than catholic theology as taught by an evangelical.Any significant teaching of theology in the public schools will only generate ill will and dissent. The public schools should stay out of theology.

Wrong again, randman. There is lots of public expression of religion going on, and no evidence that it is being prohibited.

No, that's not correct.What the courts did object to is religious expression conducted by a governmental or quasi-governmental body, on the basis that such expression amounts to establishment.

No, it isn't the same thing. That's quite different. That's congressmen voluntarily choosing to impose a religious service on themselves. They are not imposing it on anyone else.Not sure of the current status on Christmas displays. I think they currently are okay if private groups do the display and it is broadly holiday season related rather than exclusively christian.Sometimes the courts may have been too restrictive, but most of those problems have been corrected.

It does not in any way coerce the population into any religious observance.Being somewhat cynical, I do think that it is mainly for show, and has more to do with winning votes in the next election than with practicing religion.In the 10 commandments case that the court objected to, that can reasonably be seen as coercive.

The opening with prayer is an action by individuals excercising their freedom of religion. The statue is a action by the state.

The official acts of congress are known as "Acts of Congress". Can you identify which, if any, act of congress has to do with opening with prayer?As far as I know, this is simply part of their working procedures, and not in any way an official act.----------I'll make my position clear. I would much prefer that there were no chaplain, and that there were no opening prayer. The congressmen should offer their prayers in private. The employment of a chaplain and the opening with prayer is an arrogant political act, and has little to do with the religious beliefs of the participants.