Scott, D. (1999, May 27). "The return of prayer in schools. Speech to the subcommittee on crime, house judiciary committee, United States house of representatives." Washington, D.C.

OVERVIEW

What follows is a speech given by Darrel Scott, father of Craig (watched two of his friends murdered at Columbine High School) and Rachel Joy Scott (murdered in same school after professing her faith in God). Scott spoke before the Subcommittee on Crime House Judiciary Committee, United States House of Representatives, on Thursday, May 27, 1999.

Since the dawn of creation there has been both good and evil in the heart of men and of women. We all contain the seeds of kindness or the seeds of violence.

The death of my wonderful daughter Rachel Joy Scott, and the deaths of that heroic teacher and the other children who died must not be in vain. Their blood cries out for answers.

The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field. The villain was not the club he used. Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association. The true killer was Cain and the reason for the murder could only be found in Cain’s heart.

In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA.

I am not a member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am not here to represent or defend the NRA—because I don’t believe that they are responsible for my daughter’s death. Therefore I do not believe that they need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel’s murder, I would be their strongest opponent.

I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy—it was a spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies!

Much of that blame lies here in this room. Much of that blame lies behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves…

I wrote a poem just four nights ago that express my feelings best. This was written way before I knew I would be speaking here today.

Your laws ignore our deepest needs
Your words are empty air.
You’ve stripped away our heritage.
You’ve outlawed simple prayer.

Now gunshots fill our classrooms.
And precious children die.
You seek for answers everywhere.
And ask the question "WHY"?

You regulate restrictive laws.
Through legislative creed.
Add yet you fail to understand.
That God is what we need!’

Men and women are three part beings. We all consist of body, soul, and spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our makeup, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and wreak havoc.

Spiritual influences were present within our educational systems for most of our nation’s history. Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historic fact.

What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God and in doing so, we open the doors to hatred and violence.

And when something as terrible as Columbine’s tragedy occurs—politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that continue to erode away our personal and private liberties.

We do not need more restrictive laws. Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre.

The real villain lies within our OWN hearts. Political posturing and restrictive legislation are not the answers.

The young people of our nation hold the key. There is a spiritual awakening taking place that will not be squelched!

We do not need more religion. We do not need more gaudy television evangelists spewing out verbal religious garbage. We do not need more million dollar church buildings built while people with basic needs are being ignored.

We do need a change of heart and a humble acknowledgment that this nation was founded on the principle of simple trust in God.

As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes, he did not hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right!

I challenge every young person in America and around the world to realize that on April 20, 1999 at Columbine High School—prayer was brought back to our schools. Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain.

Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your conscience and denies your God-given right to communicate with Him.

To those of you who would point your finger at the NRA—I give to you sincere challenge. Dare to examine your own heart before you cast the first stone!

My daughter’s death will not be in vain. The young people of this country will not allow that to happen.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

1. What do you think about Mr. Scott’s suggestion that prayer in school could have prevented and could eliminate such tragedies as Columbine?
2. What other factors do you think facilitated the tragedy?
3. What do you think could prevent such random, senseless shootings?
4. Have you ever publicly spoken your personal convictions? Was it right for Mr. Scott to be so bold in his speech to Congress? Does it make a difference? Could you be this bold?

IMPLICATIONS

1. Prayer is definitely an important factor in preventing violence. Many other variables may have facilitated this and other similar tragedies: family, media, religion, peer influence, the ease in acquiring and using guns.
2. It is important to process tragic situations with young people. The more they talk about them, the more empowered they are to handle their shock, fear, and grief.
3. Mr. Scott refers to the NRA several times in his speech. Share with your youth group a little bit about the organization and the history and controversy of it. Young people will be interested in this type of discussion. It is also a good way to discuss community action groups.
4. It is impressive to see Mr. Scott speak his mind. All citizens have the right, and perhaps responsibility, to share with their government representatives their thoughts and opinions about important issues.

Kathryn Q. Powers cCYS