If you became a public official and/or must testify in court and are asked to swear to tell the truth by placing your hand on the HOLY BIBLE of God, would you and why?
I'm not trying to be sarcastic, but I'm really curious as to what you would do in this situation. You don't believe in God or His writings, so why should you be forced to swear on His book?
2006-07-06 17:34:36 · 20 answers · asked by mx3baby 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Thank you everyone for your answers. I appreciate your thoughts on the matter.
2006-07-06 17:52:36 · update #1
No one is forced to swear on the bible. Interestingly, it's not just athiests who may have a problem with this. What about Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, or others who believe in a spiritual "other" but for whom the New Testament, King James version, isn't an appropriate representation of their belief? They would want to swear on the book THEY think is HIS book.
In most (if not all) cases, legally one can "affirm" to tell the truth instead of "swear to God." Often, rather than saying "so help me God" one can use the phrase "under the pains and penalties of perjury" (as in the link referenced) or something similar.
If it was me (an athiest), I would affirm to tell the truth. Being a somewhat cynical athiest, I would also mentally note the number of times someone "swears to God" in a meaningless, vapid way ("I'll never tell your secret, I swear to God!" yeah right, next call is to Becky with all the dirt). If one truly believes in God, why would that statement, made (and broken) so casually, mean less than the same words said in a court?
On the contrary, when you're affirming the truth under penalty of purjury, you REALLY stop and think about the consequences of your actions.
2006-07-06 17:58:44 · answer #1 · answered by AnotherNickname 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Interesting question. While I do not believe in the Bible and physically swearing would have no technical sway over whether I lie or not, I would still swear to tell the truth, knowing that a lie is still a lie, and it is wrong. Coins have "in God we trust," and religion is a part of most peoples' lives. I try not to let it offend me unless it interferes in the happiness and welfare of others.
2006-07-06 17:43:45 · answer #2 · answered by ____________________ 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do they still do that backwards thing? I thought you just raised your right hand or something. Anyway, it's just convention; it's not as if atheists have to worry about pissing off the Atheist God by swearing on some other religion's holy book.
2006-07-06 20:19:15 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Swearing on the bible isn't required. I wouldn't do it. Anyway, some religious person might see it and make a big deal out of it. Bad publicity.
Some religious people also don't swear on it because of their beliefs.
2006-07-06 17:40:55 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do they even make you swear on the bible anymore? If so, Don't Do It. We as Americans must exercise the right which we have apparantly fought so hard to attain and maintain, the freedom of religion. One must also not neglect the freedom of speech, which apparantly would be taken as well. So, if asked to waive your "Unailienable Rights", then just SUE!
2006-07-06 17:39:46 · answer #5 · answered by kyle r 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wow...never thought of that one...I guess they would have no choice or not be taken seriously...do they still make you swear on the bible nowadays? I actually thought they didn't allow that anymore because of the various creeds and races in the world...weird
2006-07-06 17:38:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't, it means nothing to me. People aren't required to swear on the Bible, in fact there is a separate oath administered to those who do not want to.
2006-07-06 17:45:41 · answer #7 · answered by holidayspice 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Interesting question. But if they are caught lying, it is still perjury, and they still can get fined and jail time.
I feel that if anyone puts their hand on the word of God, that they become more conscious of the laws they break.
2006-07-06 17:39:46 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I observed a guy run around the floor of a pool crammed with a non-Newtonian fluid hence God is actual, and additionally the soul is an invisible organ interior the human physique it fairly is teleported to a minimum of considered one of two parallel universes, the two heaven or hell while we die.
2016-12-08 16:38:53 · answer #9 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would go through the ritual. I celebrate X mas ( solstice ) too.
It would be easier if the religious nuts weren't in the process of taking over.
2006-07-06 17:40:26 · answer #10 · answered by J P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋