2006-07-13 09:40:02 · 16 answers · asked by ALAN B 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Trivia
Legally, and ethically, yes, it still counts. If they are a true atheist, they can chose to affirm instead, this oath is every bit as binding. Regardless of faith, any oath taken on the stand in court and broken, can result in being held in contempt of court, possibly perjury and could land someone in prison.
2006-07-13 09:45:15 · answer #1 · answered by Tefi 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Although YOU may swear on the Bible and then congratulate yourself because, as an atheist, you don't feel constrained by the oath you just made, OTHERS, nonetheless will.
In other words the oath you took gives the right to everyone else to take you at your word.
And if/when you get caught out they will act as if you HAD believed. That is why the oath is made in public.
2006-07-14 06:43:48 · answer #2 · answered by Ian H 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How strange, I was thinking about this exact question a couple of days ago and I thought that 'NO - I guess it doesn't count'....then I started to think ...what if you're christian but you don't really believe wholly in the book?!
I hope I never have to be taken to court!!! It wouldn't be a book that made me tell the truth but a sense of Morality and Justice!! -- Yesssss!
2006-07-13 16:47:56 · answer #3 · answered by Surething 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In most jurisdictions a person who does not believe in God may "solemnly affirm". No bible is required. A religious Christian may believe that he/she will commits a sin by lying. Both a believer and a non-believer are subject to the very serious crime of perjury (lying under oath), if it can be proved that they were lying. In many jurisdictions perjury done in a capital murder offense is punishable by penalties up to life imprisonment.
No belief in God is required , and no belief in Hell is required.
Dan the Answers-Man.
2006-07-13 18:30:25 · answer #4 · answered by Dan S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the UK, atheists can make an Affirmation, which is as legally binding on them as an oath on the bible would be for a Christian.
2006-07-13 16:46:01 · answer #5 · answered by Darren R 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Atheists swear on their mother's grave.
If she's still here the witness can convert, one form and a fiver, to the religion of ther choice but you are stuck with it.
A list of available religions is provided with helpful explanations about drawbacks. Do you like a drink? That one's no good. Do you like to be alone in church on Sunday? Looks like your bet.
2006-07-13 16:58:02 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A true Atheist doesn't need a bible to know he/she is telling the truth
2006-07-13 17:01:01 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Im an atheist and i would not swear on a bible unless i was forced to then it would mean nothing to me
2006-07-20 16:41:05 · answer #8 · answered by Ollie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An athiest would not swear in on a bible as he doesn't beleive in the bible. They would have to promise to tell the truth as it is in their best knowledge
2006-07-13 16:46:13 · answer #9 · answered by keith849803 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just let them try it! No. Christians who have been taught not to swear don't have to do so in court. They simply have to state, "I do affirm." I've done it. Most people don't hear the question correctly. The clerk asks if you solemnly swear or affirm.
2006-07-13 17:22:21 · answer #10 · answered by Chris 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋