2006-08-12 03:59:29 · 30 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I am not an atheist but I am not a believer in the Bible either. Yes, I have sworn on the Bible in court. I just wasn't interested enough to tell them I had just sworn on something I considered meaningless. I decided to tell the truth anyway because it was the right thing to do.
After reading a few of these answers I realize how provincial an area I live in is. But I like it here, even if it is full of Christians.
2006-08-12 04:19:53 · answer #1 · answered by a_delphic_oracle 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most courts in the far West don't use one anymore, nor do the use the phrase, 'So help me God', and that is how it should be. Even Christians know that people lie in court every single day and in every court room.
Whether it is a civil or Criminal case, one side, or both are not telling the truth. Note, OJ, Blake, Jackson. Which obviates the Bible part anyway.
Secondly, there is still the separation of church and state. Courts, judges, witness are all paid for by every citizen. Do you suppose that Jews, Muslims, Buddhist and other religions should have to swear an oath on a Christian bible?
The sooner the US becomes a secular state, with no religious involvement in government, the better off we will all be. Your salvation should come from Jesus, not the White House.
2006-08-12 04:13:28 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are not many courts left that actually use the Bible. If so you can tell them you do not want to swear to the bible or to god. The state would be in trouble if they forced you too. You could file a lawsuit against them. Separation of church and state.
2006-08-12 04:04:12 · answer #3 · answered by Mark F 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If someone held one in front of me in court, I'd drop it in a garbage can where it belongs.
The idea that someone needs to "swear an oath" is laughable. Someone needs to "promise" to tell the truth, whether to a court alone or also to an imaginary "god"? How pathetic.
If I am ever to be a witness in a court case, the judge can tell me the laws of perjury apply. I don't need anything else, and anyone who does isn't trustworthy, with or without an oath.
2006-08-12 04:46:54 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Many courts today do not make anyone swear on a bible.
2006-08-12 04:04:05 · answer #5 · answered by genaddt 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well even if they said "I have to" I wouldnt
But as far as I am aware, no
You can give an affirmation.
I have been to court a few times
this swearing on things is just a superstitious act also.
2006-08-12 04:03:55 · answer #6 · answered by CJunk 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Bibles are not used in US courts and no one swears to God.
You swear or affirm to tell the truth. Nothing more.
2006-08-12 04:07:03 · answer #7 · answered by Left the building 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Bible is not used in court anymore(lay off the tv for a while). However, they do ask you to raise your right hand and tell the truth so help you God.
2006-08-12 04:05:31 · answer #8 · answered by zeuster2 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. An atheist may affirm. And nobody has to swear on a bible, koran or holy scriptures or buddhist or zoroastrian or any other holy book.
2006-08-12 04:01:50 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually, no. You have to take the same oath, but it is not necessary to swear before the bible.
2006-08-12 04:02:13 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋