I think it would make sense for Keith Ellison, the newly elected Muslim Representative from Minnesota, to swear on the Koran. He takes the Koran more seriously than the Bible. I would hope the Bible would be optional if, one day, an atheist or Pagan gets elected, too.
Dennis Prager disagrees with me, vehemently:
http://www.townhall.com/columnists/DennisPrager/2006/11/28/america,_not_keith_ellison,_decides_what_book_a_congressman_takes_his_oath_on
What do y'all think of Keith Ellison's insistence on using the Koran?
2006-11-28 03:49:36 · 14 answers · asked by GreenEyedLilo 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
As a Catholic, I think it is a great sign of his respect for the office he is about to undertake. Since the bible to him is not a book he takes seriously, an oath sworn on it might as well be an oath sworn on Reader's Digest. In many ways, it would be easier on him to take his oath this way.
The fact that he is willing to swear on a book be believes was dictated by God shows that he is willing to swear by his very soul to the promises he intends to keep. I would be very pleased of this, if I were his constituent.
2006-11-28 03:54:54 · answer #1 · answered by evolver 6 · 6⤊ 0⤋
The oath is the important thing. If swearing on a book or other object he considers holy will make the oath more meaningful or solemn for Congressman-elect Ellison, then that is his choice.
Wonderful answers here. I'm especially glad to see so many Americans of the Christian faith stand up for freedom of religion for a Muslim. If Congressman-elect Ellison is forbidden to practice the religion or moral philosophy that best suits his temperament and conscience, then freedom of religion doesn't really exist in this country.
2006-11-28 07:58:17 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think the point of swearing on the Bible is that people used to respect it and acknowledge the seriousness of making an oath to God in a sense. The idea would be that you'd be less likely to fudge on your oath if you thought God was holding you to it.
If that is the case, yes, a person should swear by something that they respect. Otherwise, it defeats the purpose. I don't know what an atheist or a pagan would swear by, but I think it is good that a Muslim use the Koran. I would respect their oath more.
2006-11-28 03:54:15 · answer #3 · answered by BaseballGrrl 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Heard a narrative on the instant on NPR related to this situation. The Koran they are using for swearing in belonged to Thomas Jefferson and the e book has historic value via its provenance. additionally, the swearing in whilst he's using the Koran is a extra casual affair because of the fact he's re-elected. Jefferson had obtained the e book as a foundation for interpreting regulation. needless to say the Koran brings up assorted emotional themes for our usa (attributable to GWB) yet all instructed, he's swearing to uphold the form of usa no longer Muslim regulation or ideals. Its in basic terms a holy e book. you may infrequently learn comedian books or television handbook to the Koran or Bible.
2016-10-13 06:58:01 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dennis Prager is a right wing moron. He apparently doesn't understand the significance of taking an oath on a holy book. I could swear on the bible but it would mean nothing to me, so what would stop me from breaking my oath considering I believe the Bible is not a holy book. While I understand that Muslims hold the Bible as a significant book and believe that some of it is inspired they hold the Qu'ran as a completely inspired text and I, as an American, would hope that a representative would swear on a book that he considers significant not one that I hold as significant.
2006-11-28 03:57:21 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
We respect American Culture and find no reason to change that tradition, we are American, the only thing different is our faith.
Did he convert To Islam, the Nation of Islam is not actually Islam. It is a movement in America culture that uses Islam for its racial views. Elijah Muhammad and Farrakhan have NOTHING to do with the Islam the world Muslims practice. It is a movement like the black panthers to combat the KKK Christianity movement.
2006-11-28 03:56:05 · answer #6 · answered by Muse 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It makes more sense than him swearing on the bible. That's like asking a Christian to swear on a Harry Potter book.
2006-11-28 03:52:57 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
I would say yes. But the Bible is already optional. A person can simply take what is called in many areas "a solemn oath".
2006-11-28 04:00:42 · answer #8 · answered by Mr Ed 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Keith Ellison should take his oath on whatever he finds most Holy, and for him, that is the Qur'an.
2006-11-28 04:02:10 · answer #9 · answered by Mav here! 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If Christians swear on the "Holy Bible", I think it's ok for anyone to swear on anything.
2006-11-28 03:55:05 · answer #10 · answered by Beezy 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋