On the news a few days ago, there is someone who has to be sworn into office, in the US. The US Constitutional ceremony includes being sworn in with the Bible. It has always been this way for everyone, since the beginning.
This politician does NOT want to use the Bible. He wants to use the Quaran.
I realize there are cons and pros, as arguments whether for it, or against it. Washington is not in agreement with his wishes.
My question is, as an American, how do you feel about this?
PLEASE...no religion bashing answers! I want only your opinions based on what you believe to be the right thing to do..
Thanks.
2006-12-03 23:33:41 · 15 answers · asked by JoJoCieCie 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
That was a bad news report or else he felt the noose around his neck and backed out.
2006-12-03 23:44:17 · answer #1 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I don't believe the Bible or any other religious book should be used, because this is a secular ceremony. However, if we do use a religious book, it would need to be one that has meaning to the person taking the oath. Therefore a Jew would use the Tora, a Christian the Bible, and a Muslim the Koran. A humanist or atheist would use none of these, and instead Affirm, as they do in a court of law.
2006-12-04 10:27:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The supposed religion of the U.S. is Christianity which in turn use the bible. If the person is being sworn into the office of the Government than he/she should follow suit. " We The People" have changed too much in America. We need to start sticking to what has been written and either live by it or go your own way, but don't interfere with laws, by-laws or American customs.
2006-12-04 07:44:36 · answer #3 · answered by starchild_kisschild 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
As a matter of practice that even evolved into law, an elected politician swears on the Bible while taking oath. This must be followed if in America. If in some other place like any Muslim country in the Middle East, the Koran can be allowed.
2006-12-04 07:38:19 · answer #4 · answered by FRAGINAL, JTM 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Example: I don't believe in god so I won't go to heaven... right? right. But this is because people whom believe in some guy floating around in the air thinks I will ... doesn't make it so. You have to allow the person to use whatever he sees fit as to his beliefs. It is a perfect example of how all religion is completely useless and ultimately futile in the propagation of mankind. I love it. If he doesn't believe in a christian god and you force him to be sworn in with the bible then when he does something egregiously wrong, immoral or illegal all he has to say is "oops, sorry, you didn't allow me to be sworn in by what I believe thusly I am not able to be prosecuted in the matter which you see fit because you violated my human rights" His right to freedom of religion. be well, Jack
2006-12-04 07:40:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Here is a little more info about the situation you are asking about:
"Dec. 1, 2006 — Newly-elected congressman Keith Ellison, who'll be the first Muslim to serve in Congress, sparked a heated debate this week after he revealed his plans to use the Quran during his swearing-in ceremony. But the Minnesota Democrat isn't exactly proposing a Biblical change in the way Congress welcomes its members."
My feeling is, he feels strongly that he should be sworn in on his book of faith. He believes in Allah the Muslim God, he is swearing to his God that he will promise to serve and protect. In his belief this is just as valid a swearing in in the name of God. I see absolutely NOTHING wrong with it and completely agree that it is his right as an American to be sworn in using the book of faith he believes in.
2006-12-04 07:39:43 · answer #6 · answered by i have no idea 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
To ask someone to swear on the Bible when they don't believe in it is worthless. The point of swearing on the Bible is that it is assumed you are making an oath based on your faith (promising God to do what you said you would). Therefore, it makes no sense to not have someone swear on something that is meaningful to him/her, and if it is a Torah or Koran or some other relgious item, then so be it.
2006-12-04 07:37:40 · answer #7 · answered by just browsin 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the people who voted for him knew he was muslim, so if they did not have a problem with it, he should be able to swear on the quran. there is no law saying in order for you to run for public office you have to be a christian. and besides, look at all the other politicians who have sworn on a bible and ended up turning out to be the complete opposite. Mark Folley, Bush, etc. swearing in on the bible to him would be just as important as it was to bush, folley, etc.
2006-12-04 09:23:28 · answer #8 · answered by ABC 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No where in the consitution does it require swearing an oath upon any book, bible, Quran, Torah, Lotus Sutra, etc. It should never be so, for it would be meaningless for one to swear upon something they consider a work of fiction.
2006-12-04 07:53:20 · answer #9 · answered by paulisfree2004 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
This is easy to answer.
They're in the United States, taking an oath to hold a United States office, and they should use the Bible.
If they were taking an oath to hold an office in the place where the Quaran is from, then they'd use that.
Maybe I'm simplifying it too much, but it doesn't seem like rocket science to me.
2006-12-04 07:49:11 · answer #10 · answered by Lucianna 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
the person should be allowed to swear on whatever he wants to let it be the Bible or d Quran or any other religious book...as far as i know us does practuice freedom in beliefs rite?so now why the question rises when they have to practice it?
2006-12-04 08:17:52 · answer #11 · answered by puff j 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋