Do you it's OK for people to be sworn into office on the Koran instead of the Christian Bible?

Answer 1

whatever book they believe in.. whether its a bible or a darwin book..

if you swear on something you don't believe your oath doesn't mean anything.

Answer 2

There's a principle that's involved here that makes this whole argument an interesting one. The reason we have ever sworn on anything is so that what we swear can be assumed to be true. That will only follow if the thing that we swear by precious to us, or if we fear the consequences of lying by what we swore on. For example, if Gollom in Lord of the Rings had sworn by a lollipop, then Frodo would have had no problem leaving him behind. But he promised on his precious, which Frodo know Gollom loved and feared.

When we swear on a Bible we are saying that we are afraid of the consequences of lying against God in heaven. Now, if you don't believe in the God of the Bible, then swearing by the Bible isn't going to mean a whole lot to you.

In the US we have traditionally used a Bible because that was the way the forefather's intended this nation to be - a government run by men who feared God, making decisions that will allow the people of the country to continue to be free to worship how they like (which they also assumed would be predominatly Bible believing Christians).

It is true that no one should swear on a Bible that does not fear the God of it's writings. But then should it follow that the person who can't swear on a Bible shouldn't be in any government office? Our nation (sadly) already has an entire government filled with men that should never have sworn on the Bible. If this nation is ready to take the next step away from God and allow the Koran to be used, so be it. The country has that freedom.

I personally would rather it didn't, for it's own sake. There is nowhere to go from there but down.

Answer 3

They should be sworn in on the Koran if they take the Koran seriously. The point of swearing in on the bible is not to convert anyone, but to hold them accountable. And a Muslim probably wouldn't feel very accountable sworn in on a bible but would probably feel very accountable sworn in on the Koran.

Answer 4

It's an archaic custom. Every Bible is a copy. You can't swear on THE Bible. And what does it mean anyway? Is it inviting the retribution of God if you violate the oath? I think the gospel of Matthew has something to say about swearing by anything.

Logically, if it is done, they should use a pertinent document, say, the Constitution of the United States of America. (I might suggest the Congressional Record but that would create a moral paradox.)

Answer 5

I would feel more comfortable with whomever is being sworn in with use whatever book they believe in. That way, I know they are being serious. If a Muslim was sworn in on a Bible, I would doubt that he took it seriously, since he doesn't believe in the bible.

Personally, I think that all holy books should be taken out of the ceremony. I know that if I was elected and sworn in as an Atheist, I would not swear on a bible. There is no point. I don't believe in the bible, so really, wouldn't you rather me promise something that is actually showing I care rather than something I can later say, "well, I didn't MEEEEAN it..."

It's like, lieing and saying you crossed your fingers, so it doesn't count.

Answer 6

not in the U.S. it's not.

it's not about the individual's preference. the man is free to take a copy of the koran with him, but he should swear in on the Bible.

the Bible has special meaning in this country, not the Koran.

generations before have sworn in on the Bible, not the Koran.

86% of this country has some belief in the Bible, not hte Koran.

of course this is the same guy that said he'd like to see Islamic Law become the official law of the U.S. someday.... better get your burkas ready.

Answer 7

Because there is a separation of CHURCH AND STATE , you are allowed to follow what religion you want to. When a muslim elected official is sworn into office, he would want to make commitments with his hand on his own religious text. So yes, it is completely constitutional to do so.

However, I think people should be sworn in with their hand on the constitution. It seems as though in the political world, people in power forget what they are really there in office for. Just my opinion.

Answer 8

Im a Christian and I say the Bible. Too many people assume that allowing others to practice their religion without even verbal opposition is okay. But why? If you are a Christian and Jesus was standing next to you and you said, "Yes, let them swear on the Kuran b/c I dont want to be a tyrant!" I think Jesus would be dissappointed in you.

Answer 9

I think it is wrong. This country was founded on Biblical principles meaning the Bible not the Koran.

Answer 10

I'd rather people didn't swear in on books that mean nothing to them. If he doesn't believe in the bible, what good would his word on it be?
What book would a Witch be sworn in on? An atheist?

Answer 11

They shouldn't have to swear in on any specific religious text. There should be some legal document that states, in detail, something like, "I promise not to lie, cheat, or steal from the the people I represent." They should swear in on that, and be kicked out of office if they break the oath.