If an atheist has no religion and doesn't believe in any god, why should he have to choose? Can he choose a book of poems or a physics text book, instead?
2006-12-21 09:51:10 · 22 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The Presidential oath of office is described in Article II, section 1 of the Constitution:
Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:--"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
2006-12-21 09:56:43 · update #1
With regard to our courts, perjury carries the same penalties, regardless of belief. Thus, swearing via the bible in is simply an antiquated ritual, nonessential to the function of our courts. As perjury is defined as the willful giving of false testimony under oath or affirmation, before a competent tribunal, upon a point material to a legal inquiry, a simple non religious affirmation to give truthful testimony would suffice.
With regard to public office, the same should apply. A simple affirmation to uphold the constitutions, policies, values, etc...
2006-12-21 09:57:48 · answer #1 · answered by Ron H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An atheist should not have to swear on the Bible. Because not every president sworn in has used a Bible (both John Quincy Adams and Theodore Roosevelt did not). Congressmen who are sworn in don't even use a book for the official ceremony.
Newly elected Congressman Keith Ellison of Minnesota wants to bring a Koran to his swearing-in ceremony.
Check out the article in the sources section below this.
2006-12-21 18:00:24 · answer #2 · answered by politicalcompass65 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No. They shouldn't have ANYONE do that because if they read the book that they have everyone swear on they would know that Jesus said not to swear an oath at all. If you want me to find the scripture I will look it up for you. Atheists could use it as an argument against it if they wanted to.
2006-12-21 18:04:16 · answer #3 · answered by catscratch 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Atheists affirm themselves without using a religious text. A book of poems would be equally pointless as an atheist would not hold any old book to carry sufficient importance to support the words they were saying.
2006-12-21 17:53:36 · answer #4 · answered by Bad Liberal 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
An atheist ought not to have to place his or her hand on any book or object when being sworn into office.
It's only custom that the bible has been used, not a requirement.
If I were ever to take a public office that required a swearing in, I wouldn't be putting my hand on any book either.
2006-12-21 19:09:07 · answer #5 · answered by Praise Singer 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Atheists and Agnostics can be "sworn" in by affirming. Same with some Christians who would rather "swear" on their own particular Bible.
2006-12-21 17:59:13 · answer #6 · answered by Emma J 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey. It sucks for the religions that use the Bible (Christians and Jews)(no offense). But for atheists, non theists, polytheists, agnostics, and the like, just think. You can swear on a book that you don't believe in and not worry about religious ramifications if you're lying.
2006-12-21 18:05:20 · answer #7 · answered by Emma 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
LOL. I just answered and asked a similar question.
I think though that the elected Atheist should carry a $100 Million Life Insurance policy and swear by it... or something like that. Hehe.
Peace be with you.
2006-12-21 17:55:27 · answer #8 · answered by Arf Bee 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You atheists take things abit too far. If you don't believe in God then what difference does it make whether the book is a bible or any other book? They are all the same to you, fiction.
2006-12-21 17:53:37 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
This doesn't really answer your question, but it'll probably be over a hundred years before an atheist has a decent chance of winning a Presidential election in this country.
2006-12-21 17:54:25 · answer #10 · answered by . 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋