Atheists/agnostics - what book would you use?

Question

Rep.-elect Keith Ellison, the first Muslim elected to Congress, will use a Koran once owned by President Thomas Jefferson and now in the Library of Congress at his ceremonial swearing-in Thursday.

What would you use? Why? What reaction do you think it would provoke from (face it, they have a siege mentality) Christians?

For example, my first choice was The Origin of Species, but I just know all kinds of idiots would come out of the woodwork and say, "See? Evolution is a religion!"

Anyhoo, I thought this might make an interesting topic.

Answer 1

I'm still a little foggy on the whole concept of being sworn in on a book. I get the general idea, but when I try to break it down I get muddled.

But going on the precept that you should choose a book which you value highly, I can't think of a single one. I like lots of books, but there is none out there that would shame me into being honest.

However, my intentions would be set before the act occurs, and the choice of book would be meaningless. I'm either going into something with good intentions, or with the knowledge that I'll play what cards I'm dealt.

Answer 2

If I needed a book I'd use an encyclopedia or some good science book. Many Christians would probably frown at me (an atheist) getting to Congress in the first place and I doubt that it would make much difference what book I'd use.

Answer 3

none- why limit yourself to one- the idea that a single book encompasses all universal truths is bizarre and rather far fetched- an atheist or agnostic who adopts his or her standpoint based purely on the premise that they do not believe in the Bible is an idiot, any belief is only as good as your ability to substantiate it, so many people attack the effect and not the cause, to simply attack the effect (the bible, Koran, Torah etc) without attacking the rationality of cause (religion) is redundant. in short i would revert to the collective works of every philosopher, scientist, analyst, inventor form the dawn of time- i would swear on my own philosophy- knowledge learned and gleaned from the works of the aforementioned.

Answer 4

I don't think I should have to put my hand on an inanimate object to swear into anything. It's a pointless, antiquated practice and should be abandoned.

Placing my hand on a book doesn't make me a polititian in the same way placing my hand on a toy airplane doesn't make me a pilot.

Answer 5

no books thats what christians want so thay can pick on it and turn it into a religion to make there fairy tale look good this is a christian trap

Answer 6

I would use a copy of the United States constitution. That is allowed.

Answer 7

I would not use a book. It isn't required.

Answer 8

So far answers no one can argue with or say better.