Does this bother anyone else? It's one thing to embrace other cultures and beliefs, but when you are allowing them to "rewrite" the way things in this nation have been done for years something isn't right. What's worse than this is the people of this nation are like "so what, big deal".
2007-01-05 01:03:38 · 7 answers · asked by Leaving on a jetplane 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
"When newly elected members of Congress raise their right hands to take the oath of office in January, they won't be placing their left hands on the Bible or any other religious text.
During official swearing-in ceremonies, newly elected members don't place their hand on any book. However, individual members may choose to carry a sacred text."
http://snopes.com/politics/religion/ellison.asp
2007-01-05 01:12:13 · answer #1 · answered by Witchy 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
It does not bother me.
It would bother me far more to require someone who doesn't see the Christian bible as being anything special to use it to affirm an oath. it would be pointless, and frankly, if I were a Christian, I wold be insulted by someone taking my holy book so lightly.
BTW, other elected officials have used something other than he Christian bible before. President Franklin Pierce affirmed his oath and didn't swear on the bible, for example.
The reason that this is a tradition is that most of the people who have been elected in their country have been Christians. It is NOT a requirement.
2007-01-05 10:18:03 · answer #2 · answered by Praise Singer 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
the actual swearing in ceremony is done by the entire congress together, and no holy books of any kind are used. The constitution says clearly that NO religious oath of any kind shall be used for public office.
the swearing in with the Koran (or whatever book the person chooses) is strictly a photo op done in their office, and has no official meaning. it doesnt bother me at all if someone wants to do this with any book they choose.
2007-01-05 09:06:45 · answer #3 · answered by Kutekymmee 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I know exactly what you are referring to. I would be bothered more if they made the man (who is Muslim) swear in on a Bible. Since he is Muslim, he should be allowed to use the Quran. It's America where freedom of religion means ANY religion or have you forgotten?
2007-01-05 09:53:20 · answer #4 · answered by OranjTulip 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Nope not at all. If it's a Muslim that is swearing in then great. If it's a christian then they should use their holy book. Each book is important to each person as an individual.
2007-01-05 09:17:43 · answer #5 · answered by aali_and_harith 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I am a muslim but the Quran is so sacred to me that if you were to give all world to me to swear on it,i wouldn't.
2007-01-05 09:12:57 · answer #6 · answered by Sadegh B 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Should they swear in the Bible instead? Then they could lie withput any guilt.
2007-01-05 09:11:13 · answer #7 · answered by Nostromo 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋