how does an atheist swear before testifying?

Question

I mean, if they don't believe in God, it must be easy for them to lie, what do you think

At the same time, if God doesn't exist, why wouldn't it be good to lie

Answer 1

Atheists, like many other groups opposed to swearing on a Bible, have the option of "affirming" in court, rather than swearing. As for lying, it's unethical, and the vast majority of atheists are ethical people. I'm a believer, but can tell you that ethics and religion are separate issues. Also, it's illegal to perjure oneself. However, that doesn't prevent thousands of people, including Christians who've sworn on Bibles, from committing perjury every year.

Answer 2

Do you really need to have someone to swear by to honestly tell the truth? (BTW if you are religious you are supposedly not supposed to swear to god anyway) Why cant a persons honor be proof of their truth? The self, if you are consistent, is the only real thing you can rely on to tell you if you are doing the right thing. Atheists dont believe in god---that doesnt mean they dont have morals. And as for your second question---what does god have to do with whether or not a lie is necessary? Lies have consequences either way.

Answer 3

First of all I am not a religious person.

But no matter what you believe, what goes around comes around. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

It is in nobodys best interest to lie, not in the long run at least.

On the other hand an athiest could say, well that Christian guy beleives God will forgive anything he does, so why would he care. He could just lie and go though the "ask for forgiveness" ritual again and he will be able to live with himself.

Hope this helps you.

Answer 4

In a court of law a Christian is just as likely to lie under oath as an Atheist. Its only a legal matter anyway Affirming to tell the truth is just as legally binding as swearing so it doesn't really matter you will either tell the truth or lie it doesn't matter if you swear or not.

Answer 5

It varies from state to state, but usually you'll be asked to either "swear" (which has religious overtones) or "affirm" that you will tell the truth etc.

In fact, there are many religious people who refuse to "swear" before they testify, because they are a member of a sect that believes it is prohibited by the commandment that proscribes taking the name of the Lord in vain. They simply 'affirm' that they're going to be truthful.

The oath is a tool used to compell you to be truthful in your testimony, since without it you wouldn't face the penalties of perjury.

Answer 6

I always wondered why they still do the swearing on the bible thing. Honestly, what about Muslims or other religious people? Also, who really actually doesn't lie just because they swear on the bible? Do you know how many Christians lie anyway? It is so stupid and should be thrown out of court..

Answer 7

I hate lieing, and I'm atheist. It's about having honor and integrity. If I say I'll tell the truth...the truth it is. You are judged by the god you beleive in. I am judged by myself, my friends, and my family. You can't be true to your God if you lie, just as I can't be true to the ones I love if I lie.

Answer 8

Your damn magic book is not the only way to 'swear' to tell the truth dimwit. Everyone has to, luckily there is more then one option since Christians are not the only people on the planet. (You really think someone of another religion that does not believe the bible is going to use that book like you? That's it's just us that don't? Hah.)

Answer 9

As an atheist, I don't lie because it is detrimental to relationships to lie. However, I have always wondered what an atheist would swear when testifying.

Answer 10

I once asked a judge and he told me it is possible to be allowed to swear on the U.S. Constitution rather than a Bible, with no mention of God at all.