you were asked or compelled to swear on the Bible? (for example entering the military or testifying in court)
Did you do it? If so, how did you rationalize swearing on something you didn't believe in? If not, would you do so?
2007-10-02 22:27:31 · 11 answers · asked by Pull My Finger 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I entered the military, but was not required to swear on a Bible. If asked, I would refuse not because it means anything to me personally, but because it is a violation of church and state.
2007-10-02 23:20:49 · answer #1 · answered by Brendan G 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
One is not required to swear on the bible when testifying in court or entering the military...
The last time I testified in court (3 weeks ago) I simply promised to tell the truth and stated I understood the penalties of committing perjury...
2007-10-02 22:37:41 · answer #2 · answered by Diane (PFLAG) 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't think I've ever had to swear on the bible. If I were testifying in court, I suppose I would. I would rationalize it just by understanding that putting my hand on a book is utterly insignificant. The important thing is that there is no reason to lie or, if there were a reason to lie, that perjury would put me behind bars.
2007-10-02 22:33:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think Bah'ble swearin' only happens in the South, now? I've testified in court and have served on both civil and criminal juries and I've never been required to swear on any book.
2007-10-02 22:37:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you don't have to. All you must do is affirm the oath, as stated in the Constitution, so I have never taken such an oath.
Edit: in the USA, nobody can be coerced into swearing on any book. Even the presidential oath does not contain "so help me god". It just became a cultural custom.
2007-10-02 22:30:53 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, because you're not required to swear on the Bible when doing those things.
2007-10-02 22:40:07 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, I have not been in that kind of situation before. A bible is not used to upheld the truth anymore, at least where I live. Your promise is good enough, or you can be charged with perjury.
2007-10-02 22:32:24 · answer #7 · answered by CELTS! 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Same way as if someone were to ask me to swear on today's best selling science fiction novel.
2007-10-02 22:58:02 · answer #8 · answered by Robert S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, I haven't. And if I were in that situation, they'd either take me at my word, let me swear on the Constitution, or talk to the ACLU. Their choice.
2007-10-02 22:36:41 · answer #9 · answered by Snark 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, iv been to court but they didnt ask me to, which is a good thing cos i would have told them i dont believe in god
2007-10-02 22:31:00 · answer #10 · answered by Kruger, Freddy Kruger 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋