I would think that a better oath would be had if people placed their hand on a copy of the Constitution.
2007-12-09 04:56:23 · 23 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
the oath does contain the phrase.."so help me God." Doesn't it?
2007-12-09 05:03:11 · update #1
Swearing on the Bible was done away with in U.S. courtrooms some time ago. The oath taken in most courtrooms does not even reference a deity.
It's become quite succinct. "Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?"
If there are any places it is still performed, any non-Christian can request the use of another text or can simply affirm they will tell the truth without reference to text or deity.
2007-12-09 05:03:15 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
The bible was not originally part of the oath to tell the truth, nor is it required to swear an oath of office. It has become a prop over the years.
You are swearing an oath to the constitution and to the laws of this country. Things that are much more tangible and punitive than God.
2007-12-09 05:01:50 · answer #2 · answered by Dan H 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Decades ago, I had to testify in a California court. Because I'm an atheist, I was required to "affirm" that the testimony I was about to give was the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Nobody even batted an eyelash and the judge instructed the jury that my testimony must be considered as truthful as if I had taken the oath in the usual way. It was definitely not a big deal.
These days, I understand that neither the Bible nor any reference to God is used in American courts, as it would be seriously unconstitutional.
2007-12-09 05:06:31 · answer #3 · answered by Diogenes 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An athiest would refuse to put their hand on a bible. this question is moot.
They would tell the court that they cannot do this and the court would ask that they swear to tell the truth.... etc... etc.
This bible swaering is a result of the early practices in England where the church held peasants in such fear of god that it was assumed that they would not dare to lie if they swaore on the bible. It is an historical as well as hysterical hold over from the dark ages and perpetuated by the conservative shristians as a measure of threat and conformity.
2007-12-09 05:05:26 · answer #4 · answered by organbuilder272 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
With all of the religious people out there putting their hand on the bible lien through their teeth
does it make any difference. Look at the people under oath in the Bush administration And Bill Clinton.
2007-12-09 05:05:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No - it would just be pointless, since a Bible has no value for an atheist. He could just as honestly swear to tell the truth on a copy of the Cat in the Hat.
FYI, people aren't required to place their hand on a Bible in a real courtroom. It would be unconstitutional. That just happens on TV.
2007-12-09 05:03:53 · answer #6 · answered by gelfling 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You watch too much television. Nobody is required to swear on a bible, and no oath contains the phrase 'so help me god'.
Atheists and Jehovah's Witlesses, when asked if they solemnly swear such and such, typically reply "I so affirm".
2007-12-09 05:29:50 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ANyone can choose to swear to tell the truth in court by other means--they do not have to use a Bible. Or any other scripture
You don't have to "swear to God" The exact phrase varies from jurisdiction.
2007-12-09 05:01:30 · answer #8 · answered by colebolegooglygooglyhammerhead 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
We don't have to swear on the bible anymore mainly cause America is do diverse that Xians is not the only religious group out there and a lot of people aren't religious at all and they are beginning to understand all of that.
2007-12-09 05:25:33 · answer #9 · answered by calmlikeatimebomb 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most places "so help me god" isn't part of the oath.
2007-12-09 05:20:38 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋