Should the Bible honestly be used in the Court Room for swearing in witnesses? When you step in, they ask you to put your hand on the bible and to say "I do" when they say, "do you swear to the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God." Should they use a Bible for that? Should they even mention God? But really, should it be a bible that is used or perhaps something else? Or, would it lose its effect if there was no Bible?
I think it should still be used. I mean, most of the world is Christian and if you don't have that, what are you going to put, a lie detector? Anyways, for other people, it will have no effect because some people don't believe in the bible and therefore can lie, they won't care. But since there is nothing else to put there, and since this is a Christian Nation, there should be no reason to take it out.
This is a Christian nation? I was under the impression that this was a Free nation. That anyone could practice any religion they wanted. I find it sort of insulting that I have to press my hand against a book that I don't even believe in to be sworn in. That I have to swear to a God I don't even believe in. Why not just say? "If you lie, do you understand that you can be charged with perjury and go to jail?" Why do they need a bible? This isn't a Christian nation. This is a Free nation. And because of that, no SINGLE religion should be given any more support than another.
I believe the bible includes the Old Testament, does it not? And isn't that the only part of the bible the Jews believe in?
Second, that started waaaay back in the 1700s, with the bible. It's just a symbol, if you don't believe in it, then ok. It's not like a murderer or someone is going to not lie anyway if they have their hand on the bible. It's just a symbol, it's tradition, don't complain about it because then that only causes problems. If you don't believe in it, well then, I guess you have nothing to worry about. If you do, well, you do.
Anyone should be able to use whatever religious book they want to.
Jacob Wrote:This is a Christian nation? I was under the impression that this was a Free nation. That anyone could practice any religion they wanted. I find it sort of insulting that I have to press my hand against a book that I don't even believe in to be sworn in. That I have to swear to a God I don't even believe in. Why not just say? "If you lie, do you understand that you can be charged with perjury and go to jail?" Why do they need a bible? This isn't a Christian nation. This is a Free nation. And because of that, no SINGLE religion should be given any more support than another.
I'm sorry, I worded it wrongly. This nation's majority is Christianity. Just like other countries, religion somehow does get into the government. In India, it is against the law to kill a cow, in Muslim countries, it is illegal to buy beer (and a whole lot of other stuff), and in the US, you have the bible to be sworn on. If you don't believe in the Bible, don't feel like you can't lie. Lie if you want to, and nobody will know. They just have it there since most of the nation is Christian and that means most of the people in there will be Christian and will be a little compelled to tell the truth there. Now, if most of this country was of another religion, that would be totally different...
I disagree with the use of a Bible in the courtroom. From a political perspective it's wrong to use a religious book in the legal process because there is supposed to be a separation. From a Christian perspective I disagree because Christ said not to take oaths and to let your yes be yes and your no be no.
I thought I heard somewhere that there is another oath for people who would rather not use the Bible... I would say, if there isn't, give people that option.
In every governmental action in which an oath of some sort is taken, the default is usually in reference to God, but there is alternatives available and accomodations are made for those who would rather use a different method/book/whatever. When I was sworn into the Air Force, I could've said "I do solemly swear" or "affirm" (jokes where guys said "I do solemly swear or affirm", like "state your name"). Its choice, no one is forcing you to do it. If you object to it, make it known and they will correct it for you.
ireland88 Wrote:Anyone should be able to use whatever religious book they want to.
Good point, anyone
should be able to use whatever religious book they want to.
Thats why every courthouse has copies of the most popular religious bibles, they DO let you pick.
Bible (All Translations and Ages)
Qu'ran
Torah
etc.