Home > Religion & Spirituality > Religion & Spirituality (Other)
Should the Bible continue to be used for swearing-in ceremonies and in courtrooms?
Results so far:
| Yes | 50% | 2781 votes | Total: 5548 votes | |
| No | 50% | 2767 votes |
Yes
by UrMessage
Created on: May 31, 2007 Last Updated: April 30, 2009
Debate Title: Should the Bible continue to be used for swearing-in ceremonies and in courtrooms?
Short Answer: Yes
Long Answer: Read below...
The Bible should continue to be used for swearing in ceremonies on the basis of a cultural identity, symbol of American freedom, the roots of all moral grounds in Christian based countries. If we did not use the Bible, what would we use. The next choice is the constitution? But wait, that was based on the Bible and contains religious words and morals, so what would we use? Nothing?
Imagine being in court and swearing in, I will tell the truth because I am an American? A country, a people, a community need to have an identity and it comes from common beliefs. America was founded on one common belief religious freedom and Christians looking for independence.
Cultural Heritage
We need to continue using the Bible in the court room, use "in God we trust" on coins, and remind everyone about religious freedom which is the very foundation of America. America has changed and maybe we should reword a few things in the swearing in ceremony so that it keeps the old and blends in the new. But where neither over takes the other. Most Americans are religious with a good portion of them being some form of a Christian sect.
If we loose this key foundation of America, than who would we be? A power hungry money deprived country continually trying to rule the world? Stick some form of a moral basis and freedom of speach and religion in there and all that power and money has a good purpose and sticking your political fingers in other countries turns into being a good steward and not a power hungry grab for more land and wealth.
Religious Equality
This question arises because of atheists and gays who are constantly fighting religious ideals, trying to change religion to conform to their new beliefs. What they don't realize is that in other countries around the globe gays are killed, persecuted, an relatively not around.
Only in America have they found their ground and been able to become a community. Only because of the people who are primarily Christians. If it weren't for them all the others would not have a voice. But now that these minority groups have a voice they are trying to alter everyone else thoughts to align with them.
Wake up, not everyone will be gay or the population would cease to exist. Not everyone will become an athesits because it is depressing for most and they want some optimism in their life. The uniqueness of each group of people is what makes America unique and beautiful. Leave it alone as it is, don't do away with culture and freedom of religion. Find a way to add your voice to the group and blend in.
Moral Basis
Right and wrong is based on the ten commandments in America. The Koran and the teachings of Buddah rule the other half of the world. If you are going to do away with the Bible what will take its place? What is right and what is wrong? Why can't people have more than one wife? Why is the death penalty right or wrong? What will be our measuring stick to gauge what we should do?
Are you going to let left wing activists create a set of "moral" rules? Think about it for a minute?
"God"
Another topic to breach lightly, "God." What is so different between our God and the god or gods of the other countries? What if they are all one in the same? What if over time men have interpreted things over and over via the telephone theory so that they ended up in different directions and completely different? The origin would be the same but the new end result would be different, right?
As long as we all believe in a supreme being that is set to serve as a moral compass that guides us through our lives to live, love, and learn. A perfect world will always have differences, people will always hate gays, war, and other things. The only way through that is communism, servitude and other non friendly ways. Think about it, it would not be fun if we were all the same!
Conclusion
Keep the Bible, remind the people of where we come from and why we have the freedoms we have! Swear in on the Bible does not mean you are being forced into Christianity, but means you are abiding by the rules which formed this country.
These rules are the reason why everyone wants to live here. Opportunity and freedom to do what you want, formed because of the love, charity and morals of Christians given to all who come here!
Learn more about this author, UrMessage.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.
No
by Lucius Trae
Created on: March 28, 2010
While those unwilling to swear on the Bible have other options, members of other faiths might have issues with this. By requesting another method of swearing, they may draw attention to religious beliefs that would otherwise have gone unknown, presumably. The jury process tries to weed out people who are discriminatory, but it is not flawless. A devout person, for instance, might have to choose between biasing the opinion of a jury and swearing on a book contrary to their faith.
Personally, I have no major issues with the book itself being used for swearing ceremonies in courts. I think it should not be used because "swearing ceremonies in courtrooms" are absolutely ridiculous. People are forced to swear to tell the truth in court or risk punishment. While there are some people who never break their word, but this is a minority of people. Most people will lie if they think they have good reasons to do so.
Furthermore, if someone held me at gunpoint and made me sign over my assets, I could regain them in court. Agreements made because of direct coercion are not legally binding if provable. The court seems to feel it's above the laws it sets for others. Forcing someone to swear to tell the truth doesn't create a morally obligation to do so. Again, if someone is forced to "be honest" to a murderer about the location of a child, it's more than permissible to lie. A binding contract can't emerge, from a moral standpoint, without the two parties agreeing from a position of mutual respect and equality.
If we keep swearing-in ceremonies, a lot of people will continue lying. A small portion of people will never break an oath even if it's in their best interests. So by letting everyone else lie, the individual with a particular set of beliefs is put at a disadvantage. The honest, or perhaps excessively honest, will admit that "I helped commit the crime." Their partner will have been pointed out. A quick-witted lawyer will ask questions like "would your partner have done this without you?" Obviously, it was a two person operation. The honest criminal, who stole for their own reasons, will be manipulated. Meanwhile, their partner will lie when asked all the same questions, perhaps even getting a lesser sentence than the honest person.
One can see how all kinds of court cases, even cases where a person is innocent, could be manipulated into providing a verdict of guilty despite a lack of evidence. Using something other than the Bible will make a religious Christian, perhaps, feel awkward or unfaithful. Forcing them to swear "on the Bible" is an exploitation of their religious viewpoints. This could potential force good people into unfortunate situations simply for "being honest." The Bible shouldn't be used because the swearing-in ceremony should be removed.
Learn more about this author, Lucius Trae.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.
Write and get published
Share with other writers
Polish your freelancing skills
Quality articles from proven freelancers
Exclusive rights, fast turnaround
Brand engagement, business blogging -- our writers do it all
INFORMATION
Copyright © 2002-2012 Helium, Inc. All rights reserved.
Helium.com: A Service of RR Donnelley