by Seher Chowdhry

Created on: September 20, 2008

I am on a definite 'no' for this one. While I agree the Bible is a respectable book in its own right I don't agree on using it for swearing-in ceremonies and courtrooms, it seems unnecessary. I think society has made a mockery of it by allowing it to be used in this way, from the time they're asked to raise their hand to the words 'I do', as in, 'I do agree to whatever is being said if it will move things along.'

Take a courtroom for example. I remember I would be watching a show on TV, and they would be having a trial where the guilty party is called to the stand and sworn in. As they agree to swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth so help them God, I'm thinking: 'Are they taking this seriously, do they even believe in God?' That is my point, not all these people asked to be sworn in are religious. If they have no belief in God let alone any religion, is the Bible going to magically make them tell the truth whether they want to or not? So what happens when the person under oath does lie, or what is believed to happen? They lied, and if they cared they'd have a guilty conscience, but seeing as they don't, the person was able to lie without any regard that they were testifying under oath. I only see this as a mockery being made of a holy book.

For swearing-in ceremonies, I feel the same way. How much depth do these people's words have when they're being sworn in to do whatever it is they are promising? In US swearing-in ceremonies the Constitution of the United States prohibits linking an individual's ability to serve with religion: "The senators and representatives...shall be bound by oath or affirmation to support this Constitution; but no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States." So constitutionally religion doesn't qualify you for office, then what is the need of swearing on the Bible? It seems as though we're only using it just to make a show of an event, for publicity perhaps, like it's some initiation ritual used only as a means of formality. There should be some respect for the Bible. I'm not Christian myself but I am religious, therefore if I was being sworn in with the Bible I would take it very seriously, as I very much believe in God. If it has to be used then it should only be for those who believe. I just think if you're going to use the Bible then use it properly.

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