Which book should be used for "swearing in" in court? Probably no book. I never understood why we would trust that anyone who is a deceiver (willing to commit robbery or murder, or willing to defend such a person) would care if his or her hand were placed on a book as they gave their oath.
For those who have the strength to speak the truth, no book will change that.
Rightfully, followers of non-Christian faiths are asking that their religious texts be acknowledged. A practicing Jew should be insulted if someone asks them to swear on the Christian Bible. A Buddhist might believe that such thoughts are simple and worldly and would gladly place his hand on any book.
Whether religious or not, humans have proven adept at lying and justifying their lies. But what of the specific case of the Quran? For many adherents deception and violence are entirely compatible with the teachings of the Quran. What then of an oath spoken over it?
No book should be endorsed by the state.
Davis Cloward
Greensboro
Comments (1)
i had the priveledge of testifying before the Homeland Security people last summer, and to be sworn in, i was asked to raise my right hand, look the gentleman in the eye, and answer the question, "you're not going to lie to me, are you?" I answered no, of course. worked for me.
Posted by beth | July 15, 2005 12:01 AM