When an Atheist go to court, do they have to swear on the bible?
By hunibani
@hunibani (720)
Philippines
8 responses
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
29 Dec 12
An interesting question, but I would imagine that it depends on the country that you are in at the time.
As far as I can remember this does not apply in the United Kingdom. I have been a witness in Crown Court on two occasions and do not remember being asked to swear on a Bible in either case. Apart from atheism, there are many different religions on this planet, so the same scenario would apply. Here in the United Kingdom we are a multicultural society, which is more likely the reason that such practises have ceased.
Since you mention The Bible I assume that you are a Christian, so imagine appearing in court in a Moslem country and being asked to swear on The Quran. Would you blindly consent or point out to the court that you was a Christian? It would be easy to simply comply, but there could be a danger of offending someone's religion at the same time.
1 person likes this
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
29 Dec 12
A good point sulynsi, and I agree with you. I am confident that many Christians will have sworn on The Bile in court but still committed perjury. On the occasions that I was a witness in court I have always told the truth to the best of my knowledge because I have a great respect for the law.
I was not aware of the quote you mention from Jesus, but it does make sense. To make a statement in court under an oath made on The Bible could be construed as "Taking the Lord thy God's name in vain".
@sulynsi (2669)
• Canada
29 Dec 12
Sad, but true.
What good is a belief or a religion if it doesn't make one a better person?
I forget where I heard this quote, but it goes along this vein, that "ethics are what guide or motivate a person when no one else is looking"
The deity of the scriptures rebuked His people saying 'this people worships me with their lips, but their heart is far removed from me'
Very profound observation.
@sulynsi (2669)
• Canada
29 Dec 12
In some jurisdictions, it is permissable to 'affirm' one will tell the truth.
I don't know if it would interest you, but Jesus said 'do not swear at all.....just let your yes mean yes and your no, no'
Sensible I think , if a person is honest their word should be sufficient, whatever their beliefs may be .
@oneidmnster (1384)
• United States
10 Feb 12
I'm agnostic and if I were to be arrested for anything I wouldn't swear on a bible. What could they do about it?
@CelticSoulSister (1640)
• Southend-On-Sea, England
10 Feb 12
I don't know about actually in court, but when I had to declare and swear my divorce which was nearly 30 years ago, I simply had to say the words "I decline" as I called myself an atheist in those days - more agnostic nowadays - but that's what I had to do and it was still considered valid.
@yanzalong (19091)
• Indonesia
10 Feb 12
I've never heard of it before, but I think bible would be used as a general guide. How did it crossed your mind about it. Have you ever witnessed this in the court?
@roshigo58 (4856)
• Pune, India
21 Mar 13
Hi,
I never gone to court. But your question is right. If the atheist swear on bible in the court he may tell lie because he doesn't believe in God. There is no value of bible for him. In India, in the court we have to swear on Gita(Our religious book).
@safety69 (592)
• Taiwan
10 Feb 12
I like the kind of topics that you look for, so creative and curious. You see , I dont know about what they do in a court with somebody who is not christian either , but, they might have other laws for these people , I dont think they will force them to swear on the bible. We have to investigate that more deeply, thanks for those comments , they make us think a little bit further. Have a great day.
@hekupukorero (2)
• New Zealand
10 Feb 12
I have wondered about this as well, and I propose that if you do not want to swear on the Bible in court then you should say so. If I am called to appear in court again I will refuse to swear on the Bible, as it is used by religions whose beliefs are Christian based. I will propose instead to the presiding judge that I will swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth but I will not swear on the Bible.
I am not an Atheist, but I am not a practising Christian either, or for that matter a follower of any other religion, however I believe in God.
If I accept the practice of swearing on the Bible, the implication is that I support and agree to the practices and traditions of Christianity, and this is not necessarily so. It is for this reason that I will refuse to swear on the Bible.
