taking an oath

[rafter]

I decided to ask my question in a new topic so I would not side track the masonary topic. I noticed in reading that there was some argument against taking an oath to join Masons. I agree the bible teachs not to swear by anything. So here is something that has always bothered me.

How do you feel about being sworn in if you were to testify in a court of law? Not only do they ask you to swear, but it is with your hand placed on the same book, the bible, that says don't do that.

And what about the president who has to take an oath to take office or our service men who take oaths and are sworn in?

I guess I am wondering if taking an oath is wrong to become a mason, than is it not equally as wrong to take oaths for these other things that we take for granted..........???

[Adstar]

Hello rafter

You are right to be bothered Brother. I have ceased from posting on that thread

Mathew: 5: 33-37

[Work in Progress]

Rafter, I have done jury duty and I have also been required to give sworn testimony in court. All times, I just made sure that the officials presiding knew before hand that I was unable to "swear" to my word because I am a Christian. In all cases, I solemnly affirmed that I was telling the truth.

My son, when sworn into the Marine Corp, also affirmed.

Can't think of a greater guy than Adstar, I just love him, but I don't agree with him on the pledge of allegiance. Nothing in the pledge says it is the ONLY thing, or the FIRST AND FOREMOST thing you are pledging allegiance to. You are simply saying that you pledge to stand behind your country, not another. A country, btw, that it says in that pledge is "under God". No where in it does it say you are putting that country before God, so it is okay to plege allegiance to it. In your heart, you pledge allegiance to your spouse and your children don't you? You would do anything to protect them, wouldn't you? It's the same thing with the pledge to your country. And, it's especially nice for us, because our country was founded on the principals of God.

[irishcowboy]

I pledge my allegiance to the Lamb.....................(of God)

mike

[OneAccord]

This is a very excellant top[ic, and I think rafter asked a very genuine and intersting question. I stayed out of the Mason thread, but I think this question stands on its own as a topic worthy of debate.

I haven't formed an opinion on this one either way, am riding the fence, eager to see other's views.

As for the pledge of alliegance, I agree with Adstar, that our allegiance should not be to an earthly nation, but I also have to admit that WIP gave a pretty good answer to that one too.

As for not taking an oath in court, how do you get around this? What do you mean by affirming, rather than taking an oath?

[Guest caffeineyellow5]

A guy at my church is a police officer and he said that instead of swearing to tell the truth, because he is in court a lot, he affirms that he will tell the truth.

af

[Dad Ernie]

Greetings,

You may find the following of interest:

http://209.157.64.200/focus/site/user-posts?id=22155

The reason having people swear on the Bible is acceptable is that the option of swearing on other sacred texts, or on no sacred text at all, is equally available.

The origination of Americans swearing on the Bible is well intimated by this quote of George Washington:

Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness

[OneAccord]

But on the other hand -- what a slap in the face it is to the God-fearing people to see someone who isn't a believer laying their hand on a sacred book and pretending to tell the truth in front of a God they don't believe in.  Does that make any sense?

Boy, ain't that the truth! You said a motuhful there, River, my friend.

" But let your Yes be your Yes and your No be your No. For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.

[whatsitmean]

Some body up there mentioned marriage vows. Any distinction?

[OneAccord]

Good one, Whatsitmean. Maybe we should back up and define vows, oaths, swearing in, covenants...........are there differences aor are they the same?