"Just Curious" wrote in message
. ..
Edwin Pawlowski wrote:
----- Original Message -----
From: "Leon"

Let me explain where I was coming from. I do believe that the Bible
should be involved in the oath process, no exceptions.

Why?

The bible is a printed book. Putting your hand on it is no different
that swearing on last month's issue of Popular Woodworking (keeping on
topic).


I'm an attorney, and so have been in court many times. I have NEVER seen
a judge require a witness to put his/her hand on a Bible (except in the
movies, but that's not an accurate portrayal of real life).

I personally am a Christian and believe in the Bible. James 5:12 says,
"swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other
oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into
condemnation." I believe in that, and so when asked,I will solemnly
affirm that I will tell the truth under penalty of perjury. But I will not
swear an oath, because the Bible itself condemns it.

I am not going to disagree with any thing you have said here but would like
to point out that the word "swear" has several meanings. Some of those
meanings are positive and some are negative. The English version of the
Bible is an interpreted version of the originals. When translated
phrases/words were not always done so to capture the intent of the message.
Thou shall not kill is a common example. Words do not always have the same
meaning when translated. Like most any other language including English the
word can have a totally different meaning when used with other words. He
commonly "leaves" early, He raked the "leaves".
The passage you quoted above IMHO indicates that if you are not true to your
self/ believe what you say, others will recognize this and you will face
those consequences.


I only recall seeing the Bible in court. That was not recently and perhaps
is not the rule today.