Have seen quite a few posts lately, but this peaked my interest.

Is the bible the only book used when swearing in a public official???

if so, which bible?

I don't believe that there are any rules stating what you have to use. As all of our Presidents thus far have been Christian, I would assume it's the Christian bible. If, however, we are ever open-minded enough to accept someone different, they would use the book of their choosing, as other religions may prohibit the use of their holy book in such types of ceremony.

What happened to separation of church and state?

You know, now that I think about it, I have no idea what book, if any they use for the Oath of Office? There's no mention of God in the Oath, I don't believe? Do they even use a book? Or maybe it's a copy of the Constitution?

Great, now I have to go do research

thanks Suz - thats what I'm doing

My understanding (and yes it's limited) is that in our present day and age even in court one does not have to place their hands on any book, much less a bible (if so chosen).

One no longer swears but affirms - and "so help me God" (quote) is also optional.

I may be wrong but I beleive that the incoming president can chose to take the oath using what ever book he or she chooses or none at all.

Why giving testimony in court you have similar options when taking an oath. In Michigan:

There's a clear statutory command that when swearing an oath to tell the truth, you need to raise your right hand. MCL 600.1432(1) provides, "The usual mode of administering oaths now practiced in this state, by the person who swears holding up the right hand, shall be observed in all cases in which an oath may be administered by law except as otherwise provided by law. The oath shall commence, 'You do solemnly swear or affirm.'"

But under MCL 600.1434, if you are "conscientiously opposed to taking an oath" you "may, instead of swearing, solemnly and sincerely affirm, under the pains and penalties of perjury[]" that you will testify truthfully.

that's what I thought, guess all the b.s. posted online has muddled my brains

thanks

Well, according Wikipedia (not the greatest source but occasionally fairly accurate), the Oath of Office is established in the Constitution but the manner of taking the oath is merely tradition, dating back to George Washington. They do not have to use the Bible or any other book, nor do they have to swear, nor use any reference to God. These are merely traditions, which some presidents have gone against.

Here's a link if anyone's interested.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oath_of_office_of_the_President_of_the_United_States

No they use the bible. The Senators use the bible also. But one Senator used the Kuran but I don't remember the name of the Senator.

The past people in this country felt that swearing to god had a reverence in it. Of course, you have to believe in a god first for there to be reverence in swearing on a bible or kuran for that matter. That is why people in court were required to swear to god. That is changing now though. People are starting to realize that swearing to a god may not be as fear inspiring as was previously thought.

thanks Suz, but not a fan of wikipedia as anyone can edit/add or delete info from there.

Oh, so they do not have to if they do not want to.

I know that Obama used a bible to be sworn in as Senator, only because of all the propaganda lies about him.

dragonness - my understanding is that one does not have to swear to god, especially at a court... one just swears to tell the truth...

if right/wrong can someone please show me where to find facts?

Yeah, me either. I found a couple of other websites with bits and pieces of info but decided to post the Wiki one as it was comprehensive and seemed to reiterate what the others said.

not only do you ROCK, but you're fast at researching

Why thank you! Part of my job and I've been blessed with being able to read extremely fast If I have the time, I can read a normal sized paperback in 2 or 3 hours, and take a comprehensive exam and pass with 90% accuracy

when and if I ever grow up, I wanna be just like you

I too speed read

Ellison.

It's funny, it's not something I learned, it just is. I started reading at 4 and by the time I was in 3rd grade, I had to have my own reading class, and by 5th grade, I was reading college level material. Yet, when I got to college, didn't do so well, go figure

BTW, growing up's overrated

good cause I really dont want to grow up

*bump*

anyone know? is the bible necessary or is it now obsolete when swearing in public officials?

is the bible the only book used?