“Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God.” Because of the nature of this oath, atheist testimony [in the United States] has, traditionally, been inadmissible in court. In some ways this notion exists today.[1] A number of states even barred atheists from holding public office.[2]
Definitionally, this makes sense:
Oath (n): “A solemn or formal declaration invoking God (or a god, or other object of reverence) as witness to the truth of a statement, or to the binding nature of a promise or undertaking; an act of making such a declaration. Also: the statement or promise made in such a declaration, or the words of such a statement.”[3]
Swear (v): “To make a solemn declaration or statement with an appeal to God or a superhuman being, or to some sacred object, in confirmation of what is said; to take an oath.”[4]
An atheist's oath is therefore meaningless, as the atheist does not believe that man is accountable. Without reference to God, atheists have no reason to swear an oath, or to make a vow. Such gestures have no influence. Essentially, the atheist has no reason to tell the truth.
It is a surprise then, to hear that Alabama Governor Robert Bentley’s comment “Anybody here today who has not accepted Jesus Christ as their savior, I'm telling you, you're not my brother and you're not my sister…” has produced a torrent of panic within the ADL (Anti-Defamation League). The assumption was, given his comments, we must question whether non-Christians will receive equal treatment under the law during his term as Governor.[5]
Christians have always identified other Christians as their brothers and sisters. This language has been used extensively since the dawn of the Christian Church. The Governor was simply stating that he wishes to share the bond of Christian fellowship with his listeners. There is no reason to treat him as if he said non-Christians were lesser beings. There is no warrant to the suggestion that because he knows who his spiritual family is, that he will neglect the needs of his atheist neighbors. As a Christian, he has a responsibility to do the opposite.
Perhaps the reason that Gov. Bentley is criticised unjustly has to do with the world-view of his attackers. Atheists have no reason to assume that such slander will one day be punished, and that they will be held accountable for their crimes.
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Definitionally, this makes sense:
Oath (n): “A solemn or formal declaration invoking God (or a god, or other object of reverence) as witness to the truth of a statement, or to the binding nature of a promise or undertaking; an act of making such a declaration. Also: the statement or promise made in such a declaration, or the words of such a statement.”[3]
Swear (v): “To make a solemn declaration or statement with an appeal to God or a superhuman being, or to some sacred object, in confirmation of what is said; to take an oath.”[4]
An atheist's oath is therefore meaningless, as the atheist does not believe that man is accountable. Without reference to God, atheists have no reason to swear an oath, or to make a vow. Such gestures have no influence. Essentially, the atheist has no reason to tell the truth.
It is a surprise then, to hear that Alabama Governor Robert Bentley’s comment “Anybody here today who has not accepted Jesus Christ as their savior, I'm telling you, you're not my brother and you're not my sister…” has produced a torrent of panic within the ADL (Anti-Defamation League). The assumption was, given his comments, we must question whether non-Christians will receive equal treatment under the law during his term as Governor.[5]
Christians have always identified other Christians as their brothers and sisters. This language has been used extensively since the dawn of the Christian Church. The Governor was simply stating that he wishes to share the bond of Christian fellowship with his listeners. There is no reason to treat him as if he said non-Christians were lesser beings. There is no warrant to the suggestion that because he knows who his spiritual family is, that he will neglect the needs of his atheist neighbors. As a Christian, he has a responsibility to do the opposite.
Perhaps the reason that Gov. Bentley is criticised unjustly has to do with the world-view of his attackers. Atheists have no reason to assume that such slander will one day be punished, and that they will be held accountable for their crimes.
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[1] Constitution of the State of Arkansas, Article 19: No person who denies the being of a God shall hold any office in the civil departments of this State, nor be competent to testify as a witness in any Court.
[2] Maryland (Article 37); Mississippi (Article 14); North Carolina (Article 6); South Carolina (Article 6); Tennessee (Article 9); Texas (Article 1). These prohibitions were ruled unenforceable by Torcaso v. Watkins (1961).
[3] Oxford English Dictionary.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Web Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_alabama_governor_christians
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