Here's a controversial one... Dennis Prager, a syndicated radio show host, recently had this commentary. Read it here:
Here.
It has set off quite a firestorm of debate and frustration for lots of folks. What do you think? He does have some arguments here -- so you can try to analyze those and see if they work. But what about is overall claim? What IS his overall claim exactly?
He responded to all this heat generated by his commentary here
here
But you'll notice that his response is much more toned down.
I'd give you a source to find responses to Prager, but there are literally too many out there. This is being ranted about all of the blogosphere right now -- just do any search on it and you'll find plenty of foder. Be warned though: some blogs are places where people just yell and rant and rave -- and others are where people actually rationally debate these issues.
Give me your opinion!
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6 comments:
I think that swearing in on the Quran should be allowed for those people who use it to justify their faith. In my opinion, the point of swearing in on the Bible is that we believe what is in the Bible, and we are swearing to the morals in the Bible, which include not lying, and saying that we will do what we say and fight for our country and promising it to God. In the same way, someone who has faith in a different diety should have the same freedom to swear to their god that they feel the same way, and that they will do their best to uphold their promise. I'm not sure I would want someone swearing in on a bible if they don't believe in it, it would be pointless that way.
I do not think that Prager has an argument for making people swear on the Bible. Regardless of what values our Constitution may have included in it, there is no part which makes the Bible part of swearing in ceremonies. Yes, parts of our government reflect a religious nature, such as, our currency saying "In God we trust." However, this does not mean our country is founded on Christianity and everyone going to office must swear on the Bible or any religious book for that matter.
I am sorry, i hit submit before I was through. Why not make people just swear to the Constitution? It is what our country is founded on, not a religion. Although the Constitution may contain Christian values, we are not a Christian theocracy.
The use of swearing in on the Bible today is sadly, mostly symbolic. In courts, you no longer have to place your hand on a bible when you are sworn in, and often don't. Personally, as long as he takes the same oath to the Constitution and to his duties as a Us congressman that all others take, I am not concerned with which book he uses to enter office. If it is the Koran, and that makes him feel like the oath has a stronger binding to it, then so be it. If we as a country want to truly demonstrate that we are not pushing Christian faith on others, we should allow an open Muslim to express his religious beliefs and swear in on his Holy Book, rather than force him to swear in on the Bible.
I do not think it matters what book one swears in on. Mr. Prager claims two reasons as to why he should not be allowed to swear in on anything but the Bible, the first is that swearing in on the Bibile is American culture. That statement I believe is just plain false. America's "culture" is not one culture, but rather many different cultures combined, which is what makes this country great. The second reason is the fact that the Bible has always been used. There was also a point in time that Men were always the ones being sworn in, but the nation realized its mistake and soon women were allowed to participate. Times change and with it traditions should be allowed to change also.
I think the biggest problem this will lead to will involve individuals that are atheist or even agnostic. Concerning those individuals it seems like the idea of swearing in on the Constitution might make more sense. If someone has no belief system based on deity's at all then how can we find a holy/religious book that makes sense for them.
I don't know enough about Islam to know what is located inside the Quran. As long as its principles are closely aligned with those of the United States Constitution then perhaps it doesn't make a huge difference. However, I have heard rumors that some teachings in the Quran would directly suggest jihad against non-muslims. We were also discussing in class about how the muslim societ see's all things that are immoral as illegal. So, would swearing in on the Quran mean that the person is going to do whatever they can to make immoral acts illegal as well?
Just something to think about I guess.
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