Swearing on the Bible is largely acceptable, especially when you do it at public events where such action is required.
For example, people called to courts of law as witnesses usually swear on the Bible. These witnesses typically place one hand on the Bible and swear to tell the whole truth. Swearing on the Bible is also common in weddings and political inauguration ceremonies.
But why do people swear on the Bible?
People choose to swear on a Bible for different reasons, and we’ll see why in this article.
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Why People Swear On The Bible
To take God as a witness
Swearing on a Bible doesn’t necessarily mean witnesses won’t lie if they want to anyway. It only signifies that people call on the power and holiness of God as a witness to court proceedings. The same applies to swearing on a Bible at a wedding or inauguration ceremony.
To avoid doubts of testimony
Courts of law usually call witnesses to their stands on one or several occasions in a case. The law mandates witnesses to tell the truth or risk committing perjury, which is a criminal offence.
Courts typically accept testimonies from people who choose to swear on a Bible or other religious text. Testimonies from agnostics and others who decide to affirm their obligation to tell the truth may not get the same recognition.
What Does The Bible Say About Swearing?
Swearing usually involves saying the words “So help me God” at the tail end of court or inauguration oaths. However, some people may still give false testimonies or go back on their promises after swearing on a Bible.
In Exodus 20:7, the Bible says:
“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain”
People who give false testimonies or fake vows while swearing on a Bible contravene what this verse says.
The verse also applies to people who use God’s name as a jest or tagline (“God no”, “Oh my God”, “I swear to God”). In all honesty, these expressions show little awareness of God’s majesty and display outright disrespect for His name.
We should avoid invoking the name of God after making obscene statements.
Also see: Bible Verses On How To Pray To God
Must You Swear On The Bible?
It’s not compulsory to swear on the Bible as a Christian. Many Christians doctrines are against swearing, and members of such faiths will refuse taking oaths with a Bible or using God’s name.
Believers of other faiths or agnostics usually ask this question too. You don’t have to swear on the Bible as a member of another religious group too.
For example, Muslims and Mormons can choose to swear on the Quran or Book of Mormon respectively. Courts of law usually have holy books of other religions on standby for members of other religions.
Agnostics don’t have any holy books to swear on; they’ll only need to promise to tell the truth. Christians and people of other faiths can also forgo swearing on a Bible or any other holy book; politicians can choose to swear on a copy of the Constitution instead.
Is Swearing On The Bible And Affirming An Oath The Same Thing?
Swearing on the Bible and affirming an oath are not the same thing, even if both can work interchangeably.
You can affirm an oath by raising your hand and saying in public that you will tell the truth or carry out duties of an office. There’s no need to swear on any religious text when you want to affirm an oath.
Swearing on a religious book most times involves placing your hands on a text. Next, you’ll need to repeat certain words or maybe kiss the holy book as a sign of regard for its content and significance.
Is Swearing On A Bible Religious Favoritism?
Many ideological discourses in America and developed countries don’t see any essence in swearing on the Bible. These schools of thought largely tag swearing oaths on a Bible as religious favoritism. Others also call it an attempt to stamp Christian supremacy across all levels of society.
However, swearing on a Bible isn’t religious favoritism or a method to position Christianity as a supreme faith. Swearing on the Bible is totally optional, so there’s no way it favors members of one faith over others.
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Can People Swear On The Bible And Still Lie Under Oath?
There’s no way to be certain if someone will lie in their testimony after swearing on the Bible. But what we do know is what the Bible says about giving false witness.
In Proverbs 19:9, the Bible says:
“A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish.”
Colossians 3:9-10 also says:
“Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.”
Many other verses like Ephesians 4:25, Exodus 20:16, Proverbs 6:16-19, etc. have much to say about bearing false witness.
What do we learn from these verses? Well, the answer is simple – tell the truth whenever you swear on the Bible. It’s the only way you’ll be set free.
Can I Swear On The Bible With An Ipad?
If you plan to swear on a Bible installed on an iPad or mobile device, you’re not the first to do so.
Suzi LeVine took her oath of office as US ambassador to Liechtenstein and Switzerland with a Bible on an iPad. Several records also show a group of firefighters, county executives, and other people have sworn with a digital copy of the Bible.
So, if you plan to swear on a Bible installed on an electronic device, go right ahead!
Final Word
No passage in the Bible restricts us from taking any formal oath with God’s name. The Bible also doesn’t restrict us from making solemn promises or using I swear to God. However, inappropriate use of these words exist and are common among many people today.
Swearing in God’s name with a Bible at a wedding, inauguration, or court proceeding isn’t illegal or sinful. We should avoid using God’s name wrongly. His name deserves all the reverence and honor you can muster, according to Hebrews Chapter 12 vs. 28 and 29.
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