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Originally Posted by Drolefille
So I don't understand that concept. Most oaths made do not involve one to God.. I'm not even talking about fraternity oaths. Atheists in court swear to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth... adding God in doesn't change anything.
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Actually, by definition most oaths do call on God or some other sacred principle to witness and bind the oath -- as in the way the courtroom oath ends, "So help me God."
In court, at least, if God is not invoked, it's called an Affirmation, not an Oath. It begins "I do solemnly affirm" rather than "I do solemnly swear," and it ends without "So help me God." The form is different, but the legal effect is the same.
And 33girl is right. Interestingly, Affirmations were first used not to accomodate atheists, but to accomodate Quakers and other Christian groups who believe that oath-taking is prohibited by Scripture.
Just trying to pick another high-jack discussion with you, Drolefille.
