Atheists as members?

[Drolefille]

So, assuming I'm an atheist, if I swear by, i don't know.. Science.. will you count that as sacred to me?

Or if I'm pagan of some sort and swear by my holy bamboo stick of righteousness...

In my mind the intent of the person matters more than what they swear by.

/Wishes I had a bamboo stick of righteousness..
//Only have a popsicle stick of attitude..

[MysticCat]

The bamboo stick of righteousness. I love it! I gotta get me one of those.

If you are swearing by something sacred to you, that is what matters in swearing an oath, since that is evidence of the seriousness and reverence with which you make your solemn promise. (Harking back to Tom Earp's comments, think of the Boy Scout Oath, which is made "On my honor.")

Think of wacko Shane in the last season of Survivor. He kept swearing by his son -- appropriate (in a creepy sort of way) because his son was so important to him. But he asked others to swear on his son, too, in essence asking others to make a meaningless oath because his son was just another kid to them. What was sacred to him, and therefore adequate to demonstrate the seriouness with which he would take his promise, was not the same as what was sacred to others.

Or think of Lord of the Rings -- when Frodo and Sam need to to extract a promise from Gollum that he will not harm them, Frodo asks Gollum "On what will you swear?" (I.e., how can you assure us that we can trust you?) Gollum swears on the Ring, which Frodo knows is everything to Gollum. Frodo knows that swearing by the Ring will bind Gollum's conscience.

Swearing an oath and making an affirmation are both forms a solemn promises. The difference is in the form, not the effect.

[AlphaFrog]

Juliet: O, swear not by the moon, the inconstant moon, who monthly changes in her circled orb, lest that thy love prove likewise variable.
Romeo: What shall I swear by?
Juliet: Do not swear at all. Or, if thou wilt, swear by the gracious self which is the god of my idolatry, and I'll believe thee.


Sorry, couldn't help myself.

[Drolefille]

I totally agree with you, it's Liberal_South who would disagree I think...

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by Drolefille

I totally agree with you, it's Liberal_South who would disagree I think...

Well, as you so aptly pointed out, unless Liberal _South is familiar with the rituals of GLOs other than his own, I doubt he knows whether members of other GLOs actually take an oath to God or not.

I will try not to lose any sleep tonight.

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by MysticCat81

Well, as you so aptly pointed out, unless Liberal _South is familiar with the rituals of GLOs other than his own, I doubt he knows whether members of other GLOs actually take an oath to God or not.

I will try not to lose any sleep tonight.

lol Me too

Shoot now we need another thread derailment topic..

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by Drolefille

lol Me too

Shoot now we need another thread derailment topic..

We can always go with the R&J theme above.


What light through yonder window breaks, it is the East, and Juliet is the sun...


A Dog in the House of Capulet moves me!

[RU OX Alum]

the love I bear thee can afford no better term than this.....THOU ART A VILLIAN!!!