Question Of The Week, 12/3/06
Good morning. I didn't have to look to far to come up with this weeks question. It comes from a Townhall.com column by Dennis Prager that starts out by saying,"Keith Ellison, D-Minn., the first Muslim elected to the United States Congress, has announced that he will not take his oath of office on the Bible, but on the bible of Islam, the Koran." As far as I know this is a first. What do you think? This weeks Question Of The Week is. Should Keith Ellison, or any other elected official be allowed to decide what book they will put their hand on while taking their oath of office?
I'll post my answer in the Comment Section Monday night.
God Bless America, God Save The Republic.
I'll post my answer in the Comment Section Monday night.
God Bless America, God Save The Republic.
posted by David Schantz | 3:10 AM
11 Comments:
According to Prager, When all elected officials take their oaths of office with their hands on the very same book, they all affirm that some unifying value system underlies American civilization.
But does our Constitution prevent Ellison's taking the oath on the Koran? I don't think so.
Considering what's in Sura 9 of the Koran--that Sura being the most recent "revelation" of Allah, I don't think that Ellison should take the oath on the Koran. Example from Sura 9:
"....Make war upon such of those to whom the Scriptures have been given as believe not in Allah, or in the Last Day, and who forbid not what Allah and His Apostle have forbidden....until they pay tribute..." (Sura 9:29).
The Koran is open to many interpretations. The verse AoW quotes is typical of the Koran, but there are just as many that say to leave people of the Bible alone.
I don't see any danger in one congressman professing his faith by swearing one the Koran. I'll only begin to worry if it looks like this country is moving toward the more brutal aspects of Sharia law (like teason punishable by death for converting out of Islam). IMHO We need people of faith in government and Ellison is merely expressing his faith.
Very simply, I would answer yes.
Freedom of religion is one of the most basic foundations of the republic.
Perhaps the question we should ask is if anyone should put their hand on any document when they are sworn in? Any document, that is, aside from the constitution of the United States.
QUESTION: Should Keith Ellison, or any other elected official be allowed to decide what book they will put their hand on while taking their oath of office?
ANSWER: Yes. Why not? It's a matter of free speech. There's no law that requires any book, much less a particular book.
But, why even bring religion into it? Perhaps the best thing is to not inject these religious practices into government?
Why not simply eliminate the requirement of Congress persons to place their hand on any book.
After all, if you allow one, you have to allow all.
I agree with Prague Twin. I think they should have their hands on the Constitution when they take their oath. I don't care what religion, if any, is practiced by a politician.
Total agreement with Prague Twin, especially the concept of swearing upon the Constitution.
I saw this on one of the news channels. What I thought was most poignant was that the Bible represented American ideals and beliefs. Even atheist use the Bible when being sworn into office.
The Koran does not in any way represent America. If Ellison refuses to be sworn in with the Bible then he should look elsewhere for employment.
After reading these comments, I think the idea of using the Constitution would be appropriate.
First I want to thank you all for stopping by to answer this weeks question. If you have ever wondered if I already have my answer when I post the question. The answer is NO(!), and this one was a tough one for me. I kept coming up with questions about my own answer. My first thought/answer was no, but then what does the Constitution say? Nothing as far as I know, but I've never said I wasn't bull headed, my answer was still no. Who does Ellison think he is, wanting to change a long standing American tradition? A citizen of the United States, where we have the right to practice any religion we choose,"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;". OK, there it is, he should be allowed to do this. My answer is yes. That doesn't mean I like or support it.
Prague Twin has given me an idea here, "Perhaps the question we should ask is if anyone should put their hand on any document when they are sworn in? Any document, that is, aside from the constitution of the United States." I think I might see a project in the near future and I could be calling on all of you for some help.
God Bless America, God Save The Republic.
I'd be more than happy to help. I'm going to post my idea since it seems to be gaining some traction on both sides of the political spectrum.
Best content & valuable as well. Thanks for sharing this content.
Approved Auditor in DAFZA
Approved Auditor in RAKEZ
Approved Auditor in JAFZA
i heard about this blog & get actually whatever i was finding. Nice post love to read this blog
Approved Auditor in DMCC
Post a Comment
<< Home