Tonight the American people vote for their National Leader.
But what if he was not a Christian?
In the first place this scenario is completely fantastic as America would not vote for him. But that aside, would a Pagan President have to swear on the Christian Bible?
I don't know whether they would have to or not, but a pagan person would probably swear on the Bible and not worry whether they were believing in it or not, as they don't revere the Bible in the same way as a Christian would.
Christians would fear whether they were lying on the Bible beliefs or not, where as a Pagan wouldn't have the same worries.It's not about whether a Christian or a Pagan is a good or bad person, it's about whether they hold the same belief or worry that they'd be in trouble from God for lying. (in my humble opinion.)
Edited: DianeC on 5th Nov, 2008 - 10:19am
With all the "exaggerations, missleading, disinforming, etc... that most politicians have to do to get the job, many of them would place their hands on a sack of doggie waste and take an oath. Sorry for the graphic, but I couldnt help it!
However, to directly answer your question. The "oath of office" does not have to take place with the use of a Bible or include the words "so help me God". George Washington is believed to have been the first to use the phrase...but this is not certain. However, it is certain that every president since Lincoln has used a Bible and the phrase "so help me God" at the end of the Oath. The Oath is required but the words that need to be said go something like...."I promise to faithfully execute the position of President and will uphold the Constitution of the United States."
I know that is not totally right but it is pretty close...
Apparently, our Founding Fathers were a bit more PC than we give them credit for!
Cool...did a little studying up and found out some pretty interesting things on the "Oath of Office".
Theodore Roosevelt did not use a Bible for his Oath
John Adams use a book of Law instead of a Bible
Eisenhower, Nixon and Truman swore on two Bibles
Edited: Vincenzo on 5th Nov, 2008 - 12:53pm
I suppose that the best man for the job would not care for creed.
I believe that Mr Obama will have to see beyond class, race and what a person calls God. There are many that oppose true freedom, many have power they will not easily give up. I hope the American people will spread the Word regardless of which book it is read.
As a Pagan, we don't have a book. Ours is an oral tradition but great Pagan works have been written. The Mabinogi is the Welsh myth storybook, it is one of the first to mention King Arthur. The writings of Taliesin and Aneurin also have their place, they are ancient but have nothing to do with religion or value of morality.
If I were to be sworn in as President I guess it would be on a Holy Symbol or Seal that would give me the conviction to do my best.
I would swear over whatever cause it is up to me what I do and not up to a book. I have to be true to myself in order for all else to be true to me.