God bless Volokh
Here is something interesting from the Volokh Conspiracy:
There's an interesting thing about John Adams and John Quincy Adams -- they were both very religious men, and John Quincy Adams were so religious that he is one of probably only one or two American presidents who did not take the Oath of Allegiance on a Bible. Now, it's kind of ironic that John Quincy Adams, being such a religious man, would not have used the Bible, but he said that he thought the Bible should be reserved for strictly religious purposes. So he took the Oath of Office on a book of laws, the Constitution and American laws. That's really what he was swearing allegiance to was the Constitution, so he didn't use the Bible.For those of you interested John Adams was President when the Treaty of Tripoli was ratified. The treaty states:
As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion; as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquillity, of Mussulmen; and, as the said States never entered into any war, or act of hostility against any Mahometan nation, it is declared by the parties, that no pretext arising from religious opinions, shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countriesJust something interesting I wanted to throw into the mix.
Comments
I have no problem with using the Koran in an oath... except for its own precepts allowing lies to enemies and infidels. That may be the base, emotionally negative reaction to its use.
Bible, Koran, law book... once elected the trust factor has been won. Let the oath proceed.
no pretext arising from religious opinions shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony
I'll buy into that concept right up to the point that any group, Muslim or not, uses precepts or interpretation of religion as basis for destruction or death or other infringement of my own - or my countrymen's - life or liberty.
no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquillity...
And that is how it should be. The US is not in the business of religious persecution, and no war should be waged on that basis.
Terrorism is just a tool. Death and destruction are by-products. While the Koran specifies steps required in the process of subjugating or killing infidels, it is the interpetation and use that breaches the peace.
Take this one: An Eye For An Eye. Taken alone that verse could justify uncontrolled slaughter and mayhem. Taken to its extreme and used as a tool of war it levels all men to the level of Hatfield vs. McCoy.
Posted by: Larry Stanley | December 2, 2006 06:50 AM