Probably most of us have heard the controversy around Keith Ellison, the first Muslim to be elected to serve in the United States Congress, who had announced he would not be taking his ceremonial oath of office on the Bible as traditionally done—-even by non-Christians and Jews. He had instead expressed his wish to take his oath on the Koran.
This has become a controversial issue because according to the belief of many Muslims and Islamic scholar Imam Ghazali, to lie is basically justified as long as it is for Allah or the for the sake of the religion (Ahmad Ibn Naqib al-Misri, The Reliance of the Traveller, translated by Nuh Ha Mim Keller , Amana publications, 1997, section r8.2, page 745). So, if this is the case, how do we know the true motive of Congressman Ellison? Better yet, how do we really know anyone’s intention is sincere, even while swearing in on the Bible?
Swearing on the Bible is not constitutional, nor are the words “so help me God.” The purpose for this is and was the Bible consistently emphasizes integrity and honesty; also by doing so it recognizes with humility that a person in their own power isn’t capable standing in such a position without the help of God.
But what does the Bible say about oaths and swearing?
- “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’ But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:33-37)
- “But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your ‘Yes’ be “Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No,’ lest you fall into judgment.” (James 5:12)
I think there needs to be a distinction made between the words “swear” and “oath.” According to the The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, here are the Greek definitions:
- Swear = declare, take oath (ref; 3660)
- Oath = to put on oath, make swear, solemnly enjoin (3726); a fence, a limit, restraint (3727); asseveration on oath (3728)
The only version of the word “oath” used in the above scriptures according to the Strong’s is # 3727 which means: restraints, perimeters, limits, boundaries… The word “swear” is to closer to the #3728 definition of “oath” from the Strong’s which means to assert or affirm yourself. My point is, I believe what Jesus is saying in Matthew is to not “swear” (declare, assert, or affirm yourself in such a way) since you truly don’t have power on your own. This is perhaps why the Bible has been used in oaths; out of humility and respect, the person recognizes (or makes the appearance of recognizing) there is someone who’s supreme over them that they are accountable to. In the scripture from Matthew, Jesus does not appear to reject, or correct the “shall perform your oaths” part, which again appears to be a different kind of oath being defined as more of a term or limit.
I personally think it’s a respectable thing to acknowledge God while making a vow on the Bible (which is essentially what’s happening; by the way, “vow” in the Greek meant to petition God. Ref; 2171). I digress. A vow, oath or promise is only as good as the person’s integrity. Hopefully those being sworn in have paid their taxes, parking and traffic tickets as well as turned in their campaign financial reports on time so their competence and word will be more worthy of trust.
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Scripture references were quoted from the NKJV.