Swearing on the Bible.

Heyo! I'm brand new to the Nexus, so please pardon me for an flubbiness. I wasn't joining the site just to ask this question, but my life has been getting more and more hectic recently and it's seeming inevitable as time goes on.

I won't bore everyone with the long and complicated story leading up to this, but myself and two of my friends/roommates may have to take another roomie to court over not paying utilities. Her family is well off with money and will likely be able to hire a lawyer and I don't want me atheism coming ruining my chances...

To put it bluntly, I don't like the idea of swearing on the Bible. I'm not completely familiar with South Carolina law yet, but I'm positive it's a requirement. Should I make a stand and refuse to swear on it, just go with the flow, or what?

Thank you in advance.

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Permalink Reply by M. B. Keene on June 2, 2010 at 2:08am
I would personally lie and swear on the Bible if it was anything huge (like, I dunno, triple homicide), but affirmation works just as well.

Since this question is 100% answered at this point, I'd just like to point out as a fellow South Carolinian the law in our state constitution forbidding Atheists from being elected into public office. Of course this is completely bogus as the US constitution holds itself above any state constitution, but I find it pretty humorous that something as silly as religion has anything to do with politics and (here's where it fits in) law.

Thank god for affirmation. Or something.
Permalink Reply by Morris Edwin Schorr on June 2, 2010 at 4:09am
I doubt if it would make much difference if you were not having a jury trial. Judges are less likely to be offended by it, IMHO.
Permalink Reply by Jonny Marko on June 3, 2010 at 9:23am
I'm just dumbfounded when I think about swearing on the bible. Like it's some magic artifact or truth serum that guarantees honesty.

Now here's an idea, what do you think the reaction would be if you put your hand on the bible and said "I solemnly swear to God and my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that this sentence is false!"... universe implosion!
Permalink Reply by Paul Judd on May 18, 2011 at 11:04pm

Another non American here.

Swearing on the Bible or God is an oxymoron or paradox in court as it is supposed to be beyond reasonable doubt.

I've affirmed in court on several occasions and rejected the Bible as being without evidence. That wasn't lost on the jury as they are making a judgement based on evidence and if they themselves believe in a god without evidence then they are not fit to be judgemental.

However I was only a witness and not the defendant.

Permalink Reply by booklover on May 19, 2011 at 7:54am
I like what you just said Paul Judd.  That makes absolute sense!
Permalink Reply by Cindy on May 20, 2011 at 12:27pm

I had to swear on the bible during my divorce years ago. Even though things were going clearly in my favor I did not want to take even a tiny risk of not getting custody of my kids. I live in the bible belt.

Permalink Reply by Grace Fitzpatrick on May 25, 2011 at 4:38pm
I am guess this has long ago gone to court.  How did it go?  Was it just small claims court?  They might not waste time with swearing in for small claims.
Permalink Reply by booklover on May 25, 2011 at 9:05pm
Wonder what they'd do if you swore AT the bible, then told them you misunderstood... ;)
Permalink Reply by Miles Hamilton Rider on May 27, 2011 at 9:35am
I had to swear on the bible once.  I said "Fuck you bible!".
Permalink Reply by Dr. Terence Meaden on May 29, 2011 at 6:34pm
No problems here in Britain where I confirm my morality and honesty and ignore that there bible-book of the death cult which is christianity.

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