I Swear

Here in North Carolina, the ACLU, on behalf of a Muslim woman, is suing the state to get the Legislature to change the law and make the legal system more inclusive of all religions. The plan is to require all courts to have multiple religious texts so that someone of say, Muslim faith can swear on the Quran instead of the Christian Bible.

Interesting banter occurred this morning on WPTF in Raleigh. Kevin Miller's guest was Jennifer Rudinger, the Executive Director of the state ACLU. [FOR BACKGROUND on the lawsuit follow the link below]

Some callers argued tradition should be allowed to stand, a few said the country was founded on Judeo-Christian values, so others should just adapt. Rudinger says, in essence, she believes someone of a different faith may put more stock into "swearing" on their own religious text than on the Bible.

One woman, who claimed not to be very pious in her Jewish beliefs, pointed out Jews are not supposed to "swear" on anything. She says every time she's been asked to "swear" an oath she has said, "I affirm on my religion..." and that has been fully acceptable. She also noted it costs nothing for the state to let her do that, while the ACLU plan would have a steep price tag. Rudinger noted the law allows for that, as it is written in the statutes, but the ACLU is not disputing that point.

Something I did not hear was any Muslim commenting on "swearing" on anything. I mean, we're treated to horror stories by the news media of Quran abuse at Gitmo. We're told by the military that safeguards are in place to treat the Quran with utmost respect -- gloved hands, placing the Quaran on a clean towel, etc. -- because it is degrading to Muslims for an infidel to "touch" the Holy Quran.

So, what is it ACLU? If the Quran "abuse" angle is considered, wouldn't having a Quran available in the courtroom subject it to being abused by infidels? In fact, most likely an infidel would hold the Quran for a Muslim to "swear" on, which would be the heighth of blasphemy! The ACLU might also want to check on "swearing" by Muslims also. Seems to me they probably have rules about that, as well. And since Jews are not supposed to "swear" an oath, then aren't we back at square one?

The state of North Carolina (as do most) already allows a non-Christian to be sworn "with upraised hand," without any religious text being used, and -- as noted above -- to say "affirm" instead of "swear" and to delete the words "so help me God". SO WHAT'S THE PROBLEM???

Just what's the point? Is this really a useful debate?