okay perhaps i just don't know. blame it on the fact i've never had to be involved in a trial. but isn't that they bible that witnesses swear on before giving testimony? if so, what's the big deal with having the ten commandments posted near the courthouse? those same commandments are in the bible, no?
i really don't understand what's wrong with the 10 commandments. it's basic stuff. don't kill, don't steal. the judges enforce that so it seems relevant to me...
maybe i'm just being way too simplistic.
i really don't understand what's wrong with the 10 commandments. it's basic stuff. don't kill, don't steal. the judges enforce that so it seems relevant to me...
maybe i'm just being way too simplistic.
5 lovely comments:
Melissa said...
Hey, that's true!! I didn't think of that.
-Me said...
It's only on tv where people place their hand on a Bible and finish with "so help me God." What they do in a real courtroom is, they are asked to raise their right hand. The deputy will say, "Do you affirm that the testimony you are about to give is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?" The person says yes, and it's all good. So the Ten Commandments differ dramatically -- in testifying there truly is no connection to religion at all.
I also thnk that there is a difference between a LAW saying "don't kill" and a commandment, allegedly from God, saying, "don't kill" and placing it in a courthouse. I wear a cross, but what about those who do not? Why should my "laws" become something they are forced to confront? Remember all this country was founded on. Separation of church and state, etc.
Finally, you are making an exaggeration when you say that the Ten Commandments are just "basic stuff" that "the judges enforce." Not true at all. Do judges enforce that you shouldn't have other gods before Him? Do judges throw people in jail for taking God's name in vain? What about other images? If someone works on the sabbath, are they criminals? If they do not "honor" their parents, is that a crime? What about coveting neighbor's house/wife, etc?
Even things such as committing adultery and lying under oath (false witness) are not "crimes" as we think of them anymore.
So basically, because two amendments (killing and stealing - the two you choose to discuss) are laws that Judges enforce, the other 8 should somehow receive legal significant by placing them in a courthouse?
melyssa said...
steph - lighten up, i was being sarcastic.
-Me said...
Hey, I was just commenting. It's in the news, and plenty of people are talking about it. I didn't think that I was anything other than me making points.
Melissa said...
See, that is what I get for watching too much TV! lol