Separation of Church and State? Oh Really?

Submitted by Michel C. Zala (United States), Jan 14, 2007 at 00:33

The example is deplorable, outright tragic.

To swear on the Koran in any official capacity is another of those so immensly dangerous precedences we set here in the US. We proclaim separation of Church and state, yet we allow a member of congress to use a Koran for the oath?

I can only shake my head.

I wonder what a Buddhist member of congress may use? Is a mormon using his own version of scripture? A Jew the Talmud?
When will that nonsense ever stop?

I advocate : If you need to hold your hand on a book or pergament to declare truthfulness, use a copy of the US constitution or consider the common Bible as non-religious or historical book standing for core ethical and moral values. After all, America is founded on Judeo/Christian belief system and any newcomer should accept the host's rules. Simple as that.

The notion of Jefferson being a closet Muslim is hilarious and should be treated as such - a joke.
Now I really need a drink.

Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".