Why is a bible used during the inauguration of the president of the US?

Question

does that not violate the "wall of separation between church and state"? does that not contradict the cornerstone of this nation's founding? why is, in this "secular" nation, christianity such a big part in the government of the US? "in god we trust" "under god" the inaugural bible? why is christmas a national holiday? i have nothing against any religion in the world, but i do have something against the contradictions so prevalent in the government of the united states. am i simply hallucinating? or are these things really present?

Answer 1

The holidays are meaningless. Your boss can still make you work, after all. Unless the company sets that day off for it's employees, they may still have to work. There are plenty of places that are open on Christmas, Easter, etc.

As for swearing on the bible...I suppose it's mostly because every president we've had was either Protestant or Catholic, and so they swear on the bible. It'll be a long time before anyone other than a Christian is elected, unfortunately, because the 'majority' is comprised of close-minded Christians. It'll be a while before the USA catches up with Europe and Canada when it comes to intelligent, progressive thought. For example, everyone is having a snit-fit over Obama being a possible Muslim. While these claims are false, if they WERE true, it shouldn't matter. It's just a classic case of people being afraid of what's different from them, and what they're too stupid to understand.

In a perfect world, the government would be completely separate from religion. Conservatives would have to find a way to take away reproductive rights without using the bible, 'Intelligent Design' (creationism in sheep's clothing) wouldn't have a leg to stand on in the classroom, etc. Unfortunately, we don't live in a perfect world...let alone a perfectly democratic society. Wait a hundred years or so...things may improve.

Answer 2

It is a fine tradition which dates all the way back to our first President, George Washington.

Answer 3

You're not hallucinating. It is next to impossible for an atheist to get elected to office nowadays, so even if they are of atheist bent, they lie about it.

You don't need the bible or any other book to swear the oath of office, that is simply up to the person who was elected.

Answer 4

Though founded as a nation with no specific religion, those who founded america were christian. They believed in whorshipingGod as you saw fit, however, it was generally assumed that you believed in some sort of god. The God mentioned is no specific god an thus allows the freedom to worship which one you choose. If you don't believe in a god than it should be nothing more than tradition to you.

Answer 5

You swear on a bible, I guess if you are Muslim you would swear on the koran and a Hebrew would swear on the Torah but now let see an atheist would swear on an encyclopedia, or a book explaining the big bang theory and evolution...good question

Answer 6

Basically, I think you are right. It's probably up to the individual President to be sworn in that way; a different President with a different religion probably would do it elsewhere.

The rest of your question has all sorts of answers. Part of it is that a majority of the population has always been Christian. (In other words, no one would show up to work for Christmas.) Part of it is a reaction to the Red Scare/McCarthyism of the early 1950's.  

Answer 7

Funny huh.  No matter how hard liberals try, it will be clear to the world that America was founded on christian principles.

Answer 8

it does not violate the first amendment. To say there is a law that demands separation of church and state is fallacious. The law states

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

It does not say that there can be no religion in the government.

Answer 9

Because the Founding Fathers were all Christian Men who relied on their faith in God to make decisions that would impact the future of the United States of America.

Answer 10

because this nation is founded based on christianity...  and god.... ie declaration... money, inagurations... etc..