Swear on the bible. Is it bad to swear on the bible for someone to show them that you are telling the truth?

Answer 1

Yes, it is to most people. Some people say they promise on The Bible instead, but either way its God's choice to figure if it's wrong or not, so I really do not know, but I would say "Promise on the Bible"

Answer

There is no group that would profit by swearing on a Bible, except those wishing to use superstitious belief as a lever to get others to believe them:

• Christians are enjoined not to swear (promise to tell he truth) in their own Bible. In the Epistle of James 5:12 it states "Above all, my brothers, do not swear--not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned."
• Atheists would see no purpose to swearing on any book - Bible, phonebook or Dictionary
• Other religions would see nothing special about a Bible as an "anchor" for their truthfulness
• The ancient Romans gave us the word "testify" by holding their testicles while swearing to tell the truth

Answer 2

Some Christians believe it is wrong to swear by anything, especially God's Word. It is considered sacrilegious and in contravention of Jesus' teaching. Matthew 5:

33Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: 34But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: 35Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. 36Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. 37But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

Answer 3

It is common practice in many Western countries for Christians to swear on the Bible to demonstrate their intention to be entirely honest in the testimony they will be asked to give. If they do not wish to swear on the Bible, they can usually give anon-religious oath or an affirmation to the same effect. Either way, under law, the person is legally obliged to provide truthful testimony.

Answer 4

Though an entrenched practice in the USA, especially in legal matters, the Scripture is plain that we should not swear but always strive to tell the plain truth - only God is infallible and cannot lie (compare Hebrews 6:13-17 and Psalm 110:4):

Matthew 5:34-37Contemporary English Version (CEV)34 But I tell you not to swear by anything when you make a promise! Heaven is God’s throne, so don’t swear by heaven. 35 The earth is God’s footstool, so don’t swear by the earth. Jerusalem is the city of the great king, so don’t swear by it. 36 Don’t swear by your own head. You cannot make one hair white or black. 37 When you make a promise, say only “Yes” or “No.” Anything else comes from the devil.