Congressman to Be Sworn in Using Quran

[steven]

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The first Muslim elected to Congress says he will take his oath of office using a Quran once owned by Thomas Jefferson to make the point that "religious differences are nothing to be afraid of."
Rep.-elect Keith Ellison, D-Minn., decided to use the centuries-old Quran during his ceremonial swearing-in on Thursday after he learned that it is kept at the Library of Congress. Jefferson, the nation's third president and a collector of books in all topics and languages, sold the book to Congress in 1815 as part of a collection.

"It demonstrates that from the very beginning of our country, we had people who were visionary, who were religiously tolerant, who believed that knowledge and wisdom could be gleaned from any number of sources, including the Quran," Ellison said in a telephone interview Wednesday.
"A visionary like Thomas Jefferson was not afraid of a different belief system," Ellison said. "This just shows that religious tolerance is the bedrock of our country, and religious differences are nothing to be afraid of."

Some critics have argued that only a Bible should be used for the swearing-in. Last month, Rep. Virgil Goode, R-Va., warned that unless immigration is tightened, "many more Muslims" will be elected and follow Ellison's lead. Ellison was born in Detroit and converted to Islam in college.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/ELLISON_QURAN?SITE=NYBUE&SECTION=HOME

[DR_GONZO]

"Some critics have argued that only a Bible should be used for the swearing-in."

I never understood this whole 'swearing-in' thing or oath stuff, calling upon God or a god to be witness to the truth. After one asserts as true or promise, their oath, how can that god be called upon as a witness? Why not back up one's promise to the Constitution? If you were found to have lied about this oath you would be disrespecting every single part of the U.S.A. or what this country is based on. Morally this might be a good thing. Wouldn't one think twice about one's actions or words before this swearing in?

By no means am I trying to berate any type of religion.

[colossus27]

Last month, Rep. Virgil Goode, R-Va., warned that unless immigration is tightened, "many more Muslims" will be elected and follow Ellison's lead.

I see this as a good thing. Evidently Virgil's opinions on seperation of church and state only apply to people following his faith.

Me, I'd need to take the oath on a block of mozzarella :D

[leftWNYbecauseofBS]

I see this as a good thing as well. I am Catholic, if I were to swear on the Koran, it would not mean much. The same can be applied to this guy. If he were to swear in on a Bible, it would not mean anything to him. He is taking the oath to his country and God. Not mine God or those who object to this God. I would rather have his oath mean something to him then his constituents and colleagues.

[WestSideJohn]

I'm just glad to finally see a Congressman who hates pork.

[leftWNYbecauseofBS]

I'm just glad to finally see a Congressman who hates pork.


Now that is FUNNY!

[Right Wing]

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The first Muslim elected to Congress says he will take his oath of office using a Quran once owned by Thomas Jefferson to make the point that "religious differences are nothing to be afraid of."
Rep.-elect Keith Ellison, D-Minn., decided to use the centuries-old Quran during his ceremonial swearing-in on Thursday after he learned that it is kept at the Library of Congress. Jefferson, the nation's third president and a collector of books in all topics and languages, sold the book to Congress in 1815 as part of a collection.

"It demonstrates that from the very beginning of our country, we had people who were visionary, who were religiously tolerant, who believed that knowledge and wisdom could be gleaned from any number of sources, including the Quran," Ellison said in a telephone interview Wednesday.
"A visionary like Thomas Jefferson was not afraid of a different belief system," Ellison said. "This just shows that religious tolerance is the bedrock of our country, and religious differences are nothing to be afraid of."

Some critics have argued that only a Bible should be used for the swearing-in. Last month, Rep. Virgil Goode, R-Va., warned that unless immigration is tightened, "many more Muslims" will be elected and follow Ellison's lead. Ellison was born in Detroit and converted to Islam in college.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/ELLISON_QURAN?SITE=NYBUE&SECTION=HOME


Actually, the legal swearing in of the Congressmen takes place with all of them in a single group. No hand on a bible at all.

The swearing in with the Bible or, now, Quran takes place afterward and is actually unnecessary. This event is simply a photo-op for constituents.

[steven]

Actually, the legal swearing in of the Congressmen takes place with all of them in a single group. No hand on a bible at all.

The swearing in with the Bible or, now, Quran takes place afterward and is actually unnecessary. This event is simply a photo-op for constituents.

I didnt no that.

[therising]

Last month, Rep. Virgil Goode, R-Va., warned that unless immigration is tightened, "many more Muslims" will be elected and follow Ellison's lead. Ellison was born in Detroit and converted to Islam in college.

I'd like to know what his point is. :confused:

[Ragin]

I didnt no that.

You really ought to listen more when I'm talking to you cause sometimes knowledgeable information come out of my mouth :p