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Hello Folks!

I've been following the Casey Anthony murder trial (commenting on it in the Old Testament here on MDB) and got to thinking about the oath taken prior to giving testimony in US Courts.

The oath goes something like this...

"Do you solemnly affirm or swear to tell the truth and the whole truth so help you God?"

Question for Atheists: Okay, this is obvious, but how do you think you would feel about taking such an oath?


Question for both Atheists and Believers: If you were sworn in as a witness in the murder trial of your child, knowing that the death penalty was part of the package...would you lie under oath if you thought it might save your child from the death penalty? Discuss.

Thanks,
Jersey Girl
:-)

If my child were guilty, no, I wouldn't. I can forgive my children, but I will not lie to help them escape the consequences of their own actions. I know, sounds harsh, but if I lied to cover for them, and they got off without consequences, they'd probably think I'd do it again the next time they got in trouble.

If my kid were facing the death penalty and I knew he or she was guilty, my advice would be to plea bargain for a lighter sentence.

No. Personal responsibility isn't learned when parents cover up the child's crimes, whether it's covering for shoplifting as a teenager or murder as an adult.

The parent lying would not allow the child the opportunity to repent, thus sealing their eternal damnation. No loving parent would do that.

I would like to say that no, I would not lie for my child. I agree with Runtu. They made their choices, and should face the consequences.

To me, this is like asking if I will pray to God if my plane were plummeting to the ground with my imminent death approaching. I honestly don't know what I would do.

I doubt if the oath itself ever kept anyone from lying. At least not in this century.

I'm pretty sure they don't say "so help you god" anymore.

I have no idea, but I don't think I would lie.

just me wrote:I'm pretty sure they don't say "so help you god" anymore.

I have no idea, but I don't think I would lie.

They do in Florida, BFF.

:-)

Jersey Girl wrote: If you were sworn in as a witness in the murder trial of your child, knowing that the death penalty was part of the package...
Jersey Girl
:-)

There were a fiction I've read with title "My Son, My Son!"
By Howard Spring, or maybe by William Faulkner, probably the first one. It was one book borrowed. I was 14 or the same range, and I didn't understand everything adults do, can do or should do in certain cases.

Today, I would say anything - truth or lie - to save my daughter or children of my wife (4).
They are adults, they made their choices, they should face the consequences - if I wouldn't love them unconditionally. I do.

I am atheist.

Edited to add:
even if I knew they are guilty

I really don't know.

Hi Jersey Girl

Jersey Girl wrote:

Question for both Atheists and Believers: If you were sworn in as a witness in the murder trial of your child, knowing that the death penalty was part of the package...would you lie under oath if you thought it might save your child from the death penalty? Discuss.

Thanks,
Jersey Girl
:-)

I would lie

Peace,
Ceeboo