Retraction, sort of

A few days ago I did an article on Dennis Prager's comments about Keith Ellison and his intentions to be sworn into congress using the Koran. Articles on the subject have been all over the news and the blogs, but today there is question as to whether Ellison ever made that statement. hat tip Rastaman

Prager's article was published at TownHall.com and also American Family Association, who had a link to send your opinions to your politicians on the subject.

It seems Prager was wrong on some other points as well. If Ellison never made the statement, then Prager and the rest who quoted him were wrong. However, the left has jumped all over this, using folks like U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), saying she didn't use the Christian Bible, but used the Hebrew Bible.

Unless they are talking about the Torah which is part of the Old Testament, then they are referring to the entire Old Testament, which is part of the Christian Bible which also includes the New Testament. No conflict there. The Torah is the first five books of the Old Testament (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy, a/k/a the Books of Moses).

It has been stated that congressmen simply make an oath and don't even use a Bible for the swearing in. They do use the Bible for the photo-op after the swearing in. It could be that Ellison said he would use the Koran, -- meaning he would use it for the photo. I don't know.

I'm still not happy about Ellison and his connections to CAIR and other questionable Islamic groups.

Related articles:
Think Progress

Comments

[RoadKnight]

Shoot. I forgot something. VA, your point about "Generations of our Christian ancestors" was a good one. But man-made tradition is one of the big problems of this world. Remember, it was the traditions of the Pharasees that caused the Jews to reject their Messiah when He arrived. See Matthew 15:6; Mark 7:8-9,13; and Colossians 2:8.

Gee, sometimes being a Bible scholar comes in handy. LOL.

In any case, only the individual and God ever truely know whether a persons faith is true or not. I don't make any judgements about a person's salvation, but I do question their actions when they violate the word of God.

[RoadKnight]

VA, the first thing is that Ellison will not be sworn in with the Koran. He will not be sworn in with his hand on any book at all. According to the Office of the House Clerk, no religious text is used for the swearing in process. This whole story is bogus.

As for what he has his hand of for the photo, it's immaterial. The Bible is used frequently, though so is the Torah. What difference does it make is his picture is taken with his hand on the Koran?

And for the last little bit about true Christians, obviously only you and God know if your faith is true. But Christ also said:

"If ye love me, keep my commandments." - John 14:15

I suppose I should have qualified the statement tand said, "Any Christian who knows and obeys the Word of God...". Sadly, most of those who call themselves Christians do not know the Word of God and, hense, do not know the God of the Word.

[Vanishing American]

I think the use of the Koran for swearing-in sets a precedent that we don't want, especially since if it is done, it will be making a special exception for Moslems. I think the importance of the symbolism of the Koran being used for the oath is recognized by the Moslems, so they will push for it.
I think 'Roadknight's' point about Christians not swearing oaths is well-taken; but I am not sure I would say that no true Christian would swear on a Bible. Generations of our Christian ancestors did, and I'm not prepared to exclude them from the 'true Christian' category.

[RoadKnight]

What the heck? Triple posted? Debbie, can you clean that up and remove two of them please?

[RoadKnight]

I did a little research into this and there is no book used for the swearing in at all. None. Not the Torah, Bible, or even the Wiccan Grimoire. Nothing.

Ive already written to the AFA informing them of this.

As a side note, a true Christian would not swear on the Bible at all. Nor by God or any other thing.

"33 Again, 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:

34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:

35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.

36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.

37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil." - Matthew 5:33-37 (KJV)