What do you all think of this? There are some nasty phrases in the Quran. If a congressman is swearing on it then I have some reservations.

Rep.-elect Keith Ellison, the first Muslim elected to Congress, will use a Quran once owned by Thomas Jefferson during his ceremonial swearing-in Thursday.

The chief of the Library of Congress' rare book and special collections division, Mark Dimunation, will walk the Quran across the street to the Capitol and then walk it back after the ceremony.

Ellison, D-Minn., contacted the library about the book last month, Dimunation said.

Some critics have argued that only a Bible should be used for the swearing-in. Last month, Virginia 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.

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Since it is a swearing in ceremony I don't really see the point of a non Christian using a bible to swear on. It won't mean anything to him.

I feel the same way. Even though I am not a religious person, it makes no sense to have someone else who believe in a different religion swear on the Bible. The oath wouldn't have any meaning if he is forced to swear on the Bible.

The other point is that part of the reason this country came to be was because of the search of freedom of religious expression.

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Just my humble opinion!

I think it's pretty cool that they're using a Koran instead of a Bible to swear in a Muslim congressman. But what would they use for an atheist congressman? Or a Wiccan? (A Harry Potter book for the Wiccan, perhaps? lol)

But didn't they use a Bible to swear in what's-his-name Lieberman (the guy who was a senator, and was running to be Gore's VP)? He's Jewish, right?

Yes. Jewish people use the Old Testament Bible as most all Christians do. However, Jews as well as Mormons differ greatly when it comes to the New Testament.

Actually, Mormons (more properly known as Latter-day Saints) use the same Bible (and thus the same New Testament) as other Christians. We consider the King James Version of the Bible to be the most correct.

"Same old Testament" does not lead one to conclude "Thus the same New Testament". You must admit that LDS folks believe in events in the life of Jesus that are in the Book of Mormon and the "Pearl of Great Price", but are not mentioned in any New Testament. The LDS Church is not well understood by other denominations. Some misunderstandings and differences are controvesial among non-followers of Joseph Smith. From a historical viewpoint, it would be a good thing to investigate their beliefs. Those who only speak of the polygamy which is approved in some areas where it is legal, (Outside the US) do a disservice to the LDS and themselves by not learning more about the other facets of the church. I was an "Investigator" in Nevada, while living and working with LDS folks every day. (That means that I was researching their beliefs with their assistance.) I find they are very good neighbors, and fine people to associate with. I do not personally accept their teachings that stem from Joseph Smith.