Folks are upset that a Muslim congressman wants to take his oath of office on a Koran rather than a Bible. I don't know what the bigwigs of “evangelicalism” are saying about it, since I literally never listen to “Christian” radio, but radio host and syndicated columnist Dennis Prager has some interesting (in´tər-est-ing, adj. ignorant of Constitutional law, American history, the Bible, and the Christian faith in general) opinions on this.

Prager’s first interesting (see definition above) statement is the title of his Townhall.com article, America, Not Keith Ellison, decides what book a congressman takes his oath on. What does he mean, “America, not Kieth Ellison, decides”? If, by “America,” he means the law of the United States of America, I agree. But what does the law say about this? The answer is, nothing. That’s right, nothing, and for a very good reason. The architects of the Constitution specifically did not want religion dictated by law. Go here for details on that. If, by “America,” Prager means the sensibilities of the populace, then he is on very dangerous ground. If America ever was a Christian nation (I deny that it was), it certainly is not now. The Christian (using the term generically, not soteriologically) population is shrinking, not growing. Suppose one day the majority of the population objects to the use of the Bible in swearing-in ceremonies? Will Prager still say “America decides”? Suppose one day we have a majority of Muslims? Will Prager then object to the use of the Bible? Prager says,

Forgive me, but America should not give a hoot what Keith Ellison’s favorite book is. Insofar as a member of Congress taking an oath to serve America and uphold its values is concerned, America is interested in only one book, the Bible. If you are incapable of taking an oath on that book, don’t serve in Congress.

Is that a joke? “America is interested in only one book, the Bible”? That is an interesting (see definition above) statement indeed. The vast majority of Americans who call themselves Christians haven’t the slightest interest in the Bible. Those who call themselves “evangelical” are far more interested in nice formulas for having their best life now than in anything God has to say. If Congress was limited to those who could legitimately swear on the Bible (I’m leaving Matthew 5:33-37 out of it for now), the House, Senate, and Whitehouse would be nearly vacant.

Prager continues his interesting commentary:

Devotees of multiculturalism and political correctness who do not see how damaging to the fabric of American civilization it is to allow Ellison to choose his own book need only imagine a racist elected to Congress. Would they allow him to choose Hitler's “Mein Kampf,” the Nazis’ bible, for his oath? And if not, why not? On what grounds will those defending Ellison's right to choose his favorite book deny that same right to a racist who is elected to public office?

How many of you will agree with me that, if a Nazi was elected, his choice of book would be nowhere near the greatest of our problems? Should voters who elect Nazis care about a ceremonial token book? This is interesting in more ways than I can say.

When all elected officials take their oaths of office with their hands on the very same book, they all affirm that some unifying value system underlies American civilization.

Right. When elected officials take their oaths on the Bible, they are affirming the values that underlie abortion, homosexual rights, and a growing list of perversions that are becoming acceptable “alternative lifestyles.”

Do you see how meaningless this is? Setting the Bible up as a token of our alleged righteousness is the epitome of vanity. It is the equivalent of calling your wife from your girlfriend’s bed to tell her you love her.

Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid. Isaiah 29:13-14