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An oath by any other name . . .
The problem of promises
As a child, I was taught to never swear an oath, even flippantly. Yet, many of my friends when I was young would casually say, either to add credibility to a story or in jest, phrases such as ‘I swear to God,’ and, ‘I swear on my mother’s grave,’ even though our mothers were very much alive.
Looking back, these are harmless expressions intended to convey hyperbole. As a result of the training from my family, though, hearing these utterances gave me anxiety. Why? Because we were told that the bible said to never swear. Does it really say that? Well, yes and no.
Hebrews (6:13) tells us that God swore an oath to Abraham. Yet, when the Almighty did this, he swore by himself, since there was no one greater by whom to swear. Sure, but that’s God. He’s allowed to do that. Except, what about Leviticus (19:12) in which God says not to swear by His name falsely? And, Deuteronomy (6:13) where it’s said to fear God, serve Him and that by His name you will swear.
So, it’s ok to swear an oath, just not falsely? It seems so, since Exodus (20:7) tells us not to take the Lord’s name in vain. Aha! So, that’s the issue. Thus, if you’re going to swear an oath, do so by God, in a serious manner, and you’re fine? Maybe.
