New Jersey has dropped the nonsense of signing an oath that has “so help me god” on it. Curious how the christians are having a fit about it, when their bible says not to take oaths at all (see the bible verses below).
An article about it:
“New Jersey will no longer require political candidates to swear an oath including the word “God” in order to be placed on a ballot, prompting a religious freedom group that sued over the oath to drop its lawsuit.
The new wording allows people with no religious affiliation who objected to swearing to God to run for office, said Samantha Lawrence, legal fellow at the Freedom From Religion Foundation, a secular advocacy group.
“We were very pleased to see the state has essentially agreed with our complaint and our legal concerns,” she said. “They took very quick action to try and rectify the situation, and our plaintiff is also happy with the state’s action.”
Under state law, people running for office must file a petition requiring them to sign the New Jersey Oath of Allegiance.
But now, the New Jersey Division of Elections will give candidates two options — swear an oath that includes “in the presence of Almighty God” and “so help me God,” or a solemn affirmation or declaration with no religious reference, according to a memo sent Oct. 24 to county clerks statewide. ”
I’m happily a member of FFRF.
Yep, JC himself says not to swear oaths.
“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 KJV
“33 “Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.’ 34 But I say to you: Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one.” Matthew 5 NRSVUE
Unsurprisingly, they are taking a fit when they can add their goddy nonsenes back in to the oath if they want:
“OATH WORDING AND WHO MAY ADMINISTER
“I, ______ do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully, impartially and justly perform all the duties of the office of _____ to the best of my ability, and that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey, and that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same and to the Governments established in the United States and in this State, under the authority of the people.”
Note:
Any person taking the oath of office may add the phrase “So help me God.”
The taking of an oath of office by affirmation shall have the same effect as a sworn oath of office.
Source: 41:1-3, 41:1-4, 41:1-5 41:2A-6″
Club Schadenfreude 
I live in New Jersey, that is great news.
A short story: When I worked as a RN for the VA a bunch of us was contracted out to the US Army during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. We were Case Mangers for the soldiers deploying and returning from the war zones. We managed their physical and mental care before deploying, making sure they were fit to go kill other humans. And on return we took care of the minor to moderately injured returning soldiers. One day I was chosen for some committee which was working up a study for something (I forgot the details) and we had to be sworn in. When it came my turn, I informed the Commander I was an Atheist and would not be swearing to God or on the bible. The Commander without skipping a beat said no problem and gave me a different oath that did not mention God or the bible. I mention this because going into the situation I was concerned (freaking a bit) because the Amry people who I worked for were all pretty religious. I thought my being an Atheist was going to stir the pot, but I must say were accommodating.
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surprising, but nice. Most of my relatives from my mom’s side of the family were in jersey, around Edison and Somerset.
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That is central NJ, have a nephew and some friends who live in that neck of the woods. I live in Ocean country about a mile inland from the ocean.
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… making sure they were fit to go kill other humans.
That phrase jumped off the page at me. 😢
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unfortunately, that’s what war requires.
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Before becoming an RN, I spent four years (1971 to 1975) in the United States Marine Corps as a paid killer. That was pounded into our heads relentlessly.
I still get amazed when I see reports of atrocities during war and people are upset. You can say there are codes, ethics, rules or whatever, but in war the only rule is find the enemy and kill the enemy before they kill you. You can and need to use any means to achieve your goal.
Don’t want to sound like a war monger (I am really a peaceful person), but the reality of war is difficult to fathom for many people.
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that’s how it is. My brother was a marine, tank commander in whatever war had to do with Kuwait.
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I think it has never been put in such a better way
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