scigirl

Yeah, I suppose you are correct - saying the oath is just a "formality," like a graduation ceremony. Legally, they don't mean jack. You become a licenced physician by passing the boards.

But I guess I was trying to think of an analogy for christians for the pledge. Sure, you could say the same about the pledge: it really doesn't mean anything, or force us be patriotic.

Yet we do impart meaning to ceremonies, rituals, oaths. And when religious references are placed in these oaths, it is more difficult for the non-religious to take them seriously. Swearing on the Bible for instance. Sure it's just symbolic--making people do it obviously does not prevent perjury from happening. But I doubt you could convince any Christian to swear on the Qu'ran, or the book of Mormon. So it does mean something, doesn't it?

scigirl

scigirl

Yeah I know - I was sort of using this thread as an analogy to the Pledge, rather than as a history of the H Oath.

But it is a fascinating history isn't it! I'm excited to see what U of Colorado does for the ceremony. I'm not sure if we do that first (at the white coat ceremony) or at graduation, or both.

I hope we say a more updated version. I can't say 'I swear by Apollo' without laughing, and well, this is supposed to be a serious affair.

Oh ok! That's a relief.

Thanks for that site, I'll have to check it out.

scigirl

[ July 10, 2002: Message edited by: scigirl ]</p>

scigirl

Steal away. . . .

MOJO-JOJO

A christian that promotes Disney family values and a godless pledge?? You're okay Rev. Josh

(not to mention your wife being a UT grad )