Should the Bible Be Used for Swearing in Ceremonies?

The answer to this question should be a resounding "Yes!" However, I agree that God and religion should not be forced upon anyone. Those who exclaim so loudly otherwise are, I feel, gravely mistaken. I will explain this seeming contradiction below.

The debate over God, the Bible, and Country seems to be one that raises blood pressure and lights exuberant discussion the world over. Often the only opinions expressed are those of the faithful God fearing Christians and of those who oppose religion as a whole taking any part in society. Recently, some conservatives were appalled that a Congressman, Keith Ellison, wished to swear over a Qur'an, and called the act "psychotic", and the act of a "whacked out minority" among other ridiculous things.

I think we have embarrassed ourselves. Not every American is, or should be, a Bible fearing Christian. Thank God.

Devoted members of many peaceful religions enrich our society greatly. Sadly, the extremists get the press and the ultra conservatives go on rampages, and suddenly the world is telling us that any member of such and such point of view in the minority is the spawn of Satan (or whichever equivalent makes sense to you).
It is too bad that we tend to idolize the extremist notions in our society, when often a more middle ground approach would accomplish more and represent a greater portion of our nation's population.

Why should someone be ridiculed for wanting to swear on something that may mean to him or her what the Bible may mean to you or me? Does this not seem the most logical approach? I would not find as much importance, personally, in swearing over another strange book that meant nothing to me. Likewise, I would not imagine feeling the authority and importance of a swearing in without the Bible. As a Christian, the Bible means a great deal to me, and would signify very plainly and powerfully the importance of the act of swearing over it. Isn't this conviction what matters?

The Bible obviously maintains a prominent place in our nation's history, and that place ought to be respected. And yes, the Bible should continue to be used for swearing-in ceremonies. We should also allow, with dignity and civility, the use of the Qur'an, Torah, Book of Mormon, the four Vedas, the Bab, the Agamas, or other serious religious text that is vindictive of personal beliefs and values of the individual being sworn in. Obviously we must take serious consideration of the values of the individual in question when we cast our ballot - which is another topic in and of itself.