Don’t see the point of this cartoon. Swearing on the Bible never kept anybody from lying in court. Actually, fear that a lie detector test might work could induce some people to tell the truth, if it were used. But they aren’t ever used in court, afaik.
@swr: Beyond Genesis, there are many places where especially the Old Testament is not necessarily historically accurate. Remembering that the bulk of the first five books was written hundreds of years after the events, and bearing archeological finds in mind, much of the scholarly consensus is that the stories passed down and finally committed to writing were fudged. Why? In part just because of the passage of time but also because everyone paints their own history a little brighter than reality. That’s one reason we see vast massacres in which a handful of Israelites wipe out entire populations. It’s to make them seem more imposing – make their glory days seem more important. Reality seems to be much less dramatic and ultimately less violent . This does nothing to diminish the importance of scripture for me because the truth (as opposed to mere facts) lies within the telling.
Superfrog about 10 years ago
It’s a Pinocchio Machine.
Proginoskes about 10 years ago
Polygraphs only work if you think they do.
If the examiner is good, he/she will use psychological techniques to get the person to confess. Otherwise, they’re useless.
cdward about 10 years ago
Fortunately, nobody ever lied when they swore on a bible.
puddlesplatt about 10 years ago
Back then we believed, lying was bad, and didn’t want to take that chance!
pierreandnicole about 10 years ago
People will lie for their own advantage no matter what.
echoraven about 10 years ago
Since you know the Bible is fiction, then you must know everything. Can I have next week’s lottery numbers? Thanks!
rowena28 Premium Member about 10 years ago
Don’t see the point of this cartoon. Swearing on the Bible never kept anybody from lying in court. Actually, fear that a lie detector test might work could induce some people to tell the truth, if it were used. But they aren’t ever used in court, afaik.
cdward about 10 years ago
@swr: Beyond Genesis, there are many places where especially the Old Testament is not necessarily historically accurate. Remembering that the bulk of the first five books was written hundreds of years after the events, and bearing archeological finds in mind, much of the scholarly consensus is that the stories passed down and finally committed to writing were fudged. Why? In part just because of the passage of time but also because everyone paints their own history a little brighter than reality. That’s one reason we see vast massacres in which a handful of Israelites wipe out entire populations. It’s to make them seem more imposing – make their glory days seem more important. Reality seems to be much less dramatic and ultimately less violent . This does nothing to diminish the importance of scripture for me because the truth (as opposed to mere facts) lies within the telling.
TIMH about 10 years ago
To fail a “lie detector” test, one has to possess a conscience.