Hi, guys —

• Could you please explain how oaths are in accord with the Scriptures?

Taking oath is a common practice of certain people in a specific field throughout the world.

• We see oath taking in a court, or when an official is inaugurated for office.
• In our school, we are required to take an oath every day as it is a sign of patriotism.
  In my country, the Philippines, we call it "Panatang Makabayan". In fact, it is a national order of our country.

Nevertheless, I have read a passage from the Scriptures which states:

"33 Again, you have heard that it was said to those who lived long ago, 'You must not swear an oath falsely,' but 'You must fulfill your oaths to the Lord.' 34 But I tell you not to swear at all, neither by heaven, because it is God's throne, 35 nor by the earth, because it is his footstool, nor by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the Great King. 36 Nor should you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 Instead, let your message be 'Yes' for 'Yes' and 'No' for 'No.' Anything more than that comes from the evil one."

(Matthew 5: 33-37 (ISV)

I do not personally practice making promises to others that I will do something, as I just may fail [him|her]. I think, no one can be certain if something will happen or not, or whether someone can do something or not, except God.

• In the case of public oaths:
  • inaugurations for a position
  • oaths in a court
  • oaths of patriotism
  • etc.
    are these things included in what Jesus has said (above) that we should not do?
    
    
• If that's the case, then, why does the world continue to practice these?
• Or, why don't I hear the Church admonishing the people, or prohibiting them from making such oaths?
• I was raised in a Catholic school; why are they letting us take the "Panatang Makabayan" every day?
• Are they not informed about this passage in the Scriptures?
• Is the Church forced to conform with this kind of practice?
• Or maybe there is another reason.

Public oaths usually contain promises to oneself to have a specific virtue that one must have for a certain position. Most of them are not manual work but something that builds character, i.e.:

• I will do my best.
• I will perform well.
• I will regard this as my primary responsibility.
• I will not abuse my power.
• I will take care of my people.
• etc.

This idea gives me a hint but I'd still be interested in your explanation. I think it's better to solicit answers from people who know the faith better than me, and who will give me a truthful answer whether it is easy or difficult to accept.

Neil