Word & Table Oaths
Mar 20, 2026
Fr. Stephen Gauthier, Canon Theologian and formation director, explores what Scripture and Anglican tradition say about swearing oaths. He unpacks Jesus and James on truthful speech. He outlines lawful uses of oaths, ones to avoid, biblical precedents, and practical rules for swearing properly.
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Sermon On The Mount Targets Vain Swearing
- Jesus and James prohibit vain or casual swearing, not all solemn oaths.
- The core point is integrity: our ordinary speech must match the truth so we don't need special oaths.
Take Oaths Only For Serious Public Purposes
- Accept oaths when required by the magistrate for matters of faith or charity and social necessity.
- Examples include court testimony, covenants/treaties, marriage fidelity, and oaths of office.
Oaths Invoke God's Honor Not Just Formality
- The Book of Homilies ties wrongful swearing to the second commandment against using God's name in vain.
- An oath calls God to witness and risks dishonoring God if used casually or falsely.