Last week, the US supreme court heard arguments about a case that involves lying. The basis of the case involves a man who claimed he had the Medal of Honor, but did not. The discussion among the judges was interesting in that they talked about when it is ok to lie and when it is not ok. For example, it is not ok to lie about professional qualification on a resume. That is fraud. But it would be ok to lie, "There are no Jews hiding in my basement." There were several other examples and discussion. Then Justice Kagan asked, "Well, is it protected speech to lie about an extramarital affair?" No one wanted to touch that question and she actually asked it twice before the prosecuter who was arguing the case mumbled through something.


I guess I don't really understand why this kind of question has to go to the US Supreme Court. Lying is covered as one of the "Big Ten" in the book of Exodus.


AM

Sorry, but it is not that simple. The closest translations into English of of Exodus chapter 20 verse 16 says to not say bad things about someone else that are not true. It doesn't say anything about lying to protect yourself or others.

Surely you aren't suggesting that it is ok to lie to "protect" one's crimes? Lying about adultery only "protects" the criminal activity, not the innocent parties.

You're joking, right? You aren't seriously saying that it is ok to lie, as per the Bible, as long as you don't give false testimony against your neighbor?