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You did it again! That link -- oh, wait, I see.
You're quoting from the *thesaurus*, not the dictionary part!!!
And the bit you just quoted from the Thesaurus makes clear that is a *religous* usage only! Since we were talking about science . . . obviously not applicable (and don't give me the 'Evolution is religion' line, cuz that only suggests a total lack of understanding of religion).
Find a dictionary that defines 'affirm' in the way you claim, pleaze. Or else you lose on this one point, I'm afraid.
Quoting definitions from a thesaurus is an interesting tactic. Dishonest, in the extreme.
I might say, rather 'un-Christian' behavior, even . . .
Hey guys... Couldn't help but notice your discussion about oaths and vows. Hope this helps.
Ecc 5:4 When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for [he hath] no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.
Ecc 5:5 Better [is it] that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.
Main Entry: af·fir·ma·tion
Pronunciation: "a-f&r-'mA-sh&n
Function: noun
1 a : the act of affirming b : something affirmed : a positive assertion
2 : a solemn declaration made under the penalties of perjury by a person who conscientiously declines taking an oath
So the affirmation is the equivalent of an oath for someone who does not believe in God. That is the distinction and why the definition says it is not an oath. Oath implies a belief in God, affirmation does not. An affirmation is an oath for a secular person. Reguardless, it is much more than an assertion.
Or at least hyperbolic...