affirmation

An affirmation (from Latin affirmare, to assert) is the declaration that something is true or a positive value judgement.

Affirmation in logic

In logic, an affirmation is a positive judgment, the union of the subject and predicate of a proposition.

Affirmation in law

In law, an affirmation is a solemn declaration allowed to those who conscientiously object to taking an oath. An affirmation has exactly the same legal effect as an oath, but is usually taken to avoid the religious implications of an oath. In some jurisdictions, it may only be given if such a reason is provided.

• Since 1695 the right to give an affirmation has existed in the United Kingdom^[1] having its origins in the refusal of Quakers (now also known as the Religious Society of Friends) to swear any oath, which would otherwise have barred them from many public positions. Quakers believe one must speak the truth at all times, yet the act of swearing to it would imply this be not the case. Some Christians refuse to swear oaths, based on Jesus' prohibition in the Sermon on the Mount.^[2]

• The final draft of the 1787 Constitution of the United States makes four references to an "oath or affirmation": In Article I, Senators must take a special oath or affirmation for the purpose of sitting as the tribunal for impeachment; in Article II, the president is required to take a specified oath or affirmation before entering office (see oath of office); in Article VI, all state and federal officials must take an oath or affirmation to support the U.S. Constitution; and in Amendment IV, all search warrants must be supported by evidence given under oath or affirmation.

New Thought Affirmations

In New Thought and personal development, an affirmation is a form of autosuggestion in which a statement of a desirable intention or condition of the world or the mind is deliberately meditated on and/or repeated in order to implant it in the mind. Many believers recommend accompanying recitations with mental visualization of a desired outcome.

Affirmation can be viewed positively as a mobilization of one's inner resources. For example, believers would consider "I Am making more room in my life for success every day" a much wiser affirmation than "I will win the lottery today!"

Affirmations are always phrased in the first person and usually in a present tense ("I Am") rather than a future tense ("I will") in order to increase the realization of the statement for the affirmation. Affirmations are believed to be a very powerful means of reprogramming the subjective mind. They appear to be most effective when repeated in a quiet and restful state of mind and body, and when the desired outcome is vividly experienced in one's mind and resulting emotions are felt.

Some members of the New Thought Movement, especially those influenced by secular teachers, like Emile Coue and Frank Channing Haddock, use affirmations as part of a metaphysical or philosophical approach to self-help. Others, especially those who are members of New Thought denominations, churches, or independent centers, frame the technique in a religious context, and call it affirmative prayer.

New Age

They are an intrinsic part of many New Age groups including I AM Activity and the Church Universal and Triumphant of Elizabeth Clare Prophet. However, in these groups affirmations are generally recited in flat, mechanical voices at top speed and volume, in order to elevate participants' "vibratory levels".

Christian

Further information: Affirmative prayer

Perhaps the most often used and well-known affirmation is the word "Amen," which can be translated simply as "so be it" or "and so it is," affirming the truth of whatever was written or said immediately prior. While often used to conclude prayer, the word itself is neutral as to its context and exemplifies a logical affirmation more than a spiritual one.

See also

• Negation
• Nietzschean affirmation

Notes

1. ^ Statutes of the Realm: Volume 7. 1820 British History Online, the Institute of Historical Research and the History of Parliament Trust. Retrieved august 4 2007
2. ^ The relevant part of the Sermon on the Mount is Matthew 5:34-5:37. See also James 5:12.

References

• This article incorporates text from the Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition, a publication now in the public domain.

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