The Vow: How a Forgotten Ancient Practice Can Transform Your Life

Ed Gungor
Thomas Nelson (2008)
ISBN 9780849919114
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer for Reader Views (6/08)


“The Vow” by Ed Gungor is a powerful book that makes each reader look at promises they have made and changed depending on their circumstances and how they feel. Each of us at one time or another has promised that we would live the good life and remember to love and obey God’s words. How many times have we broken those promises?

When we think of vows today, we think of marriage vows - “to love, honor and obey.” That is what making vows to God meant in ancient times and the definition has not changed today. Mr. Gungor spends time talking about the history of vow making, how he came to realize its importance to him and how many of us believe they are outdated and not worth it. In a society that is fast-paced, high in crime and violence, does it really do any good to say that one will follow the right path, be kind to others and live a good life?

The author does a wonderful job of explaining how vows started, what their purpose is and why we should make them. Each chapter builds on the other and he gives very good examples of making vows that are easy-to-read and understand. Vows don’t have to be heavily detailed or large in quantity - a vow is something that says “I want to be better in my life; I want to be more accepting and believe that there is good.”

“The Vow” is a very thought-provoking read. The end result after reading this book is that when we make a vow to God, we need to honor it.

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