Close Topic Options

Vow Of...

Do you think that it is necessary to take a vow that can be considered extreme in nature in order to be closer to God? Some have given up the ability to speak, or leave a certain place or travel or even be intimate - do these lead humans to a betterment of self or are they merely unnecessary restrictions?

Of Vow

Vows that place an unreasonable burden on the individual often spring from the distorted notion that the body and the spirit are at war with each other, and thus the more the body is deprived and tortured, the stronger the spirit. God does not frown upon marriage. He does not frown upon speech. The problems arise when people use these inappropriately. If vows of silence were required for salvation, none of the apostles or prophets in the Bible would be saved. If the truly righteous do not reproduce, the wicked will continue to do so. God's kingdom is not meant to be built on this earth just so it can lie uninhabited.

Vow Of... Beliefs Religious General

Anything that can be considered "extreme" cannot get you closer to God in my opinion. I believe silence is a great tool for spiritual nourishment and meditation, nevertheless as Howe pointed out when it reaches the stage of "torture" then how can that make you closer to God?

Of Vow

I don't personally believe it is necessary to take a vow that is extreme in order to be closer to God. Some people believe that taking extreme measures allow them to focus more on Christ as they free themselves of worldly thoughts. However, like LDS_forever mentioned, if these vows get so extreme to the point of torture, then really most people will be thinking about the anguish and pain more than God himself.

Of Vow

I don't think taking vows of silence brings you closer to God, but I think that you can take time out to have 'quiet time' between you and God, where you spend this time either in prayer or thought.
I really feel that this doesn't need to be permanent, just maybe an hour or so a day.

Vow Of...

I actually find this belief system strange when it is practised by Christians especially, because if anything the Bible teaches that men should open their mouths more often rather stay silent. I do agree that at certain times one should have reflective thought that requires utter silence - the Eastern Monks I feel are expert in this area.

Vow Of...

I am in agreement with what has been said. A lot of it does also depend on the person, especially when celebacy is taken into account. For some people, they do not have a desire to marry and involve themselves with another person in this matter, and as long as it is something that isn't a burden to them, then that is their preference. It's when making that decision becomes a constant burden, that I don't see it promoting a closer relationship with God.

Silence can be a good thing once in awhile. One day a group of us fasted from something of our choice, and a friend of mine and I decided to fast from talking for the twelve hours. It was an inspiring day, and it did teach both of us a lot about listening and paying attention to all the little signs God sends us throughout the day that we usually overlook because we're so busy yapping. Doing it every day, though, I think would become more of a nuisance than a stepping stone in my relationship with God. Part of who I am is being vocal, and if that was taken away for the rest of my being, I have a feeling I would be pretty miserable.