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Oral Roberts University requires students and faculty to sign an honor code which includes a 'Solemn vow and promise to the Lord.' The content of it is mostly things we'd all agree with, like not lying or getting gay-married.I notice that if someone under the Nazarite vow and someone next to him suddenly dies, the Nazarite was unclean? He was not merely just unclean like a regular Israelite. He had sinned. Why? Because he had made a vow and broke it

I was hoping to get some feedback from COG and other Pentecostal folks about 'vowing to God.' It used to irk me when I turned the TV on in the 1980's and Tilton was on, asking people to make a 'vow to God' and send him their money. Part of my concern with it, aside from the financial aspects of it was the fact that Jesus said 'Swear not at all.' Of course, my concerns over that issue come from reading the Bible. I can't recall it being addressed from a Pentecostal pulpit. I know the COG has some anti-swearing stuff in the Practical Commitments and other Pentecostal denominations have or have had statements against oath-bound societies.So I was wondering whether people here think or the COG teaches that one should or should not make a 'vow to God' about anything. Also, what do people think about vowing things like never missing a required chapel meeting, etc. to the Lord

I once knew a guy (a CoG PK, no less) who, when challenged on something he had said which I knew to be an outright lie, exclaimed, “I swear to God I’m telling the truth!” As if swearing to God like that somehow was supposed to make what he said more trustworthy. I knew he was lying. My response to him was, “Jesus said to swear not at all,” and that an honest person doesn’t need to swear to God that he’s telling the truth. I would say that the ORU statement you have mentioned, by essentially making conformity to all the school’s rules a vow, only serves to water down the meaning of a vow. My understanding of a vow is more like a solemn promise to be faithful to something or someone. I don’t take it as being precisely the same thing as swearing an oath.

I head up a small outpost of Royal Rangers at my church. It is a Christian mentoring, discipleship, and activities program for boys. At the beginning of our meetings, together we repeat the Pledge of Allegiance to the US Flag, the Christian flag, and the “Royal Ranger Pledge,” which is: “With God’s help, I will do my best to serve God, my church, and my fellow man. To live by the Ranger Code, to make the Golden Rule my daily rule.” The Ranger Code describes the Christian character traits which all Royal Rangers are to make their aim.A Royal Ranger is: ALERT. He is mentally, physically, and spiritually alert.CLEAN. He is clean in body, mind, and speech.HONEST. He does not lie, cheat, or steal.COURAGEOUS. He is brave, in spite of danger, criticism, or threats.LOYAL. He is faithful to his church, family, outpost, and friends.COURTEOUS. He is polite, kind, and thoughtful.OBEDIENT. He obeys his parents, leaders, and those in authority.SPIRITUAL. He prays, reads the Bible, and witnesses.

How about....Here is what is expected from you......

That's what I think, too. I see 'vow' as along the same lines as swearing and oath or making a covenant. Breaking covenant with the Gibeonites was such a big deal that applying the command to wipe out the Canaanites had to be modified, and judgment came when Saul broke covenant. Jephthah vowed his daughter.If you are under a vow to the Lord to attend a required chapel and your mom is dying in the hospital, then you go to chapel instead. It's an awful burden to put on people.I suspect people take these things very lightly, much more lightly than in the Bible, or else they wouldn't include them in the school pledge.I wouldn't sign it. Would any of you sign it to get a job, go to school, or encourage your children to sign it

When was this written?I find it hard to believe that Mark Rutland had that vow at the school when he was President

It is currently in use under Billy Wilson (ordained COG). I find it hard to believe Mark Rutland will do that. My dad is probably going to talk to him about that

Empty nest syndrome is for the birds!Email me at: [email protected] planters are focused on just one thing ...introducing people to Jesus!

I think 95 pages is a little over the top by 90 methinks.I would definitely find another college! PS: Or ask for a /Reader's Digest version! Some facts but mostly just my [email protected]/