When the Vow Breaks: A Survival and Recovery Guide for Christians Facing Divorce

by Joseph Warren Kniskern

Now an official resource of the nationwide DivorceCare ministry, this new edition of When the Vow Breaks offers practical advice to Christians regarding the top five felt needs and issues that result from facing kids, finances, anger, depression, and loneliness. In this sensitive and thorough guide, author/attorney Joseph Warren Kniskern recounts the emotions of his own failed marriage and shares a comprehensive study on what the Bible says about marriage and divorce. More important, he shows how God continues to work in people’s lives to provide hope and encouragement in the aftermath of divorce. Kniskern also provides important insights about how to seek reconciliation, secure proper marriage counseling, find a good attorney, and negotiate settlements and custody issues.

Genres: Marriage, Nonfiction, Counselling, Divorce

375 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Pj · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came to this book during a separation from an 'non-christian' man that committed adultery and had no apologies with an attitude of, 'I'm moving on'after 22 yrs of, what I felt was, a good marriage! It was what I thought was a soul-mate, but after the rug was pulled from under me I made some hard choices as well. I took about 4 months to read this book...at times I couldn't read it, so I took my time. I wrote on nearly every page, underlined support that was needed even stuff I didn't 'want' to read. The author is a Christian lawyer as well and give very detailed pointers of what a person needs to do and the process this book has been a wonderful support during this time...it has empowered me further! I highly recommend this book to those that are contemplating divorce, ones that are separated, and those who are still hurting even after divorce!

[Daniel Eggert · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is dated, even in the "updated" edition. I would not recommend it as it is not adequately trauma-informed, nor does it give good Biblical counsel for people who must divorce because the marriage covenant has been breached by domestic violence that is not infidelity or blatantly physical abuse.

I bailed on this book after I got to the sections talking about an inability to remarry if there was not sexual infidelity. That is not an accurate interpretation of Scripture and there are a plethora of works that illustrate why this is not the case. (I'd recommend The Life-Saving Divorce: Hope for People Leaving Destructive Relationships by Gretchen Baskerville, for one.)

Further, the actual advice on navigating the mechanics of the divorce is poorly handled and pushes the reader to attempt reconciliation with no allowance for scenarios where pushing for reconciliation is dangerous or will put the reader and their children in danger.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Helped me through divorce and dealing with feelings. I recommend it to anyone going through divorce and it also has classes that are offered in the community. The classes organized by the books' author are excellent. A good way to move forward and forgive.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a bit dated, but had some great advice and spiritual guidance for Christians who find their marriages ending.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

An older book (1993) but still some valuable info.

[Robyn Sorensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book gives some Biblical insight to the subject.

[Frans Kempe · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book about facing divorce from someone that went through it himself. A mix of practical advice to a look at scriptures. I liked his way of looking at the story of the prodigal son.

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing & life changing.