Final answer:
Serious promises made to one another or to God can be seen in various forms such as Confirmation, Marriage, and Holy orders in religious contexts, as well as legal and moral commitments like oaths and commandments. These promises represent a profound level of commitment and are deeply ingrained in both personal conduct and societal norms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Serious promises that people make to one another or to God are crucial aspects of many societies and cover a wide spectrum of commitments. For instance, vows such as the Confirmation promise mark one's dedication to faith as a mature individual. Similarly, Marriage is a solemn vow that couples make to each other, often considered to be sanctified by God. Within Christianity, individuals may take Holy orders, a set of vows for new members of the clergy. Another example is the Last Rites, which are solemn prayers and sacraments given to a person at the moment of death. Promises can also span secular aspects of life and law, such as contracts, oaths in court, or moral commitments like not bearing false witness, outlined in biblical commandments such as the 9th commandment 'Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.'
In historical texts and beliefs, such as those from Jewish tradition, the concept of a covenant, like the one between God and Abraham, involves a mutual promise of loyalty and conduct. These promises are woven into societal norms and religions and represent deep personal and collective commitments to uphold certain values, ethics, or contracts over time.