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Post by Josh on Dec 12, 2013 17:39:56 GMT -8
Thoughts on Monasticism? Is there any merit to it, even from a Protestant perspective? The topic came to mind because I just watched Of Gods and Men, based on a true story of 7 Catholic monks who have to make tough choices in war-torn Algeria (kind of a cross between the Mission and Hotel Rwanda).
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Post by Josh on Dec 17, 2013 21:41:32 GMT -8
I know some Christians of the Protestant persuasion who see monasticism as totally unnatural and unbiblical and based on a faulty views of sexuality and Christian piety. I think monasticism is certainty able to fall victim to both, but on the other hand I think it has had and still does have it's merits. Firstly, as a means of community for those called to celibacy*. Secondly, as a community of learning and prayer and service to local communities. Why shouldn't there be more Protestants forming these type of communities?
* Matthew 19:12For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others—and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.”
1 Cor. 7:8 Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do.
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Post by christopher on Dec 20, 2013 22:16:09 GMT -8
Thinking about joining a monastery?
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Post by Josh on Dec 21, 2013 13:17:58 GMT -8
Actually, I was thinking of sending you to one
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Post by christopher on Dec 21, 2013 21:29:27 GMT -8
Oooh, tempting offer..but I'm afraid I don't have "the gift".
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Post by asaph on Jul 4, 2015 8:15:29 GMT -8
I know some Christians of the Protestant persuasion who see monasticism as totally unnatural and unbiblical and based on a faulty views of sexuality and Christian piety. I think monasticism is certainty able to fall victim to both, but on the other hand I think it has had and still does have it's merits. Firstly, as a means of community for those called to celibacy*. Secondly, as a community of learning and prayer and service to local communities. Why shouldn't there be more Protestants forming these type of communities?
* Matthew 19:12For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others—and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.”
1 Cor. 7:8 Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do. I would say your first is answered by your second, which is what the church, the body of Christ is for. So, why would Protestants form such Catholic communities? Where is it written that those who chose to live a celibate life should form separate communities? Separating from society has nothing to do with celibacy. If anything, the history of some monasteries and convents have just proved keeping things out of view has produced as much or more profligate living as being out in the world. Being in the world and not of it is a spiritual principle given through the born again experience and sanctification, not living behind closed doors in small groups. This is not a charge against faithful Catholics who have lived in such communities and ministered to the needs of the poor, etc. It is a charge against doing things which Scripture places no particular merit upon, which monastic living falls under.
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