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To: D-fendr
If God has called you..

If you thinking entering a monestery does not mean following God's calling, then maybe you don't know what's involved.

You give man too much credit. For example, throughout the middle ages men went there because they were the second sons of European Aristocracy. Others may go because they believe it assures them of salvation. If they just "do", then they "get."

Hermits are rare, and completely alone for ever is rare if at all done. If you want a scriptural model, see St. John the Baptist.
John did live out around desert for a while. But he did not stay there. He came as a fiery preacher preaching repentance. John is not an example of a perpetual hermit who gives his life over to study of God without contact with humanity. Again, such an example can not be found.

Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Is everyone called to be a preacher? You realize too that monks teach other monks and that some are priests with the duties of priests?

Jesus did not make the distinction. The Greek means:1) to be a herald, to officiate as a herald a) to proclaim after the manner of a herald b) always with the suggestion of formality, gravity and an authority which must be listened to and obeyed 2) to publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done 3) used of the public proclamation of the gospel and matters pertaining to it, made by John the Baptist, by Jesus, by the apostles and other Christian teachers

I don't think you appreciate their contribution. Monks I've never met have helped me a great deal.
Monks living in perpetual seclusion have no Scriptural precedent.
7,844 posted on 01/28/2007 11:19:29 AM PST by Blogger
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To: Blogger

I think you're conflating monk with perpetual hermit.

And somehow seeing monastics as not proclaiming the Gospel. You might be able to understand that to me this is an extremely absurd position.

You're further measuring him by the number of converts or the length and loudness of his preaching and a count of seats in the pew. I don't think you mean to do this, but are merely ignorant of the lives and history and great effect and value of monastics.

You're also discounting completely the value of prayer.

Do you believe at all in intercessory prayer?


7,845 posted on 01/28/2007 11:27:32 AM PST by D-fendr
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