So, recently I went to Greece as a Christian (I am a Protestant btw) for a pilgrimage trip. During my time in Greece, I met this Orthodox Priest who became my religious mentor during my time in Greece. He told me the importance of monasticism. As Christians, what are your takes on monasticism? Do you think it is too extreme or just ok?
He told me the importance of monasticism.
Monasticism is the opposite of what the Bible commands us to do: Go out and spread the good news.
Can't do that walled up, avoiding the world.
Monasteries accept visitors and evangelize to them.
The point is to go out into the world. Not hole up and expect the world to come to you.
Remember when Jesus told Peter he was to be a fisher of men? That's what the monks do. They sit, going about their business and pulling when they get a tug on their line.
People are being saved through them, people are sometimes being saved (but mostly just pissed off) by street evangelists, and people are being saved by getting invited over for a cup of coffee.
Black-and-white thinking is dangerous. It can cause us to be unable to see Christ in a brother who shines brightly for him.
To fish, you have to to where the fish are.
Floating around the sea of the world. If there were no bites there’d be an issue, but there are loads of them.
I’d implore you to do more research on this topic before making any more unfounded claims.
I’d implore you to do more research on this topic before making any more unfounded claims.
I think biblical examples are the best research on this subject.
John the Baptist lived as a wild man in the woods, not as a street preacher or someone in the synagogues.
He had tons of pilgrims and disciples, just like the monks in monasteries.
And even though he didn’t “go out” in the very narrow way you interpret that, he was said by Jesus to be unmatched by any in his generation. Elijah himself in the spirit.
John the Baptist lived as a wild man in the woods, not as a street preacher or someone in the synagogues.
But he did not wall himself like a monastery.
Here the words of Jesus since you won't hear mine.
"Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." - Mark 16:15
"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” - Luke 19:10
Now what does God say about people who isolate themselves?
A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment. - Proverbs 18:1
I do not say that someone who lives in a monastary sins. I do think it is unwise and not what God has commanded us to do.
you do realize that monasteries are open for visitors, pilgrims, and disciples right?
They aren’t (always, sometimes they close for specific periods throughout the year of fasting and things like it) secluded and cut off from the world.
"Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." - Mark 16:15
"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” - Luke 19:10
Leaving their bedrooms and stepping outside to greet prospective disciples would count as going out into the world.
Learn about Orthodox monasticism, and you'll see how even when monks don't want to be found, those in the world search for them and find them anyway.
I learned about it and found out about all the witchcraft
Witchcraft 🧙♂️? Please give me some examples.
u/Bromelain__ @ me when you give the examples. I am also deeply curious as to what you may have found.
Mods don't allow me to post links.
Don't take my word for it though, definitely look into it if you're curious. Evil spirits abound in those temples.
Dm me :3