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?
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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.