Do you think becoming a Christian monk is in any way an escape from real life?

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To the OP:

The religious life is not an escape from “real life”. It IS real life. Those who devote their lives to the path of perfection are, in fact, living life more fully than anyone else.

That said, not all those who take up the religious life do so in the best way or for the right reasons, so for some, perhaps it is an “escape”. The religious life is not an “escape” in and of itself, however.
 
Thanks for your share shakuhachi. Some real wisdom there. And I really respect your experience on this.
You hit the nail on the head for me. Many of us who are introverted and find relating to others, an obligation we would rather avoid, are attracted to monkhood. As you say, for us, we need to address our shortcoming which is lack of social skills perhaps. God perhaps is directing us on a path we would much rather ignore. 🙂
 
dshix said:
That said, not all those who take up the religious life do so in the best way or for the right reasons, so for some, perhaps it is an “escape”. The religious life is not an “escape” in and of itself, however.
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Some go to monasteries to avoid people. So they can live in their own quiet bubble. I imagine the reality of a monastery is quite different.
 
Well as I said, not all take up the religious life for the right reason. And going to “avoid people” is definitely not the right reason.

That said, I think you may have a misconception in regard to the number of people who enter the religious life for that reason. Nowadays one can “avoid people” simply by staying home and watching Netflix or playing video games. Religious life not required. 😛
 
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Yes, in some of my retreats, or should I say monastic experiences (a month long or more), I wondered if the lifestyle would drive me nuts. The same thing day after day, after week, after month after year. I went back to the monastery for a retreat and saw some of the same guys now 35 years older in their same prayer stalls. And even as a Friar some of the other personalities rubbed me wrong. And those were short term assignments.
 
dshix said:
That said, I think you may have a misconception in regard to the number of people who enter the religious life for that reason.
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Perhaps. such introverts are genuinely interested in God though. Just more interested in God than other people.
 
wow. This is one reason I hang round on CAF, To get insights like this. Thanks shaku.
 
There is also–and it seems to be a real unknown to modern society-- the idea of sacrifice.

Not escape but embrace.

One can have an interest, even a deep interest and longing for, ‘real life’ and yet have an even deeper hunger to serve God in a way in which that ‘real life’ must be given up in order to give total focus.

Sacrifice.

Very powerful.
 
I spent five years in a monastery. I can honestly say that real life has a way of finding you… Anywhere.
 
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For those of us who never become monks, it can remain an illusion. Like “the grass is always greener”. Heaven on Earth kind of thing.
Like some people who live in poor countries and dream of living in America. That might be a good analogy.
 
I mean, whether one stays or leaves, there is no escaping real life. Real life for a monk contains many of the same joys and sadnesses found outside the walls. Needs are needs, problems are problems, relationships are relationships. The clothing doesn’t change that. The type of work doesn’t change that.
 
Are you under the impression that monks don’t work? The Rule of St. Benedict is quite clear that monasteries are to be self-supporting. Monks share in baking, brewing, farming, and various crafts to support themselves. The work is fit in around their prayer obligations.
 
You take yourself everywhere you go. That’s why travel is a “fool’s paradise.”
Holiness can be found in answering God’s will, whether that means entering a monastery, becoming a religious, living a married life, or living a single life in the world. Each has its own rewards and trials. While we are to love and serve one another, it doesn’t mean you have to exert yourself to be a social butterfly if that is not your personality. Loving whomever is placed in your path, your spouse, child, coworker, neighbor, is what God wants. It is not wrong to be socially introverted and introspective. Many of the saints lived very retired and quiet lives. The history of the Church shows that there are saints of all types, all personalities, all social conditions.
 
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Do you think becoming a Christian monk is in any way an escape from real life?

People who are trying to escape their problems and issues by hiding in a monastery will not be allowed to stay. a person needs a calling TO religious life.

I would word this question differently - I would say it is an escape from secularity, and entrance into a life of consecration and prayer.
 
The monastery is not to be used as a place of escape. It is a vocation – a calling from God. It involves its own trials. I recall well that this wisdom was impressed upon Therese of Lisieux (who confronted a tense situation and difficult personalities in her small convent); and on Thomas Merton when he, too, thought as a young man that he could “escape” from secular society before entering the Trappists. He has much to say on how he was quickly shown this was not what would happen.
 
I agree, but in running to Him, we are leaving something else behind - the noise, the chaos…to seek His peace, His Will, His love, etc…To be in the world but not of it is very hard indeed, & it’s not getting any easier.

Honestly sometimes I wonder if those to whom conditions like Aspergers, anxiety disorders, etc. actually have a gift that the world can’t fathom because it’s too wrapped around itself to see or think otherwise. I wonder at times if things like depression aren’t gifts in disguise intended to help us to remain in Him - even though they may not feel like it at the time when you’re going through it…

John 16:33
"I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”
 
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