Monasticism

{{Religion}}
'''Monasticism''' is a [[religious]] practice where people "leave the [[secular]] world" and spend their lives involved in religious work and/or worship as '''monks''' and '''[[nun]]s'''. It's practiced by [[Roman Catholic]] and [[Eastern Orthodox]] [[Christian]]s, and rarely by [[Protestant]]s.<ref>There are small numbers of [[evangelical]] ‘New monasteries’ [http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/february/23.28.html][http://divinewedgie.blogspot.co.uk/2011/11/protestant-monasticism-interview-with.html]</ref> [[Episcopalian]]s are between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism and there are Episcopalian/[[Anglican]] religious orders.<ref>[http://www.episcopalchurch.org/page/religious-orders-and-faith-communities]</ref>

[[Judaism]] and [[Islam]] have no monastic traditions, but some Eastern religions such as [[Hinduism]] and [[Buddhism]] have similar religious fraternal organizations.

==Christianity==
In Christianity there are contemplative orders and active orders. Contemplative orders believe their primary goal is [[prayer]] and religious contemplation.<ref>[http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/contemplative+order contemplative order]</ref> Active orders do outside work such as teaching or nursing.<ref>[http://anunslife.org/resources/sister-or-nun/ What is the difference between a nun and a sister?]</ref>

Roman Catholic monks have been involved in heinous [[Child sexual abuse in the Roman Catholic Church|child sex abuse]]; one notorious example was Brother Robert Best in [[Australia]], who committed horrific abuse against many boys and caused at least one [[suicide]]. The Christian Brothers protected Best, and let him access more victims.<ref>[http://brokenrites.alphalink.com.au/nletter/page27.html The Catholic Church protected Brother Robert Charles Best, but his victims finally brought him to justice]</ref><ref>[http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/suicide-inquiry-wont-shed-light-bishop-20110802-1i9yc.html Suicide inquiry won't shed light: bishop]</ref> According to another source, Robert Best together with another notorious paedophile [[priest]] Father Gerald Risdale caused at least 26 suicides which may be the tip of an iceberg.<ref>[http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/sex-abuse-led-to-26-suicides-says-policeman-20110729-1i4f0.html Sex abuse led to 26 suicides says policeman]</ref>

==In D&D==
In [[Dungeons and Dragons]] and some other [[role-playing game]]s, the "monk" character class is based (loosely) on the Buddhist monks of the Shao Lin temple. They are [[martial arts|martial artists]] with quasi-mystical powers, who can totally kill you with their [[chi]]. 
They suck next to pretty much everyone, especially clerics and druids. Better play them elsewhere.


==See also==
*[[Nun|Sexual and psychological abuse of nuns]]
*[[Priest molestation scandal|The priest child molestation scandal]]
*[[Celibacy]] (one of the requirements, as a part of the asceticism)
*[[Corporal mortification]] (practiced by some monks and nuns)

==External links==
*[http://www.infidels.org/library/historical/joseph_mccabe/popes_and_church/PandC2-6.html The Catholic Clergy]
*[http://www.infidels.org/library/historical/unknown/society_of_jesus_secrets.html Secret Instructions of the Society of Jesus]

==References==
{{reflist}}

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[[Category:Religious terms]]
[[Category:Religious leaders]]

Categories: Religious terms, Religious leaders