Monks and Nuns Flashcards
What are monks and nuns?
Monks and nuns are people who commit themselves fully to religious life.
What is the difference between a monk and a nun?
The word ‘monk’ generally refers to men, while ‘nun’ refers to female monastics
Are monks only part of the Christian faith?
No
What is a monastery?
A monastery is a building in which monks live in a community
What is a convent?
A convent is a building in which nuns live in a community
How many different orders can a monk/nun chose to follow? (Catholic)
2
How many orders can a monk/nun take? (Catholic)
1
What are the two types of order? (Catholic)
Contemplative and Apostolic
What is the law of generosity?
That they must always help others – and have a duty to pray, meditate and work every day
What are the three vows does a monk/nun has to take? (Catholic)
• Obedience– the promise to obey Christ (represented by the senior member of the monastery)
• Poverty– the monk cannot own anything
• Chastity– the monk cannot have a sexual relationship nor get married
How do you become a monk/nun?
One must first become a postulant. This involves spending time living at the monastery while not
being bound by vows and free to leave at any time. After this period, the postulant becomes a
novice monk or nun for around a year, during which time he/she begins to participate fully in the
monastery. After this the novice takes temporary vows and after a few years they make their permanent vows, which are binding for life.
