Re: Could You Become A Nun Or A Monk?
Originally Posted by
Ripple
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I’m an atheist although I like singing hymns ...duh daft init! .
Ditto!
Not daft. Some of the words can touch you even if you don't believe in God.
I also like listening to Songs of Praise, but only when they are singing traditional hymns; I don't like modern hymns.
They are comforting in a strange sort of way.
However, they've moved Songs of Praise from tea-time to lunch time, and it's all wrong at that time. Totally wrong, imo. Hymns are for when you're starting to settle down for the evening, not in the full glare of the busy day.
There was a programme on a while back about some monks living in an isolated monastery somewhere.....I forget where...... and I could see the attractions: honesty in labouring for the common good, rules, simple foods, some enforced silence, being happy with what you have.
I wouldn't be able to do the prayer thing, though, unless you count the power of wishing well upon the world by inner thoughts.
Plus, it must be hard if you really don't get on with the person in charge.
Going for a short retreat can be beneficial, though. Many years ago, I did something a bit like that, although it wasn't in a convent, and was only for two weeks, and they took anyone....you didn't have to have a faith... and it was very recuperative. On Iona. Got me to see a bit of Scotland, too!