My husband is Catholic, however he could not answer this question so I am posting it here...
What does it say about nuns in the bible, if anything. How do the women know it's ok to be the bride of Christ? I am totally confused about the whole thing.
2006-08-23 04:55:22 · 27 answers · asked by eddysmomma 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Thank you so much for all the great & thoughtful answers!
2006-08-23 05:15:59 · update #1
There is NOTHING about nuns in the Bible. Women are not called to be the bride of Christ- in the Bible- the Bride of Christ is referring to the church as a whole- men and women filled with the holy spirt as one body make up the bride of Christ. It is a picture to help us understand the covenant promise God has made with His people.
2006-08-23 04:59:54 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 2⤋
As a Catholic I believe I can shed some light. First off, the Bible says nothing about nuns as they did not exist at the time. The Sisterhood in Christ or Nuns as we call them today were formed around the Dark Ages between 600 -- 900 A.D. or thereabouts. The concept was created by the Church in a two fold way to bring women into the Church but at the same time keeping them in their place so to speak. The Bible speaks of women being central in Jesus' life but the Church has been male dominated since its inception. As for it being ok to be the bride of Christ, again this is a Church construct to include women who wish to serve but by withholding certain authorities so as to keep them subservient to the male hierarchy. Hope this helps.
2006-08-23 05:02:46 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't say anything about nuns in the bible. (Actually, nuns are cloistered. Sisters are out in the world.) I think the first sisters were followers of St. Claire who wanted to do the same sort of thing as St. Francis of Assisi. I think the whole "Bride of Christ" thing is a little creepy. Sisters and nuns are women who dedicate themselves in the service of God and his people. They choose not to marry because a family would then have to become their focus and they would rather focus on their missions, which can be a variety of things. The "Bride of Christ" stuff was, I think, a way of explaining these women's dedications when women's sole duty was to marry and raise a family. I don't think they say much about that anymore.
2006-08-23 05:02:03 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
It does not refer to nuns or Catholic religion in the bible. The nuns, and being married to Christ is strictly a Catholic thing.
2006-08-23 05:02:28 · answer #4 · answered by sedonalove 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The "bride of Christ" thing isn't actual marriage per se, but rather it means a dedication to serve Christ for their whole lives, much like the biblical idea of marriage is a woman dedicated to placing the man as her head in the marriage (though there are admonitions for the man that make this easier for the woman; however, that isn't your question and so I won't get into it). But basically the woman who becomes a nun is placing Jesus as her head and will not let another man get into the way of serving God.
2006-08-23 04:59:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Bible doesn't say anything about nuns.
Being a nun (or religious Sister) is a way of totally dedicating ones life to Christ.
The call to become a Consecrated Religious is indeed a high calling! It is a call which the Catholic Church takes very seriously, as she does in helping us discern possible calls from Christ to become a Priest, a Married Lay person or a Single lay person remaining in the secular environment. Each state in life has a particular role in the Body of Christ.
Prayer, of course, is essential in the discernment process. It is also wise to seek out a priest who can be your regular confessor. You need someone who can help you spiritually,someone with whom you can share what you believe God is saying.
It is never wrong to serve God, either as a consecrated religious, or as a lay person.
2006-08-23 05:13:18 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think nuns are mentioned specifically in the Bible.
Being "called" to the vocation is a feeling, I guess. Some people (men and women) feel the need to serve Christ. Many do that by going into the priesthood or sisterhood. This is done after a long period of prayer and reflection. In my diocese, young people who are interested in pursuing religious life often visit seminaries and covents to speak with priests, nuns and those studying for the vocation. Then, they make the decision to go on or not.
It's not unlike thinking about what profession one wants to pursue.
And, it's o.k. to leave the priesthood or sisterhood if one decides it's not for them.
That's about it.
2006-08-23 05:02:30 · answer #7 · answered by Malika 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Lol... I think it's funny when people say that Catholics should stop being Catholic and become Christian. The Catholic church was around for 1400 (close to) years before the Protestans broke off from the Church. The Catholics don't believe that other Christian denominatins are going to hell yet they get accused of Heresy by the other Christian churches.
We pray to 'Saints' because the Bible says we can. We pray to Mary because she has appeared and is considered blessed. We honor her but do not worship her. That WOULD be heresy. We don't ever HAVE to pray to Mary or the Saints.
We go to confession because Christ said that what is forgiven on earth is forgiven in heaven. In confession, we talk to God outloud and say we're sorry. We don't put anyone on the same level as Christ. We know Priests are men. What do Protestants do after they're saved but then backslide? That's why we do it. Paul talks about being in a state of grace a lot.
As far as nuns, it's a man made thing. They dedicate their lives, like Priests do, to serving Christs body without the sacriments we enjoy (like marriage). Serving in that capacity is a sacrement in itself. Like in the case of Elijah.
2006-08-23 05:00:48 · answer #8 · answered by madbaldscotsman 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It says nothing about nuns in the bible..this is a matter of the Catholic church..what is the problem here? These women devote their lives to others care, learning, etc. The pay is very poor, their lives have no freedom...yet they live a good life and the nuns I have known are happy.
There are many, many tenants in many faiths that have nothing to do with the bible.. IN fact, I look at most Christian faiths and wonder where these people are coming from. Good luck
2006-08-23 05:00:33 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
I think it is based on the concept of the Church being the Bride of Christ.
The nuns today are not very faithful to that, I don't know if any of them even make that vow any more. But it was a very cool thing to dedicate you life to remain a virgin for Christ. Now a days it's even more of a witness.
2006-08-23 04:59:48 · answer #10 · answered by Makemeaspark 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋