Why do girls voluntarily become nuns?

Question

I see so many pretty, sweet-faced girls who have renounced the worldly life and become nuns. And I wonder: "They could have made such nce wives to the right men, and would have borne such nice children! What prompted them to give up all this for a life of strict austerity? What exactly was the nature of their calling? Or is this an escapism ?" No offence intended.
Any nun, or a relative or close friend of a nun, might wish to answer.

I fully agree with jmmevolve. In fact the thought did strike me but it was after I had pressed the submit button, and then I can't recall the original question to modify it, except to add a patch like this. So I let it be. But good point, my friend.

Answer 1

Some people actually are capable of being single the rest of their lives. They are called specifically for that purpose by God (or so they believe).

The reason in the bible cited by Paul (1 Cor 7:1-8) for singlehood is so that these people can FOCUS on their work, in this case, their ministry. Logically, romantic relationships and families mean that your attention is divided between home and work.

However, some other ladies do it because they feel they have to make up for a past horrible life or because they think that they have to do the most honorable thing to please their Maker.

As noble as this is, in that same thing, Paul doesn't really encourage it. In fact, if you read it, he's saying that if you have a sex drive given by God, please, for the love of God, get married. It's better and more wholesome than some alternatives.

And yes, I truly believe that motherhood is an honorable profession too in its own way.
Mother Theresa did a fantastic job being single in India but so did Mama Heidi in Mozambique, and she's married, so *shrugs*.

Answer 2

Becoming a nun is no small matter. It is a life long commitment. Many people believe that true nuns are “called” to the position by God. A “calling” or vocation may come from a dream, a vision or even an overwhelming desire to commit one’s life to God. If you feel that you have been “called” or have a vocation, than you may be someone who should become a nun. What do you need to do to become a nun? The first thing you should be is Catholic. If you are already Catholic, than you are on the right track. If you are not Catholic, than you will need to look into converting to Catholicism. If you would like to convert, your best course of action is to visit your local Catholic church. There a priest will be able to work with you on the steps you will need to take to become Catholic. Once you have become Catholic, you are now ready to look into what it takes become a nun. Nuns need to be unmarried. In the Catholic church this means that you should be both unmarried now and never married before. The Catholic church does not recognize civil divorces and obtaining a divorce from the Church is not easy. You can become a nun however, if you have been married in the past and your husband has passed away. While the Catholic church does frown upon pre-marital sex, a woman can become a nun if she is not a virgin (as long as she has not married). If you meet these standards; Catholic and unmarried/undivorced; you are free to become a nun. Your next step will be to decide what order you would like to join. Nuns have groups that are called orders. Each order has its own set of rules that dictate how the nun of that order can act. The rules for each order may decide how a nun can dress, whether the nun can own property and what causes a nun may pursue. Choosing an order is very important. While all orders of nuns require that you take a vow of chastity, the level of strictness varies from order to order. While some people may feel that wearing a habit is an important aspect of being a nun, others may feel that the habit is outdated. While some may feel that taking a vow of poverty will show dedication, others may feel that belonging will not interfere with a nun’s dedication to God. You will need to examine your own beliefs and match your beliefs with a suitable order. For more information about various orders, talk to a priest or nun at your local Catholic church. Once you have found an order that matches your beliefs, you will b able to join if you meet all the criteria for that order. Once you have joined, you will go through a training period. This is a period of time where you will be able to learn the ways of that particular order. It is also a period of time to ensure that you truly wish to become a nun.

Answer 3

There is no mysterious answer for you question. Nuns are called by God from birth. Just as some of are called to be preachers, teachers,etc., some are called to be nuns. Some women even live their lives as nuns do but they never enter a monastery. They live their lives 'in the world', if you will. Let's say that you, and I assume you have, found something in life that you like doing. You don't mind getting up in the morning going to that job or doing that job during the day or taking that job home with you in the evenings to finish what you didn't during the day. It is the same thing with nuns, there is no difference. They don't just don't care to be worldly. Some may, and I don't know, have different reasons for becoming who they are. But the results are the same thing. I hope this helps. May God Bless

Answer 4

Some women are very religious and choose to become nuns. Looks sometimes have nothing to do with whether a woman would want to become a nun or not. Well, Sometimes it is... I'm just guessing

Answer 5

I can honestly say that I have never met a nun under the age of fifty. But the ones I knew who were willing to talk about their decision all said pretty much the same things (having to do with devotion to their religion and their beliefs, and so on.).

I assume you are speaking of Catholic nuns, and not Buddhist nuns (I have only ever spoken with the Catholic variety).

Answer 6

I guess you can't really understand the concept of giving your entire life to God in His service, unless you are called to do so. Incidentally, this isn't a type of calling specific to women. There are orders of religious brothers just as there are orders of religious sisters. The two are equivalent. As for contributing to society, first of all prayer is the most powerful means of correcting problems in society; but additionally, nuns and brothers serve as teachers, college professors, nurses, social workers, and in many other areas of human service.

Answer 7

I dunno man...this world never ceases to amaze me w/ such extremities...I grew up going to catholic school and being taught by nuns for 9 years and even I don't have any insight for ya...I always wondered the same type of thing...I mean...even if she wasn't a fair lady or even the gents of the priesthood...I still couldn't see choosing that life of abstinence and celibacy...the world has too much to offer...when they asked us if we wanted to go to seminary school or whatever I thought the life of reflection and security does have it's appeal...but it wasn't for me...I thought this is one of those decisions that is life changing and for me, life should be kept on an even keel...that's just my philosophy though...but I think it's a good one...Aye tis a shame that a person of charm should choose a life of soliloquy...thanks for letting me wax poetically lol

Answer 8

When I was a child I wanted to become a nun. There is something that draws you to that very powerfully. It is a calling of sorts that encompasses your thoughts and your emotions -- everything else pales in comparison to that, and the thought of being a wife and raising children becomes secondary in the equation. To live your life for God and to read all of the doctrines and to help people is enriching- just as enriching as being someone's wife. Luckily I found Islam which allows me to still live my life for God everyday and be a wife and mother as well.

Answer 9

I don't think it matters how pretty a girl is as to whether she should be a nun or not. It's how close she feels to God, and what she is willing to give to serve him.
I think becoming a nun takes a strength that few have. They have my respect!!

Answer 10

Perhaps opening the question to both genders may glean some spiritual answers. Priests have the same challenges. You speak of woman as objects...typical societal approach. Why would it be any more or less objectionable with either gender?