For many centuries after the collapse of the Roman Empire the monasteries were the guardians of Western civilization. They were centers of learning (most of the time monks—nuns less so—were the only literate persons around). They also produced institutions that adumbrated the modern welfare state, and last but not least were places of relative safety and comfort for travelers. Of course most of these services are now provided elsewhere: It makes no sense for monasteries to compete with BlueCross for health insurance or with Holiday Inn for clean accommodations. Catholic orders continue to run excellent universities and hospitals, but individuals who feel called to be monks or nuns are in short supply, as are candidates for the priesthood. There are different reasons for this, as I will touch upon next.
The Protestant Reformation abolished monasteries, though there have been some revivals in the modern period (notably in the Anglican communion). However, there has also been a shortage of clergy in many Protestant denominations. Of course celibacy is not much of an issue here. Marriage has been suggested as a solution for the complaints of celibate Catholic priests; ironically, marriage may be a problem for many of their Protestant colleagues. I don’t think that sexual frustration is a central problem for most troubled Catholic priests–loneliness is. Combining ministry with married life is indeed a problem with Protestant clergy, because fewer women are prepared to play the traditional role of pastor’s helper. As more women are ordained themselves in Protestant denominations, the problem remains the same.
Read Full Article »