Should a Christian be a monk? This is a question that many Christians wrestle with. At its core, this question gets to the motivation behind being a monk and whether that aligns with biblical principles. Let’s explore what the Bible has to say about this topic.
The Call to Ministry and Mission
In considering whether a Christian should become a monk, an important related question is what does the Bible say about the Christian’s call to ministry and mission? Scripture makes clear that all Christians are called to serve God and make disciples of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19-20). However, the Bible does not prescribe one specific form of ministry or mission for all believers. Romans 12:4-8 discusses the diversity of spiritual gifts among Christians for the purpose of edifying the church. Ephesians 4:11-13 also points to different roles and functions within the body of Christ, like pastors, evangelists, and teachers. So while all Christians are called to participate in ministry and mission, the Bible allows flexibility in how that calling is lived out.
Motivations for Being a Monk
Why might a Christian be interested in becoming a monk? Some motivations include seeking deeper spiritual growth, pursuing a life of prayer and study, and withdrawing from worldly distractions and temptations. These aims can be admirable to an extent. Jesus did emphasize the importance of spiritual disciplines like solitude, prayer, fasting, and study of Scripture (Luke 5:16, Matthew 6:5-18, Matthew 4:1-11). And the Bible warns against loving the world too much and being polluted by its sinful values and deeds (1 John 2:15-17, James 1:27).
However, taken to the extreme, some of these motivations can become unbiblical. Isolation from the lost world prevents evangelism. Neglecting the God-given physical body through extreme fasting contradicts Scriptural teaching on caring for our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). And mere knowledge of Scripture without obedience and fruitfulness contradicts Christ’s teachings about discipleship. Overall, motivations for monk life that focus on self-centered spirituality miss the intentional missional component of Christian identity according to the Bible.
Pursuit of Separation and Isolation
A core motivation behind monks withdrawing from society is the pursuit of separation and isolation for undistracted spiritual focus. What does the Bible say about this? Jesus did frequently withdraw to desolate places for private prayer (Luke 5:16). And Scripture commends the virtues of quietness, restraint of speech, and aspects of solitude that foster wise and holy living (Proverbs 17:27-28, 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12).
However, the Bible also teaches that spiritual growth comes through Christian community and living out one’s faith in everyday life. The “one another” passages of the New Testament emphasize the need for believers to mutually edify each other through fellowship, service, confession of sin, and sharing burdens (Romans 12:10, Galatians 6:2, James 5:16, 1 Peter 4:10). Examples like the early Christians meeting from house to house reflect interdependence rather than isolation (Acts 2:46). And the Great Commission involves going out into the world rather than withdrawing from it (Matthew 28:19).
So while temporary solitude can be useful, permanent isolation misaligns with the Bible’s balance of community and mission. Timothy Keller notes, “We are not to live in isolation from nonbelievers. Instead, we are to keep close to them in order to serve and win them.”
Celibacy and Singleness
Another key aspect of monk life is the vow of celibacy. What does the Bible teach about singleness and celibacy? Jesus and Paul both commend those who choose singleness and celibacy for the sake of greater devotion to God’s work (Matthew 19:12, 1 Corinthians 7:32-35). So voluntarily forgoing marriage for spiritual purposes is permitted and noble. However, forced vows of celibacy conflict with Scripture’s teachings that celibacy be a voluntary choice, not a requirement (1 Corinthians 7:9). Married life is never condemned in Scripture either. So while voluntarily embracing singleness is admirable, it should not be deemed holier or required.
Poverty and Possessions
Most monks take vows of poverty, renouncing personal possessions and sharing resources communally. Scripture praises such voluntary poverty at times. Jesus instructed one eager disciple to sell his possessions to gain heavenly treasure (Luke 18:22). And in Acts, many believers sold property and shared resources as needed (Acts 2:44-45, Acts 4:32-35). Their voluntary, joyful generosity serves as a model.
However, enforced poverty can become legalistic and is not commanded. Paul collected financial gifts for the Jerusalem church (Romans 15:25-28). And he affirms that God graciously supplies our material needs (Philippians 4:19). Scripture condemns harmful greed and materialism (Luke 12:15, 1 Timothy 6:6-10). But it does not forbid meeting legitimate needs or private ownership. Once again, balance is key.
Obedience and Imitation of Christ
Some monks pursue their ascetic lifestyle out of a heartfelt desire to obey Christ’s teachings on discipleship. This motivation aligns with Scripture’s command that obeying Christ prove our love for Him (John 14:15). However, while monks aim to imitate Christ and live sacrificially like Him, an error comes in making monk life itself the essence of discipleship. In fact, Christ calls us to follow Him in engaging with lost souls He came to save, not retreating from them (Luke 19:10). And discipleship means repenting and believing in Christ, not striving to earn righteousness through works (Mark 1:15). A truly Christlike motivation focuses on making disciples rather than personal piety alone.
Monastic Community
Positively, monks live communally, modeling the shared life described among believers in Acts 2:42-47 and Acts 4:32-35. Scripture praises interdependence, generosity, confession of sin, and spiritual fellowship. However, monastic communities can become legalistic and disconnected from the body of Christ. Elitism may arise, along with neglect of family responsibilities for those who were married and then renounced those ties to join the monastery (1 Timothy 5:8). Esoteric rituals can become unmoored from biblical foundations as tradition itself becomes venerated.
Historically, monks have made valuable contributions to Christian theology and spiritual heritage. But cherishing monasticism itself too highly can pull focus from the sufficiency of Scripture and salvation by faith alone. Rightly understood, monastic communities can foster discipleship. But they, like any Christian community, must keep Christ at the center rather than ritual or tradition.
Stewardship of God’s Gifts
Assessing from a biblical perspective whether a Christian should become a monk also involves considering stewardship. Does joining a monastery make best use of the unique gifts, resources, and opportunities God gives each believer? Or does it represent a burying of one’s talents (Matthew 25:14-30)? For those gifted in evangelism or teaching, the isolation of monastic life prevents exercising those gifts.
Of course, seasons of retreat for spiritual growth can prepare one for more effective ministry. But permanent monasticism may contradict the biblical principle of good stewardship. As Paul writes, “Make the best use of your time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16). Time on earth is limited. Stewarding it well means maximizing opportunities to know Christ and make Him known.
Seeking the Kingdom of God
In assessing monk life, an essential biblical benchmark is: Does this help advance God’s kingdom? As Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:33, we are to “seek first the kingdom of God.” Becoming a monk with the aim of pursuing a higher plane of faith and holiness can represent seeking God’s kingdom. But if monastic striving becomes a form of works righteousness, that contradicts grace. And permanently cloistering oneself away from society and the lost fails to fully live out the Great Commission.
Of course, different seasons of life call for different levels of activity. Older Christians may scale back external works as they mentor younger believers. But for those able-bodied, becoming a monk can represent seeking personal piety apart from actually building God’s kingdom.
Conclusions From Scripture
In reviewing key biblical themes, what overall conclusions emerge about whether a Christian should become a monk?
Positively, monks uphold important disciplines like solitude, prayer, fasting, and study. Their communal shared life models Christian fellowship in Acts. They live sacrificially and avoid worldly entanglements that distract many believers. For some monks, deep spiritual enrichment results from their focused pursuit of God.
However, potential problems also arise. Isolation can prevent fulfillment of the Great Commission if taken to an extreme. Obsession over spiritual knowledge without obedience is worthless. Legalistic rules imposed on community members contradict the grace and liberty of the gospel. Elitism may subtly arise among those pursuing a “higher path.” Mandatory celibacy and poverty contradict biblical balance and stewardship principles.
Overall, the monk’s path holds admirable elements but also reflects potential spiritual pitfalls. For those drawn to monasticism, seasons of temporary retreat could foster spiritual growth to empower future ministry. But permanent withdrawal from society and God’s purposes for one’s life becomes problematic from a biblical perspective.
In the end, no uniform mandate for or against monasticism emerges from Scripture. Each believer must humbly listen for the Spirit’s guidance based on their gifts and calling. The key is maintaining a biblical motivation of advancing God’s kingdom rather than selfish spirituality alone.