Christendom: How should Christian life be practiced?

Monasticism and Religious Orders

Monasticism originated as a discipline of separation from the world

Foundational vows are chastity, poverty, and obedience

Over time became less isolated from the world and more involved in social services

• Isolation: copying books, wineries, art
• Enclosure: education, hospitality to pilgrims and refugees, hospitals, orphanages
• Apostolic: Go to the poor and needy where they are, missions

Different orders add different vows and ideals

New orders sometimes founded to deal with new challenges in Christianity

Marianists

Founded by William Joseph Chaminade

Response to the French Revolution

• Resists the push to reduce religion to a government agency
• Adopts the revolution ideals of equality and cooperation

Focus on Mary as model for Christian life