[ScubieNuc]

Some people are just set aside by God to pray for the world’s troubles and conversion, and to worship with every fiber and moment of their being.

Where does the Bible say anything like that? I read in the Bible about taking care of widows, orphans, etc., but not about living a life of seclusion, even if that involves prayer and worship. Granted, we all should set aside time to pray and worship, but a whole life? I don't see it in the Bible.

I just saw a show on TV the other night talking about some of these cloistured nuns, and they talked like they thought that when they get to heaven they will be married to Jesus and have a "husband/wife" type relationship with Him. Very strange and very sad.

[OpusatFR]

“Where does the Bible say anything like that?”

For one, I’m not going to play the game of “Bible Only.”

That’s the invention of men in the 1600’s.

The Church has a long tradition of hermits, desert fathers, anchorites and anchoresses. In fact, the Hebrew Testament does too.

Some anecdotal “evidence” of what you saw on tv is just that, anecdotal. I have first hand experience with nuns cloistered and not.

If you are interested in the beginnings of the religious life, this link is an excellent description of the nuns, their beginnings if you read St. Justin and St. Paul.

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11164a.htm