Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Gemma Therese · 07-31-2003, 07:40 AM

** This is a serious topic, and I hope it will be treated as such. **

How is it that there are so many happy, joyous, and fufilled nuns in the world? These women have given up freedom, possessions, children, and marraige, and yet, they are joyful. Many have no desire to be preists and are satisfied with their role in the Church.

Does this speak to any athiests in support of the existence of God? If not, to what do you attribute their happiness?

On a side-note, I've been away for a awhile -- it's good to be back!

Gemma Therese

07-31-2003, 07:55 AM

Among any population other than slaves and prisoners, a reasonable proportion will be happy.

I am a happy atheist. Does that tell you anything about the existence of god(s)?

Gemma Therese · 07-31-2003, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DMB

I am a happy atheist. Does that tell you anything about the existence of god(s)?

I see what you're saying, but nuns are different from other theists, in the sense they have given up legitimate goods for God -- like power, wealth, family, etc. Other theists could possibly rely on the external things of this world for their happiness, but nuns cannot.

In the same way, unless your athiesm is the sole force in your life, then your happiness could be attributed to other factors.

Gemma Therese

Jack the Bodiless · 07-31-2003, 08:04 AM

Nuns don't have to work for a living. Stress is no longer an issue.

Sure, they can occupy themselves with various tasks. But, essentially, it's the difference between a job and a hobby.

Why is it a mystery that people who get paid to do nothing are often happy?

Gemma Therese · 07-31-2003, 08:05 AM

Jack, what do mean nuns don't work, it's a hobby?

Nuns must work, it is part of the vow of obedience.

Gemma Therese

AndresDeLaHoz · 07-31-2003, 08:08 AM

I'm guessing Buddhists are happier.

07-31-2003, 08:09 AM

There are plenty of Peace Corps volunteers that leave behind family, friends, and their way of life to help with humanitarian aid in less fortunate areas of the world. Many could be considered "joyful". Should this support an existence of god?

Gemma Therese · 07-31-2003, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Relative Newcomer
There are plenty of Peace Corps volunteers that leave behind family, friends, and their way of life to help with humanitarian aid in less fortunate areas of the world. Many could be considered "joyful". Should this support an existence of god?

The Peace Core is temporary.

Enlighten Me · 07-31-2003, 08:16 AM

Perhaps they have low sex drives, incline to lesbianism, never wanted to procreate, have a strong need to be perceived as being "sacrificial," are afraid to take on life in the "normal" way, etc. It seems that there could be a wide variety of reasons, some admirable, some not, that women become nuns---just as there must be many reasons that they quit being nuns. I'm sure there were many happy slave owners, too. Is that evidence that slavery should be endorsed?

Shadowy Man · 07-31-2003, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Gemma Therese

Does this speak to any athiests in support of the existence of God? If not, to what do you attribute their happiness?

No, this has no bearing on the existence of God. Certainly not any more than the fact that I am happy with my job is evidence of the existence of any supernatural entities.

07-31-2003, 07:40 AM	#1
Gemma Therese Senior Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: new york Posts: 608	Why are nuns happy? This is a serious topic, and I hope it will be treated as such. How is it that there are so many happy, joyous, and fufilled nuns in the world? These women have given up freedom, possessions, children, and marraige, and yet, they are joyful. Many have no desire to be preists and are satisfied with their role in the Church. Does this speak to any athiests in support of the existence of God? If not, to what do you attribute their happiness? On a side-note, I've been away for a awhile -- it's good to be back! Gemma Therese

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

07-31-2003, 07:55 AM	#2
DMB Guest Posts: n/a	Among any population other than slaves and prisoners, a reasonable proportion will be happy. I am a happy atheist. Does that tell you anything about the existence of god(s)?

07-31-2003, 08:04 AM	#4
Jack the Bodiless Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: UK Posts: 5,815	Nuns don't have to work for a living. Stress is no longer an issue. Sure, they can occupy themselves with various tasks. But, essentially, it's the difference between a job and a hobby. Why is it a mystery that people who get paid to do nothing are often happy?

07-31-2003, 08:05 AM	#5
Gemma Therese Senior Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: new york Posts: 608	Jack, what do mean nuns don't work, it's a hobby? Nuns must work, it is part of the vow of obedience. Gemma Therese

07-31-2003, 08:08 AM	#6
AndresDeLaHoz Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Chicago Posts: 567	I'm guessing Buddhists are happier.

07-31-2003, 08:09 AM	#7
Relative Newcomer Guest Posts: n/a	There are plenty of Peace Corps volunteers that leave behind family, friends, and their way of life to help with humanitarian aid in less fortunate areas of the world. Many could be considered "joyful". Should this support an existence of god?

07-31-2003, 08:16 AM	#9
Enlighten Me Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Southern Ca. Posts: 1,109	Perhaps they have low sex drives, incline to lesbianism, never wanted to procreate, have a strong need to be perceived as being "sacrificial," are afraid to take on life in the "normal" way, etc. It seems that there could be a wide variety of reasons, some admirable, some not, that women become nuns---just as there must be many reasons that they quit being nuns. I'm sure there were many happy slave owners, too. Is that evidence that slavery should be endorsed?

Freethought & Rationalism Archive

The archives are read only.