Re: Religion in the Monastery.

[Nkuvu]

In regards to the noted lack of other religious declarations in homenodes. It's not too uncommon for non-Christians to be criticized for just mentioning that they aren't Christian. I'm not saying it doesn't happen in reverse, just that I don't notice it quite as much. For those of us who are not Christian, it's often a lot easier to just not mention anything about our religion. I'm the "you believe what you want to, as long as you let me believe what I want" sort of person. I have very little interest in religious discourse these days -- all too often it degrades into slander and name calling.

As far as the original question goes, I'd think it's the Monastery metaphor that may originally attract the notice of many Christians, and it's the content that keeps them here. But that's just a wild guess. ;)

My religion (philosophy, really, since I'm Taoist) has very little to do with my coding, but it really has a lot to do with the interaction between myself and my co-workers. So it's a large part of work, but not an obvious one.

[mojotoad]

As far as the original question goes, I'd think it's the Monastery metaphor that may originally attract the notice of many Christians, and it's the content that keeps them here. But that's just a wild guess. ;)

Let's not forget other varieties of monasticism, such as with the various flavors of Buddhism.

One thing ironic about this site is that, due to the nature of the online forum, perlmonks is a lively social environment rather than an environment of isolation typical of most monastic traditions.

Matt

[Nkuvu]

Let's not forget other varieties of monasticism, such as with the various flavors of Buddhism.

Oh absolutely. When I think monk, Buddhist and Taoist monks are the first type of monks that pop into my head. I was just pointing out my idea of why Christians specifically may be relatively frequent here.

As far as typical monkish activities go, I'm sure there are plenty of lurkers (perhaps with a vow of silence?) to make up for the active, vocal monks. ;)

[DrHyde]

I don't know about that - the real-world monks I know seem like quite lively fellows. Well, lively aside from playing sports. I expect the robes get in the way.