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The path to ordained religious leadership in different traditions is a high-stakes journey of mutual discernment between an individual and a spiritual community. Examining these years-long journeys of time, texts, and teachers can illuminate our own discernment paths.
Jesuit priest
- Sacred texts: Bible, writings of St. Ignatius of Loyola and other Masters
- Other readings: Jesuit Constitutions, broad range of theology and other disciplines
- Activities: Pastoral, spiritual, academic, and social ministries
Carmelite nun
- Sacred texts: Bible, Carmelite Rule
- Other readings: Works of Carmelite saints (e.g., Teresa of Ávila, John of the Cross)
- Activities: Liturgy of the Hours, contemplative prayer, community life
FORMALITY AND HIERARCHY
While Catholic ordination is highly standardized, other traditions are more flexible and rely on individual discretion or completed education, reflecting overall differences in rigidity and hierarchy within religious institutions.
Jewish rabbi
- Sacred texts: Torah, Talmud, Midrash
- Other readings: Rabbinic commentaries, Jewish philosophy, contemporary Jewish thought
- Activities: Leading services, Torah study, pastoral work
Imam (Sunni)
- Sacred texts: Quran, Hadith collections
- Other readings: Works of Islamic jurisprudence, theology, and ethics
- Activities: Leading prayers, delivering sermons, community outreach
ROLE WITHIN THE COMMUNITY
Rabbis and Sunni imams serve as religious teachers and community leaders. Their authority is rooted in knowledge rather than divine power. Catholic priests have the added role of intermediary between man and God, giving them unique sacramental powers such as celebrating the Eucharist and absolving sins. Zen Buddhist priests are somewhere in between, like rabbis lacking sacra-mental powers, but like Catholic priests and nuns taking ethical vows, minus the vow of celibacy. Nuns do not serve a lay congregation, but live a life of prayer, contemplation, and service.
Zen Buddhist priest
- Sacred texts: Buddhist sutras
- Other readings: Zen koans, writings of Zen masters
- Activities: Zazen (meditation), work practice, ritual ceremonies