Question 188 — The Different Kinds of Religious Life

We must now consider the different kinds of religious life, and under this head there are eight points of inquiry:

(1) Whether there are different kinds of religious life or only one?

• (2) Whether a religious order can be established for the works of the active life?
• (3) Whether a religious order can be directed to soldiering?
• (4) Whether a religious order can be established for preaching and the exercise of like works?
• (5) Whether a religious order can be established for the study of science?
• (6) Whether a religious order that is directed to the contemplative life is more excellent than one that is directed to the active life?
• (7) Whether religious perfection is diminished by possessing something in common?
• (8) Whether the religious life of solitaries is to be preferred to the religious life of those who live in community?