Question 189 — The Entrance into Religious Life

We must now consider the entrance into religious life. Under this head there are ten points of inquiry:

(1) Whether those who are not practiced in the observance of the commandments should enter religion?

• (2) Whether it is lawful for a person to be bound by vow to enter religion?
• (3) Whether those who are bound by vow to enter religion are bound to fulfill their vow?
• (4) Whether those who vow to enter religion are bound to remain there in perpetuity?
• (5) Whether children should be received into religion?
• (6) Whether one should be withheld from entering religion through deference to one’s parents?
• (7) Whether parish priests or archdeacons may enter religion?
• (8) Whether one may pass from one religious order to another?
• (9) Whether one ought to induce others to enter religion?
• (10) Whether serious deliberation with one’s relations and friends is requisite for entrance into religion?