During my time in theology school, I took an interest in studying various Christian doctrines. I was most intrigued by nuns and their devotion to God, so I decided to visit some convents and learn more. The nuns were delighted by my interest and wholeheartedly explained their relationship with God, demystifying some of my questions. Last week during our online interdenominational study, some members wondered if nuns are married to God. Having interacted with them first-hand, I was the right person to answer this question. So, are nuns married to God?
Yes, nuns believe that they are married to God. They exclusively dedicate themselves to serving and loving Him. Their relationship with God has aspects similar to marriage like taking vows.
In this article, I invite you to join me as we uncover why nuns believe they are married to God. We will also look at what it means to be a bride of Christ, what it is like to be married to Jesus, and so much more. Keep reading to find out.
What does it mean to be a bride of Christ?
A bride of Christ is an honorary title given to nuns because they devote themselves exclusively to Jesus.
Nuns go through certain rites like the ‘Rite of the Consecration of Virgins’, making them sacred people dedicated to Jesus. Jesus calls them to serve Him more intensely and intentionally. It becomes their vocation. Instead of an earthly husband, they entirely devote themselves to loving and serving Jesus. Even though a nun is identified as a bride of Christ, Jesus loves every person individually and completely.
What is it like being married to Jesus?
According to nuns, being married to Jesus is an epic experience of having a perfect spouse.
When nuns choose this vocation, it opens them up to a new journey of wholly dedicating themselves to Jesus. It becomes a marriage where one spouse is perfect. Jesus is forgiving, omnipresent, omniscient, a great provider, and a good listener. He is attentive and loving. Even if He asks for great sacrifices, nuns accept it with joy because it is a chance to prove their love for Him. He helps them stay committed with His grace.
Do nuns believe that God proposes to them?
Yes, nuns believe that when God calls them, it is a proposal. They relinquish all worldly commitments and say yes to Him.
Most times, God calls nuns to exclusively serve Him. The calling is not something they can easily explain. At first, it is an urgent invitation to be God’s servant. During this time, the nuns can respond ‘yes’ or ‘no’. But God doesn’t give up, and the urge persists until they eventually surrender. They say yes to Him, which is why it feels like a proposal. When they accept His proposal, they let go of their previous lifestyle and fully embrace His calling. They give up all worldly possessions and choose to stay and grow in love with God.
Why do nuns believe they are married to God?
Nuns believe they are married to God because they wholly dedicate themselves to Him and look to Him to fulfill their spousal needs.
Even though nuns are not literally married to God, they devote themselves exclusively to Him and a life of spirituality away from the outside world. They take solemn vows of chastity, obedience, and poverty, and are wholly committed to Him.
There is a spousal longing in human beings which is why God created the union of marriage. God designed it for everyone, to give and receive love according to their vocation in life. When nuns choose their vocation, they renounce human marriage to serve God more faithfully. But God does not leave them empty and lonely. He uniquely becomes their Bridegroom and fulfills that fundamental desire. The nuns are cloistered to serve God and their self-sacrifice enables them to fulfill His will.
Can nuns end their marriage to God?
Yes, nuns are free to choose their vocation. They can end their marriage to God because He never forces them to exclusively commit to Him.
Even though it is a difficult decision, nuns can end their marriage to God. God never forces anyone to do anything. They are free to choose their vocation. Because becoming a nun, most times, is a calling from God, it is God’s will for them. They will likely have a profound lack of contentment if they do not accept His calling.
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
