The Monastery (new show on TLC)

[bobkitty]

Anyone watching? The premiere was last night- five guys "at a crossroads" agree to live in a Benedictine monastery for 40 days/nights.

They have a former Satanist who wants to be a priest, a former Marine who got his leg shot off in Iraq, a recovering addict, an ex Marine (they've been quite consistent in referring to the wounded guy as former, and this guy as ex, so I wonder what the story is) who is now a paramedic/fireman and a religious cynic ("Why does god let these things happen?!?" ), and an ex-con/drug dealer who now works as a counselor.

My first reaction: SIGN ME UP. The place is absolutely beautiful- their chapel is gorgeous, with huge windows that catch the sunrise (because, of course, they're up at 4AM), the whole place is typical Southwestern stucco and wood, and I almost cried it was so amazing. I'll stand, sit, kneel, and meditate all freakin' day to spend time in this place.

Second reaction: The former Marine is a complete putz. If this is the attitude he had while in service, he probably contributed heavily to his injury and I don't feel a bit sorry for him. I don't think we're seeing the results of PTSD- I think this guy is truly a punk. I realize that this is a reality show and they need to have conflict, but I don't think he's doing it for ratings.

Third reaction: The ex-Marine is also an asshole. What's up with that? As a former Catholic who has seen their fair share of horrible things go on in this world, I understand the urge to question, maybe even poke a little fun. But what this guy and the former Marine did to the younger monk was outright attacking, and it was rude and over the top. Only three days in, too!

Result: I'm loving the monks. What amazingly down-to-earth guys. The scene where the "monk disciplinarian" admitted that he wanted to smack the former Marine, but realized that that was exactly what FM wanted him to do, was great.

I'll definitely keep watching. Am I the only one?

[Cunctator]

I haven't seen the program.

How closely are these "guests" being required to live by the Benedictine rule? Do they have to attend and sing all of the daily offices?

[Red Stilettos]

I'd been looking forward to this show since I first saw the ads about a month ago. And, I must say, it didn't disappoint.

First, I'm really glad that it's not some kind of contest. I was worried that the monks would be voting people "off the island". That would have completely blown any chance at dignity or depth.

I was surprised at how much I disliked all of the guests. They all strike me as selfish idiots. Where did they find them and how did they get them to agree to live in a monastery? I'm sure it makes for better TV, but I'd like to like at least one of them. I'm anxious to see some changes in these guys, particularly the guy who wants to be a priest.

But mostly my response was a deep desire to see them do a second season with women so I can go.

[MovieMogul]

Originally Posted by Red Stilettos

But mostly my response was a deep desire to see them do a second season with women so I can go.

They'd have to call it Temptation Friary.

[IvoryTowerDenizen]

Originally Posted by Cunctator

I haven't seen the program.

How closely are these "guests" being required to live by the Benedictine rule? Do they have to attend and sing all of the daily offices?

Neat show. They are required to live by "The Rule of St. Benedict", along with the other monks.

They have a monk mentor to help guide them through there spiritual quest.

I love the monks- they seem like neat guys, even when they're dissin' science .

I really enjoyed the show.

[Red Stilettos]

Originally Posted by Cunctator

I haven't seen the program.

How closely are these "guests" being required to live by the Benedictine rule? Do they have to attend and sing all of the daily offices?

Forgot to answer your questions....

Yes, they are living by all of the rules of the monastery. They attend all worship services, rise with the monks at 4AM, work in the monastery and observe silence.

[bobkitty]

Originally Posted by Cunctator

Do they have to attend and sing all of the daily offices?

They have to attend, but they don't have to fully participate (or, at least, they don't have to fully participate yet) which turned into a bit of a power play on the part of the former Marine- he was refusing to sit/stand/sing, and said that unless they completely explained, in excruciating detail, exactly why he should be doing these things, he wasn't just going to go along (one wonders if he questioned his superior officers this way while enlisted). I think the monks cut him a little slack during this first show because they weren't sure how much his prosthetic leg affected his mobility, but then they saw him jogging and horseplaying, so they lost a bit of sympathy. It looks like the majority of the drama will be focused on him and the "cynic."

The monk's website makes it clear that visitors are not required (allowed?) to fully participate to the extent that the contestants on the show did, and that they are certainly not allowed full access to the monks (especially one-on-one time). I'd still love to visit, though.

[Cunctator]

Originally Posted by bobkitty

The monk's website makes it clear that visitors are not required (allowed?) to fully participate to the extent that the contestants on the show did, and that they are certainly not allowed full access to the monks (especially one-on-one time).

I've made retreats to various Benedictine monasteries. In my experience the guests are allowed to participate fully in all of the offices - assuming, obviously, that they feel confident enough about singing the psalms, responses etc.

[SmackFu]

Interesting. The BBC also did a version of this with the same name. As well as a follow-up, "The Convent". Didn't realize they were doing an American version.

[Red Stilettos]

Originally Posted by SmackFu

Interesting. The BBC also did a version of this with the same name. As well as a follow-up, "The Convent". Didn't realize they were doing an American version.

I may get my chance after all! Now I just have to figure out how to get in the applicant pool....