Explain why some Christians join communities and take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.

        Apostolic life involves going out and teaching or helping others, so people evangelise through both contemplative life (by praying for those in need), and by apostolic work (by going out and physically helping the needy).  They are called to be disciples, that is, spiritual learners who are sent out as apostles, in love and service to the world.  Apostolic serves through practical work, contemplative serves through prayer, but they are both active as prayer could be classed as active work helping people.  A good example of active work is Mother Teresa, who helped many people on the streets of Calcutta, and now has nuns helping the needy all over the world.

        Everyone, especially Christians need some contemplative space and time in their lives, maybe to “recharge their spiritual batteries”.  It can be achieved by going to mass or praying, this may be why many people choose to dedicate their lives to God in a contemplative way.  Another reason for it would be that they want to go to heaven when they depart this life.  The reason people may want to help by an active life is they simply feel compelled to help, a calling.

        To take the vow of poverty, someone must become poor themselves, because to become a follower you have to give up all your earthly possessions in order to have treasure in heaven, they have complete trust in God.  Being poor makes them sensitive to the poor in a way the rich never can be.  A good example is St. Francis of Assisi who started the Franciscans.

        The vow of Chastity involves giving up sexual relations, monks and nuns do this.  This means no spouse, and no children.  Mother Teresa is a good example of someone who took a vow of chastity.

        The third evangelical counsel is the vow of obedience, follows perfect example of Jesus.  In the New Testament he is portrayed as a perfect obedience of God.  His death was a source of revelation.  Disobedience of God is sin, and all authority comes from God, so humans must obey God.