Article XIV Monastic Vows

[1] Since monastic vows directly conflict with the first chief article, they must be absolutely abolished. It is about them that Christ says, “Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray” (Matthew 24:5, 23–24). [2] He who makes a vow to live as a monk believes that he will enter upon a way of life holier than ordinary Christians lead. He wants to earn heaven by his own works, not only for himself, but also for others. This is to deny Christ. [3] They also boast from their St. Thomas Aquinas that a monastic vow is equal to Baptism. This is blasphemy.