Whether there is only one religious order?

❌ Objection 1 : It would seem that there is but one religious order. For there can be no diversity in that which is possessed wholly and perfectly; wherefore there can be only one sovereign good, as stated in the FP, Question [6] , Articles [2],3,4. Now as Gregory says (Hom. xx in Ezech.), "when a man vows to Almighty God all that he has, all his life, all his knowledge, it is a holocaust," without which there is no religious life. Therefore it would seem that there are not many religious orders but only one.

❌ Objection 2 : Further, things which agree in essentials differ only accidentally. Now there is no religious order without the three essential vows of religion, as stated above (Question [186], Articles [6],7). Therefore it would seem that religious orders differ not specifically, but only accidentally.

❌ Objection 3 : Further, the state of perfection is competent both to religious and to bishops, as stated above (Question [185], Articles [5],7). Now the episcopate is not diversified specifically, but is one wherever it may be; wherefore Jerome says (Ep. cxlvi ad Evan.): "Wherever a bishop is, whether at Rome, or Gubbio, or Constantinople, or Reggio, he has the same excellence, the same priesthood." Therefore in like manner there is but one religious order.

❌ Objection 4 : Further, anything that may lead to confusion should be removed from the Church. Now it would seem that a diversity of religious orders might confuse the Christian people, as stated in the Decretal de Statu Monach. et Canon. Reg. [*Cap. Ne Nimia, de Relig. Dom.]. Therefore seemingly there ought not to be different religious orders.