It seems that recently both I and a large majority of my friends have been going through relational issues (in this case referring to romantic relationships). So soon I’m going to have to spark a discussion on this issue. First problem is that is seems to be somewhat of a touchy issue though, and one which I admit I’m very hesitant to be completely forth coming about everything I think and feel about it. The other problem is the primary reason I want to discuss the topic though. I realize that I don’t have a philosophy of relationships worked out in my head yet. Beyond that, I think that our culture, through media, has feed us one version, that isn’t a very good one. The problem is that I feel the church has been pretty silent as far as offering an alternative way of thinking about it. When they have said anything, it’s only been a list of things you really shouldn’t do, with the only reason given besides simply “the bible says so” being individualistic consequences like, “If you have sex you could get and STD.” Obviously this hasn’t been much help. For the most part, I think christians have just gone along with the flow of the culture, which is why I think most all of our sexual promiscuity stats are just as bad as non-christians. (Side note: In my thinking, sex and relationships are intertwined in a way that you can’t really address one without the other. If we are to create a philosophy of relationships, we must along with that have a philosophy of sexuality.)
The problem with not having a philosophy on this subject, or having a flawed one, should be obvious: broken relationship, pain, confusion, hurt, and beyond that many more “trickle down” issues that at the end affect our society as a whole for generations. Relationships and the desire for such are one of the very fundamental parts of being human, so being off in that area can seriously affect a person as a whole I think. I know I’ve been hurt by this, and I probably least of just about anyone. So I suppose that’s my introduction of sorts, and my case of why I want to learn in this area, and why I think it’s important that we as Christians address it.
