Dating: What's the Point?

In chapter five of his book "Love, Reason, and God's Story", David Cloutier examines arguments within Christianity in favor of dating and opposed to the practice of dating.  Some of the 'anti-daters' argue that dating in our current social context is 'essentially practice for divorce'.  In your response, share your reaction to this claim, as well as your reaction to the reasons given to justify dating (those by Freitas and King among others).  How does this argument compare with the experience of you/your peers and 'contemporaries'?  Finally, how does this compare to the 'hook-up' culture prevalent in colleges and universities in 2012?  Please refer to this article from none other than BUSTED HALO :), as well as the article we read by Fr. Rick Malloy challenging the culture of 'hooking up'.

Gender and Dating relationships

In our society, gender stereotypes are often reinforced in romantic relationships.  Please read this article on the role of gender particularly in engagement/proposal scenarios.  I found one reader's response particularly provocative as well:  Andy, thanks for your thoughtful reflections on the tired traditions of engagements and weddings. I couldn’t help but notice that you focus a lot on how women’s expectations play into these harmful expectations. But it doesn’t quite seem fair to place the burden of the harmful tradition on women alone. Do you have any thoughts about how men’s own expectations (as providers, for instance) play into the traditions as well?

What is your response to both the article and the reader's questions?  How does this compare to your families' experiences and the love story you shared on Friday?  

America the Beautiful

Watching the rise (and fall) of Gerren Taylor in her modeling career, do her experiences show the impact that the modeling world can have on people's self-esteem and self worth?  How has your experience as a young woman in contemporary American society affected your self-understanding and the confidence of your peers? 

Becoming Who you Are

In class on Thursday, I shared some of Parker Palmer's book, Let Your Life Speak, with you.  Here is a link to the portion we read (stop at the section 'journey into darkness').  Based on your reading, our discussions in class during the first week of the semester...  Share your reflections in 2 paragraphs.  Parker challenges some of our assumptions about success and determining your vocation in life- it is more about becoming who you already are, and asking the question: "Who am I"? instead of "Who should I be"?  How does this compare with your understanding of vocation and success?  Do you agree/disagree/understand his assertions?  Deep thoughts! :)