Golcuk, Turkey
Thanks to everyone via both my blogs that has asked to fill out a problem of evil questionnaire when it is ready. One of my pastors suggested I mention the questionnaire in my blog headings and I may do so eventually. My three philosophical theodicy chapters are currently under review and I am working on revising the practical theology chapter. Once these are accepted I shall be ready to issue the questionnaire.
In part of one of this series, which may only have two parts, I related my research of theodicy (the problem of evil in a theistic universe) with being single. At this point I wish to bring more of the human element into the discussion.
Some other observations:
I reason that God is sovereign and human beings have by my definition a limited free will (see the Edwards article if interested). Whether or not a person believes in the Biblical Christ is between God and that individual. The fact there are only a minority of Christians in Western society and in Canada is a negative that I can do nothing about. I have a small pool of potential women to choose from but I acknowledge that God can work through this difficulty if he so wishes.
I have been on two Christian websites, part-time for 7 years. I would estimate that of the female profiles I have reviewed, well over 25%, perhaps as high as 50% list the previous romantic relationship as being with a non-Christian or nominal Christian. Now thankfully despite our very liberal marriage laws here in Canada, I am only looking at female profiles, so perhaps the Christian men are not much different, but I do not know because I am not looking at their profiles! I am not criticizing the women in particular here. However, I would deduce that the already small number of Christians available for dating is made considerably less when Christians date non-Christians and nominal Christians. Again I believe that God can work through this problem if he wishes. It should be reasoned though that it will often be difficult for women who have dated non-Christians and nominal Christians to relate to committed theological Christians such as myself. I am not being arrogant here, but realistic.
With few available women this would make it unlikely for me to spiritually, intellectually, and physically relate with the Christians I meet. They may have one or two of the three things I mentioned, but all three is not likely. I do believe that physical attraction is essential for most in romantic relationships, but I would rate it less important than spiritual and intellectual compatibility. I have prayed to the Lord that I would accept the least possible as far as looks are concerned within the group of women that I am naturally physically attracted too. This means I am not holding out for a supermodel! However, I do have standards and I view them as natural although I must be aware that I am a corrupt being. God must be sought in prayer on this issue. I shall be blunt here, I think that a lot of Christians are not looking primarily at the spirituality or intellect of a potential mate, but are putting too much emphasize on looks and social status. I have written hundreds of letters to women on the internet and I deduce that the lack of overall Biblical and theological knowledge and understanding within Christians is playing a major part in me not finding someone. My deduction is that many Christians have only a basic understanding of the gospel and are saved, but would tend to relate better in romantic relationships with non-Christians and nominal Christians.
Basically on the positive side the internet, Facebook and Blogger does open up possibilities to meet persons of the opposite sex where in Christ there could be spiritual, intellectual and potentially romantic attraction. And despite what anyone would state with me personally looking for a younger woman of potential child-bearing age, the most important thing is someone to dialogue with.
One hundred years ago and earlier the Western world was more Christianized and one could go to church on Sunday and perhaps find someone to relate to. Now in many places in the West that is very difficult, especially for the intellectual. So perhaps there needs to be a paradigm shift in thinking and social and cultural rules relating to geography and age need to be reconsidered and sites such as Facebook and Blogger may serve as initial meeting places for future personal meetings.
