So the big theme in my head is something along the lines of how do changing expectations (or expecations in general) have the ability to become self fulfilling prophesies and change the bar for what is normal and greatly improve or degrade society. I'm a big picture person and that's the big picture.
But for the sake of those who need a little more direction in the discussion there are two aspects that we can narrow the discussion down to:
1) A marriage that lasts- A book I read a while ago (probably written in the 90's) said something about no one expects to grow up, get married, and then get divorced. I wonder if that still holds true. So singles, if you were to marry or marry again (which is a big if for some of us), would you expect that marriage to last till death do you part? How do you think your expectation of the longevity of your marriage would affect you willingness to sacrifice and work at it? (And if we get a lot of comments along the lines of I'm not going to marry with no further comment on the topic, then I'm going to start another thread about why we feel the need to state such things that don't add to the discussion at all). Anyone who is, will soon be, or has been married is also free to comment on what has made thing work so well for so long (or end badly if you are in that circumstance).
2) Emotional health and general decency- It seems like as a society we have moved from a standard of having an ideal "normal" to live up to, to a culture where there is an excuse for everyone's wrongdoing and a general lack of responsibility. We excuse all kinds of imperfections and issues with a glib, well everyone's messed up (or the immature christian favorite, "everyone sins, my sin's not that bad, don't judge me"). And I have to wonder if we've gotten to a place where we don't expect people to mature or grow in holiness or actually live a Christian life, and if so have we stunted people's growth and well being by doing so?
Ok that's enough food for thought. Time to let the rest of you start thinking and responding.
But for the sake of those who need a little more direction in the discussion there are two aspects that we can narrow the discussion down to:
1) A marriage that lasts- A book I read a while ago (probably written in the 90's) said something about no one expects to grow up, get married, and then get divorced. I wonder if that still holds true. So singles, if you were to marry or marry again (which is a big if for some of us), would you expect that marriage to last till death do you part? How do you think your expectation of the longevity of your marriage would affect you willingness to sacrifice and work at it? (And if we get a lot of comments along the lines of I'm not going to marry with no further comment on the topic, then I'm going to start another thread about why we feel the need to state such things that don't add to the discussion at all). Anyone who is, will soon be, or has been married is also free to comment on what has made thing work so well for so long (or end badly if you are in that circumstance).
2) Emotional health and general decency- It seems like as a society we have moved from a standard of having an ideal "normal" to live up to, to a culture where there is an excuse for everyone's wrongdoing and a general lack of responsibility. We excuse all kinds of imperfections and issues with a glib, well everyone's messed up (or the immature christian favorite, "everyone sins, my sin's not that bad, don't judge me"). And I have to wonder if we've gotten to a place where we don't expect people to mature or grow in holiness or actually live a Christian life, and if so have we stunted people's growth and well being by doing so?
Ok that's enough food for thought. Time to let the rest of you start thinking and responding.