A Conversation on Dating, Confrontation, and Christian Satire
So, who should pay on the first date? Some of you automatically think “the guy of course,” but don’t speak so fast. Culture might be pushing to change that. What about criticism? Comedian John Cleese has said that he won’t speak at American universities anymore, due to their lack of being able to be criticized. As Christians, is there such thing as healthy criticism and confrontation? And finally, with many Millennials lacking a fear of God, do people like John Crist and sites like Babylon Bee help? Does this satirical, Christian-based humour help us fear God? This week on indoubt we hear 3 Millennials tackle 3 topics.
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*Below is an edited transcription of the audio conversation.
Introduction
With me today is the lovely Brittney.
Hello!
And the lovely Jake.
Hey guys!
Before we get into the different pieces that we’re going to discuss, Jake, tell us what’s been going on in your life.
I’ve had a lot going on in my life. I’ve been super busy for the last month – I’ve had some school wrapping up (I’ve been in full-time schooling), I was working two jobs (I had a part-time job at the church, being young adults director, and I was working at a clothing store)…
Like, OshKosh…
Yeah, OshKosh B’gosh. We only sell children’s clothes, I wear them though. My tiny frame.
But I’ve been super busy. What’s really cool is that I applied for, and actually got, the job as full-time youth and young adults pastor at my church, which has been going since around May 1st. Really, really cool opportunity. It’s new and exciting because I’ve never done the youth ministry before. It’s very unique and different, even though there’s only a couple years between youth and young adults. It’s been great. I’ve been really humbled by it. Super, super excited.
And your schooling, what are you exactly in again?
I go to Trinity Western University, and I have a major in English and then I have a concentration in Religious Studies. Hopefully I’ll do a Master’s afterward.
What about you Britt? I mean I know a little about you, but you can tell Jake and our listeners! What have you been up to?
Right! Well, I, like Jake, am a student and I’m actually graduating this semester with my full Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. So yeah, it’s been busy as well! But it’s been really good. Seeing this chapter come to a close has definitely been something really exciting, because it’s been a long process!
We were talking about it the other day, and it’s like, I don’t think you’ve taken any time off – since grade twelve, you’ve just: school.
Yeah, people thought I was going to be a permanent student. No, it’s not happening folks!
You’ll never be able to pay back the loans. Permanent student.
Alright, so, as I’ve already mentioned at the beginning, the purpose of today’s conversation is for three young adults – people born anytime between 1980 to 1999, anyone in that generation – it’s really for the three of us to talk about three different issues, behaviours, beliefs, in our culture, whether they’re life things or faith things, that you’ve either personally experienced or that you’ve seen around your peers. Alright, sound good?
Britt, you’re up first. Give us your piece.
Alright, so I guess mine is a behaviour that I’ve noticed. Just in chatting with different friends and stuff. There seems to be a bit of confusion around dating and gender norms, I guess? And gender stereotypes. Specifically, who pays on the first date? That’s kind of the flashing question that’s been coming up in a couple different conversations I’ve had. And I think there’s a lot that plays into the confusion, given the way that culture is significantly changing in regards to gender norms and gender ide...
