There has been no shortage of controversy and criticism regarding my article on the role of physical attraction in a dating relationship. Although readers are in agreement that physical appearance is not sufficient to ensure the long term success of a relationship, many are loathe to admit that physical attraction plays any role in their selection of potential mates. Supposedly, they never even notice looks. I afford the same credibility to such emails as those that clutter my inbox claiming that I have won millions of dollars in African lotteries.

Somewhat surprisingly, reader feedback has been in nearly unanimous agreement that romance is not only an unreliable basis on which to base a long term relationship, but that the dominance of romantic love may be an un-Christian (or extra-Christian) concept. Most surprisingly is the aspect of my article on romantic love that seems to have captured the attention of most of my readers, that most Biblical examples of marriage were arranged. Although I was in no way advocating a return to arranged marriage in my article, a significant percentage of my readers seem to favor this concept. [continue reading...]