A young Christian woman is concerned because her boyfriend seems obsessed with end-time theology. Is it normal, or will it affect their future happiness?
 

AT ISSUE

A young woman says: My boyfriend really seems to be preoccupied with end-time prophecy and conspiracy theories. Often that's all he wants to talk about. Do you think that's healthy?

OUR INSIGHT

The fact that you are questioning this behavior is important in itself. You are around him all the time and apparently you think his interest in such things is extreme.

Jesus was very clear that we should not dwell excessively on end-time prophecy. He said, "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Matthew 24:36), so speculation is pointless. We are to keep a watchful eye for the Lord's coming and live empowered spiritual lives in realization of that, but not get bogged down in the mechanics of it.

It is a concern that people who are consumed by end-time prophecy are also often consumed by conspiracy theories. They do not automatically go together. Extreme preoccupation with such things may be a sign of emotional immaturity or instability, and at the very least detracts from ones ability to live fully for Jesus.

It would be helpful if you verified his level of interest to determine whether it is extreme. Ask a trusted Christian brother to evaluate the situation objectively for you.

It may be that your concern is rooted in the fact that you feel he is neglecting you. If so, take this as an indicator of the Lord's direction in your life as Christian girlfriends and wives should never have to feel neglected on any regular basis. Also, do you really want to be in a relationship with someone who bores you?

-DLH