I saw (give an example of Valentine’s Day advertising or imagery you saw) this week. Has anyone else seen any commercials or run into any advertising for Valentine’s Day at school or on TV?
Prompts if no response: “When I was young, they had ____”; or discuss cards and candy decorations.
Discussion Question 1:
Why do you think so many people like to celebrate Valentine’s Day? What is appealing about this holiday?
Prompts if no response: Appeal to romance, candies, excuse to go out, celebration of love.
Discussion Question 2:
Why do we not celebrate Valentine’s Day in the Church? Doesn’t God want us to love one another?
Prompts if no response: Pagan worship/idolatry; misunderstanding about what real love actually is; emphasis on getting valentines and jealousy when not getting valentines.
Discussion Question 3:
Idolatry breaks two of the 10 Commandments, and it is mentioned several times in the Bible as an abomination to God. Let’s try to list all the pagan origins and idolatry associated with Valentine’s Day.
Prompts if no response: Roman Lupercalia fertility ritual (hitting women with animal hides and pairing them up with strangers as “love”); mythological god Cupid; worship of St. Valentine in the Catholic Church.
Hypothetical 1:
What would you think or say if you heard this: “It’s not like I’m worshipping Cupid or St. Valentine. I’m just showing my family and friends how much I love them.”
Prompts if no response: Ask why they have to show love it on that specific day; if you say you’re not worshipping something but then observe the worship traditions, your actions contradict your words; you can show your loved ones how much you love them in several other ways.
Hypothetical 2:
What would you say if you heard this: “Will you be my Valentine?” or “What are you going to do for Valentine’s this year?”
Prompts if no response: “Thanks for thinking of me, but I don’t do Valentine’s Day”; “I show love and affection for others in different ways throughout the year.”
Closer
What are some other ways to celebrate true godly love instead of Valentine’s Day?
Prompts if no response: Celebrating holy days showing God’s love for all people; list acts of kindness to show loved ones that you care; talk about romantic dates you have had without Valentine’s Day.
Scriptures for more study or reference
Deuteronomy 12:29-32; 1 John 4:7-11; Ezekiel 14:4-8; Acts 14:12-18
What are some negative aspects of how people celebrate St. Patrick's Day? Discuss the topic of St. Patrick's Day with these guided discussion questions.
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