Relationships, Christianity and Aspergers

[Neil_Anthony]

Hi,
I'm watching this video series about how the most important thing in a Christian's life is relationships. But I find that aspergers makes it really hard to have relationships. In fact the list of "good relationship skills" listed in the video series seem to be almost my exact opposite. Except the one about honesty. For example the video says empathy isn't enough, we need sympathy. But aspergers means you don't even have the normal amount of empathy, so how can you have sympathy without even empathy? It makes me feel like Christianity isn't for aspies

[Jennet]

Hi,

I have moderate-functioning classic autism with high IQ rather that Asperger's, but I wanted to post a reply to this.

The most important relationship for any Christian is their relationship with God. All the others are secondary to this. Think of the hermits and Desert Fathers of centuries ago. Some of them went weeks, months and years without ever seeing or speaking to another human being, yet there is no doubt that they had exemplary relationships with God. Many are now Saints.

Our interactions with people may be impaired, but so long as we earnestly seek God and try to do His will, He will love us, bless us and teach us... just like everyone else.

[prodigalson2011]

I have been dwelling on this subject for the past few weeks, and consider it a blessing to find someone here voicing my same feelings. Like the poster above me, whose name escapes me at the moment, I often think of our saintly ascetics when feeling discouraged. It is reassuring, but it doesn't quell the desire to connect and be more a part of the community.

But, it's the cross we bear. I'll keep you in my prayers.

P.s. I haven't been professionally diagnosed, but if I'm not an aspie, the distinction must be negligible.