One of the things I love about the church is the practical applicability it promotes in relation to Christ's teachings. Sometimes, though, I worry that our members go a bit far in applying eternal principles.

Case in point: My sister's BYU singles ward somewhat recently implemented a "relationships" Sunday school class where they learn -- you guessed it -- how to start, maintain and progress relationships, primarily romantic ones.

The justification for such a class isn't hard to arrive at: We are taught that our eternal progression depends, eventually, on securing an eternal marriage. This class merely teaches techniques that will help you arrive at an eternal marriage.

My sister, Kami, has attended the class only a couple times, but she said the first one focused on how girls can demonstrate their interest in guys. They emphasized the importance of the after-date text message, and sisters were counseled to touch the guy's elbow to demonstrate affection. The second class was all about exhibiting confidence and self-esteem, and how that will help to attract a mate.

Is it just me, or do these topics seem like they belong on the cover of Seventeen Magazine rather than in a Mormon Sunday school class?

I'm all for making the gospel relevant to young single adults, but perhaps we would be better off teaching eternal principles in regards to courtship and marriage than dispensing specific dating advice that may or may not work for everyone.

That said, it's entirely possible this class is a result of some priesthood leaders' inspiration, so I will withhold judgment.

In fact, in the spirit of uber-practical Mormon singles ward Sunday school curricula, I've compiled a list of suggested classes to replace the relationships class once it runs its course:

Sacrament meeting back-scratching -- from circular motions to cutesy message-writing, students will learn all the tricks to attracting an eternal companion with heavenly mid-church massages and back tickling.

Text-message banter -- the curriculum would start with a basic T9 refresher and eventually cover the most flirtatious text-message conversation topics in the LDS singles world, like the "teach me words in your mission language" game, or the more advanced "how many kids do you want to have?" convo.

For the sisters, "Prove Your Domesticity: From cookie-baking to scarf-knitting" -- learn to bake a mean chocolate-chip cookie and show the guys in your ward that you'll make the best Mormon housewife ever.

And for the brethren, "Weight-lifting" -- There's really no need of an explanation here: just plain old-fashioned iron-pumping. After all, girls love a guy with a six-pack, right?