Christians Only-What are the correct steps in dating?

Question

As a christian, I want to know what are the correct steps in dating. Should christians only date christians because they have the same common goals? What are exceptable and not exceptable in christian dating? What should one do if his or her church does not address the correct steps in christian dating or just ignores the subject completely? What's the appropriate age to date? Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

There is no "correct" way to date, silly. You aren't restricted to dating other Christians because as a Christian you should know it's not your place to judge another (plus going to hell isn't an infectious disease so leave them alone even if you disapprove).

Answer 2

I am old and my ideas have been called old fashioned but here goes.

I would suggest that you only date Christians if at all possible simply because you will have common ground on which to build your relationship and you will both have common moral beliefs.

As far as what is acceptable and unacceptable, the Bible gives these answers. You already know that sex outside of marriage is wrong so it is better if you keep your relationship more mental than physical. A kiss is okay, holding hands is okay, an arm around the shoulder or waist is okay but the rest of the body should be off limits. I'm not saying that touching someone in what us oldies consider to be a private spot is necessarily a sin, but it certainly leads to lustful feelings and that is a sin.

Although the church should be talking about this to young people in particular, if they don't, hopefully your parents will. If you can't get any real answers from anyone else, ask a trusted adult Christian about it.

Age is not so important as is the level of maturity a person displays. If you are a responsible person who is willing to abide by certain standards (and I would say by the nature of your question that you fit that catagory), then you are probably old enough to date. (unless you happen to be a very mature 8 year old.) Kidding aside, I would suggest you and your parents decide together.

Answer 3

There actually are a lot of books for teens on this exact subject. Try your local Christian bookstore or church library.

Most people recommend that you only date Christians, because they will not pressure you into things that are against what you believe in (Usually- But there are some guys out there to watch for). There is also the chance if you were to end up marrying them one day. Almost everyone in church feels that a Christian should marry a Christian. Most people don't worry this far ahead, but as you get older, this will become an issue.

Usually age 13 or so is common to begin dating. Keep it simple. Go to the movies, youth groups, parks. I would hold off on anything physical at this point (maybe kissing is ok), especially if you are very young.

Answer 4

New Testament clearly states you should not be unequally yoked. What does this mean? In the olden days the farmers tilled the fields with an ox... and often two ox side by side.... but never a ox and a donkey as the wieght would be unfair.. and one would have to work much harder than the other. The whole scenario of trying to make the job run smoothly between two that are so different, makes the entire circumstance very very difficult for both of the animals. Being unequally yoked make the realtionship very difficult... and most often for the believer- it will become oppresive to your faith. Speaking from experience date believers so your heart feels whole before God. It is a sad thing to feel the separation from God. Do your best to not go there... remain pure til marriage with a man who beleives as the bibles tells us. Remember to only seek what and who God has for you. You will live a happier life.

Answer 5

The bible does say "do not be unequally yoked" meaning do not date non christians. This is for you safety. Many Christians want to "evanglize" by dating a non christian with the intent to "convert" him or her. This is possible but it is dangerous to your faith. You could be pulled astray so I would strongly encourage you to refrain from that. As for the basics, no sex before marriage. Then come whether we should be touching body parts or oral and on and on. Just remember this. Don't think "How far can I go?" but rather "How holy can I be?" and "would my future wife/husband be ashamed at me for doing this with my ex-girlfriend/boyfriend?" As for age, date when you know what God's kind of love is, selfless, does not keep track of wrong, ect and you have found someone that exhibits the same back to you. And you're 25, haha, just kidding

Answer 6

a million. i comprehend this gained't help a lot, yet maximum youthful females go by quite some degrees, jointly with fascination with their girlfriends. it really is area of maturing and turning out to be a lady. 2. i do not comprehend what you imagine this has to do with being a christian, it really is all about being someone and atheists also go by this very similar journey. once you insist on a "christian" answer you avert all the smart and thoughtful those who would absolutely have a extra appropriate view on your subject than a christian would. 3. you're previous sufficient to search for some suggestion about therapeutic psychological scars on your own, yet you gained't unavoidably locate it from a christian source. there is a few undesirable historic past of christian "therapists" who avert utilizing recommendations and ideas that are shown from psychology in favor of prayer and bible verses which regularly make the topic worse by neglecting the genuine nature of the problem, and in effortless words reinforcing their own incorrect perspectives about sexuality and psychology . Please do not close your thoughts to helpful recommendations that are open to you.

Answer 7

Stay with Christians because they are more likely to understand and respect your boundaries than a non-Christian (this is not a hard and fast rule, however). What is acceptable? Neck up and knees down. That means, keep your hands above the neck and below the knees and nowhere in between. That will keep you out of trouble.

Answer 8

the bible says we should not marry other christians, dating was not invented back then.
you can probably start dating when you're mature enough to handle the situation.
sex outside of marriage is a big no-no. but you also have to ask yourself, how much are you going to save for your wedding night, how much are you goling to keep pure? you should have your own personal "line" that shouldn't be crossed, and you should let your date know, so that he won't try to push it. if he does, he's not much of a christian, and you know what he really wants anyway...
dates don't have to be heavy, they can just be fun, double dating is surefire way to keep a date lighthearted, and not allowing things to get out of hand.

Answer 9

I can only give you my opinion as a Christian.
A Christian should only date another Christian. Don't date anyone you would not want to marry. Single dating at around 16 should be fine. Know the person you date. Don't put yourself into compromising situations. Keep yourself pure until your wedding night.

Answer 10

age isn't an issue if you feel something for a person
but most appropiate is around 16

i believe the church has problems with dating, just out of marriage sex. so take things slow.

if you're really concerned about what's the christian thing to do, just talk to a priest about it or someone at the head of your church.

Answer 11

I happen to be one of the more strict or old-fashioned Christians.
I believe in dating only Christians.Why form a deep romantic attachment to someone who you would not marry anyway?
I think that a hug,and holding hands is acceptable.Others may feel that a kiss is okay too,but I am not of that opinion.
I guess you could talk to your pastor/minister about this subject,and ask if he could teach about it.