How seriously should Christians view an engagement to marry?

Answer 1

Somewhere between blasphemy without hope of redemption and death with eternal torment.

Answer 2

Actually, all relationships should be taken seriously. Even more so when they may lead to marriage. The best way to get to know whether someone is 'worthy' of your interest, is Before they know of your interest, and in group settings. Only if their behavior is always Spiritually sound on those occasions, would one want to begin personally dating such one, but still keeping some distance, --very preferably with a chaperon always in attendance-- even if only for the sake of having witnesses that can speak up if anyone accuses you of wrong-doing. The most important thing is protecting the reputations of God & His Word, the Christian congregation, & then yourselves. One wants to be able to enter marriage with a totally clear conscience that they haven't taken any chances of sullying them.
Getting to know someone well enough to marry them can be difficult, esp. when the two involved don't have a long & deep freindship with people in common. Yet, either way requires in-depth communication regarding the most important aspects of what each holds dear. It requires total honesty, for anty resulting relationship to be ultimately successful. However, if after taking all such precautions, during the engagement period, some things come to light regarding either party that make it seem unwise for the marriage to take place, then it is not frowned upon for one of the parties to call it off, even if the other one still wants to go forward & wed. The most important thing to consider is the long-term effect that marrying vs not marrying is likely to have on not only the engaged individuals, but the way other people may come to regard God, His Word, &/or the Christian Congregation, due to the relationship resulting from the choice. That is the reason why it is so very important to use great care & patience in getting to know a prospective mate. Staying as emotionally uninvolved aas possible, & for as long as possible, is the wise coarse. Feelings cloud good judgement, at no other time more than when looking for a marriage mate!

Why View Marriage as Sacred?
http://watchtower.org/library/g/2004/5/8a/article_01.htm

What Is Needed for a Successful Marriage? http://watchtower.org/library/w/1999/2/15/article_02.htm

Answer 3

I;m not sure exactly what you mean. If you are asking how carefully a Christian should choose to whom they become engage, I would have to say very careful, the same as for non-Christians. I don't believe in starter marriages, and feel that you should be certain that you are planning to marry the right person. If you are asking if it is acceptable for a Christian to break an engagement, then I would have to say yes. It is better to break-up before the wedding than after.

Answer 4

Don't get engaged if you don't intend to get and stay married. Period.

I've been married for almost 26 years. If we couldn't trust each other's word completely, we would not have lasted five years.

Marriage is the best thing for normal people. But since it is so good, it is also difficult. It's not easy but it's worth it.

Answer 5

I believe it is time for all family and friends to start viewing them as a marriage waiting to happen and give them full support and equality.

But, this does not give the couple freedom to explore themselves or live together. That is when you seal deal and not a second before.

Answer 6

Marriage SHOULD be only brought together when two people decide they plan to be together "until death parts them".With that said any relationship should be done seriously.

Answer 7

When there is true Love, there is seriousness!

Answer 8

Not very serious. After all, Mary never married Jesus father. (If you can believe that.)

Answer 9

if there is no vows or sex involved i wouldnt consider it binding ...