There's opposing views out there for example Joshua Harris is against it while Dr. Henry Cloud is for it. What do you think?
2007-07-17 08:47:43 · 25 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The Harris family are good people, but they are far too strict. Dating is no more a sin than driving a Ford. One can drive their Ford to church and be holy, yet another can drive their Ford to the bank and rob it. Its not the date-its the "dater". Its not the gun, its the gunner, its not the wine, its the wino. Its not the TV-its what "you" allow to play on it.
Does that make sense?
2007-07-17 08:59:18 · answer #1 · answered by Skip-Jack 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
OK
dating defined by the world may be a bit different than dating defined by a Christian household.
No, it is not ok to "date" "hang out" or otherwise ignore what God has in store for the pureness of your body. You are to keep your body pure for your impending mate.
Yes, it is ok to "court" another. This is dating with the intention of marriage. If a young man asks my daughter out, he would be letting us know that he is interested in a meaningful relationship with her with an end result toward marriage. He is not simply looking for someone to hang out with or see a movie with and maybe get a "little: for his trouble.
What is missing in the secular world. Most Christian teens that grow up in a church setting, already know most of the kids around their age group. They know if any of the other kids holds particlular interest in each other. You could almost call this pre dating. Hanging out with each other at church during fellowship times within eye and ear shot of many adults.
By the time they "date" or start a "courtship", they have known each other for a very long time.
Now, you should be able to see why there is such variation in opinions even within a denomination. It really depends on the closeness of the church body. If they kids have known each other for a very long time, dating would simply be an end result of being interested in each other for a long time.
I can see where parents would state that you do not need to date someone you have known for a long time, you either court them or not.
For Christians who do not have a full church life including fellowship with other like minded believers, I can see where dating would be a needed option, as you wouldnt have had the opportunity to know them in a fellowship part of growing up.
It is never to late, if possible get into a youth group for college and career age groups, get to know the others in your age group, then when the timing is right, court or date another with long term intentions.
2007-07-17 16:07:21 · answer #2 · answered by cindy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think dating is a natural progression of determining who you're going to spend the rest of your life with. I've read Joshua Harris' book, and I'm glad that works for him, but it doesn't work for most people.
No where in the bible does it say that dating and courtship are prohibited.
2007-07-17 15:52:00 · answer #3 · answered by Scotty Doesnt Know 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with luv_figure_skating, look into courting rather than dating. Courting doesn't have to involve expensive restaurants, or elaborate plans. Courting is getting to know someone as a friend first, and seeing if you're compatible with one another by looking at their character, energy level, ways of handling conflict, ways of managing money, seeing how they treat family members, etc. Finding these kinds of things about a person doesn't need to involve a slick bachelor pad, a sexy new dress, or judging one another on how they look in a hot outfit, which is synonymous with dating. Courtship is much deeper.
2007-07-17 16:04:37 · answer #4 · answered by Dolores G. Llamas 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Research courting. Courting is where your parents help you out in that arena, they do NOT pick your spouse for you. It's not an arranged marriage.Just thought I'd clear that up.
And make sure you read that book by Joshua Harris, "I kissed dating goodbye."
2007-07-17 15:52:26 · answer #5 · answered by luv_figure_skating 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello and keep first things first your in a world that everyone dies in, there is only one exit Jesus Christ DO NOT put anyone of more importance then Christ OR put someone who is a none believer in your life Seek first the kingdom of God THEN Christ will give you what you need. No there is nothing wrong with dating but your love for Christ MUST be first because we head in the direction we are looking at putting a woman ahead and of more importance to you then Christ will put you in the wrong resurrection, not the first one where you need to be. God bless bible lessons free www.amazingfacts.org
2007-07-17 15:52:47 · answer #6 · answered by wgr88 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it is okay to date as a christian. Dating other Christians I think is good in the eyes of God. Fellowship of Christ is a good thing, weather that be in a church or with your mate, and you would always have something to talk about. And If you date a non christian it would be a good chance to witness. So I think dating as a christian is definitely okay.
2007-07-17 15:53:48 · answer #7 · answered by Jenna F 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not all christians are the same you know.
some are against it some are all for it, its the persons personal beliefs what make that decision.
but think about it, if you never dated you will never marry and will never start a family. look at it that way but dont date for the sake of it.
2007-07-17 15:50:43 · answer #8 · answered by klbblk 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course it is! How else are you going to figure out the type of person you want to marry? Besides, it's fun. Well, not always. But when it's not fun at least it makes for good stories.
2007-07-17 15:56:39 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you mean spending time with one person for extended periods of time or spending time with several different people over the same course of time?
Its one thing to court someone properly, its another to become a human revolving door.
2007-07-17 15:53:17 · answer #10 · answered by germaine_87313 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋