Subject: Anything wrong with dating? |
Bible Note: Nolan: Thanks for a very good, very heartfelt reply. I have received other good replies to this question, but, if I'm not mistaken, yours is the one that best addresses the question as I asked it. (Disclaimer: the following is MY subjective answer. I do not present it as Bible doctrine or church dogma. "Every person has a right to his own opinion; but no person has the right to be wrong in his facts." The following is not a discussion of bare facts, but of a modern social custom. I am not taking a rigid stand, merely expressing my opinion, which I have labeled as opinion.) Just for the record, I didn't mean to imply that I either agreed or disagreed with every last word of Harris's book. Neither am I saying that you said I implied that. The issue of whether churches are equipped to deal with or instruct singles regarding dating is another matter entirely, though one that is related to the question at hand. And I tend to agree with your assessment of the churches regarding singles. You mention an author "who makes a valid argument for Christian dating." I haven't a thing against Christian dating according to Christian principles. What I seriously question is the entire dating culture and customs as the world understands and practices them, especially the world's questionable practice (from the biblical viewpoint) of an excessive number of serial or multiple dating partners. Is this REALLY proper or adequate preparation for "Christian" marriage? I am not entirely against dating. But I seriously question the suitability for Christians of the dating "game" as played by the world. I don't believe God called us to play shopping games with relationships. For thousands of years people met, married, raised children, and arguably fared no better and no worse for the lack of the custom of dating -- a VERY, VERY recent custom in the history of mankind. |