The Dating Debate

With all the bad results, should a Christian give up on dating altogether? Or is there a better way?

by Ken Treybig

Dating in the United States and most other developed countries is in serious trouble.

Don't misunderstand—the practice of dating is very much alive. The problem is what has happened as a result of current normal dating practices. Teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, emotional scars and a host of other problems often result from modern dating habits.

From I Kissed Dating Goodbye to I Gave Dating a Chance, the books about dating in the Christian realm run the gamut, with all of them saying they have biblical backing for their approach. Which is truly right in God's eyes? If you are eligible for marriage, how can you know what you should do—give dating a chance or kiss it goodbye?

Big change in dating practices

Beth Bailey's book, From Front Porch to Back Seat, chronicles the dramatic changes that took place in the world of dating and courtship during the 20th century.

As the title indicates, the automobile has played a big part in those changes.

By giving young people more mobility, one-on-one boy-girl contact has gone from a public, almost family setting in the parents' home to a private and intimate setting. This often leads to sex before marriage in defiance of God's command about keeping sexual activity within the bounds of marriage (Exodus 20:14; 1 Corinthians 6:18).

God has consistently told His people to be different from the people around them—from His commands to ancient Israel to statements like the one in 2 Corinthians 6:17. Christ said those who follow Him are to be the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world" (Matthew 5:13-14). He inspired Paul to refer to faithful Christians as lights that shine brightly in a crooked and perverse world (Philippians 2:15).

Read the full article at www.gnmagazine.org/issues/gn50/datingdebate.htm

Related Information on UCG Sites:

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