The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Dating

What do you good folks think about the subject of dating? Are there right ways and wrong ways? Are there scriptural proofs and guidance on the matter? Is it a matter of personal preference? If you have an opinion on the subject, I am most interested to hear it. Please forgive me if this has been covered in another discussion.

Jacy

Jacy,

Some would say that dating is unscriptural and that only "courting" under the direct supervision of parents is acceptable. This they base upon OT references. However, I do not see where the practices of strict courtship as seen in those days as being prescriptive. That there are some good principles to be gleaned is undeniable. But again, I see no mandate in Scripture that would demand that this type of practice be universally binding.

That being said, there are some very explicit principles set forth in the NT that should be noted. A few, for example would be:

1. Dating/courtship should only be done with believers. (2Cor 6:14f)
2. There should be nothing sexual between the individuals. This is fornication. (Acts 21:25; 1Cor 6:18; 7:2)
3. Dating should be for the purpose of looking toward marriage. Getting together with friends is not dating.
4. If either of the individuals are still living at home, the parents should be privy to all that is done. (Ex 20:12; Matt 19:19; Eph 6:1, 2) Actually, I personally think that the parents should be involved regardless whether the person is living at home with few exceptions.
5. It would be most wise to date only those who are in agreement theologically. This does not mean that they must agree on every single point of doctrine. But they should agree on the major tenets of the faith, e.g., Calvinism, baptism, and I was told eschatology too is important.

I'm sure others here could easily add to this short list... perhaps even disagree with some? Hopefully, others will share their knowledge and/or experience on this matter.

In His grace,