Monday, December 19, 2011

Dating

Many Christians date unbelievers and people who practice other religions. My life experiences and my theology has taught me that I must date a man with a value system that is congruent to mine. Our philosophies of life must be parallel.  

So should Christians date Non Christians yes or no? 

Please elaborate.

9 comments:

  1. I do not believe that Christians should date non-Christians. I do believe it is alright to spend time with a non-Christian if he/she is actively willing to learn about Christ. If after a reasonable amount of time, that non-Christian has chosen to become or not to become a Christian, that current Christian should ONLY date that person if he/she has chosen to accept Christ. I do not believe in Christians just "Dating"...Christians should be dating with the express intent of getting married & in no way should any Christian marry a non-Christian. In many relationships, one person has more of an influence over the other,my fear is that the christian would be seduced into a more secular life-style in order to keep his/her significant other.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I believe that Christians should not marry non Christians, dating is considered a closeness where-as hanging out and holding conversations with someone of opposite sex as friends give you the chance to minister to them in a non forceful setting. We as Christians should always have our mind set on winning souls to Christ. I look forward to hearing comments from my fellow soldiers in Christ.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I believe that Christian dating and courting are slightly different things although in neither case should it be co-mingled between Christians and non Christians. I feel that a Christian should only seek to date and then ultimately court a non-Christian as dating flows into courtship, courtship is a step before marriage, and marriage is ministry. That said, I think that friendships between people do not have to be of the same religion.

    The problem with this, particularly amongst those who too desperately (and dangerously) seek companionship allow non-Christian friendships to evolve into "evangelical dating" e.g. he is so nice or cute if only he were a Christian, let me take him to church etc. I have done this before and learned from my mistakes so I am just keeping it real. I think you have heard about and seen such scenarios before.

    I believe that friendship can, and often does, evolve into dating which is why we really should be careful in our friendships. Dating to me (I emphasize to me) is not as casual as some may think it is, because I know when someone is interested in me (and vice versa) and I treat this as a spiritual matter to be led in prayer (not my emotions.) So, the long answer is....no I do not believe that Christians should date non - Christians, and in cases where you are friends first and you start "catchin' feelings" well then I say guard your heart and mind and step on.

    Thanks for this Dr. O :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Dr. O I'm of the same mind set that you are we should not date unbelievers nor those who believe differently. I would never date a Jehovah Witness or Muslim why they worship and believe differently than I do. Why open the gates to have feelings for someone when there is bound to be a problem. I believe christians especially women are throwing in the towel because they get tired of waiting. How can two walk together except they agree.

    ReplyDelete
  5. So should Christians date Non Christians yes or no?

    I would have to say yes. Why if we only date/associate with like people those that are not may never receive the blessing and learned information that those have found who are not of there same belief. How do minister and educate someone if you withdraw from them because in this case they are not of your christen belief. The person you may shy away from because they are not christen maybe the one that god want you to minsiter to save. As someone minister to you and saved your life with god grace.

    ReplyDelete
  6. The answer is no, but as in all things we are giving a choice & our choices come with consequences……good & bad. I can’t even count the amount of conferences & other settings where my sister has encountered women who lives are devastated because of horrible relationship choices. Christians need to grow up & realize 2 can’t walk together unless they agree……seems simple but that is very, very very profound.

    ReplyDelete
  7. 1 huge factor is pop culture’s view on dating vs. courtship & how those attitudes have crept into the church over the past 40-50 years. That’s a whole entire series that Dr. O can cover. The Bible teaches with many examples that God gives us directions & as sinful humans we try to figure out numerous ways to do it our way, this is no different. The mindset that you are dating or even worse courting someone to Christ is weak & spiritually immature. What will we call it next dating evangelism..davangelism!!!! Being a friend is 1 thing being in a committed relationship is an entirely different ball game. If you are that interested in a non-believer you need be patient & see if that persons accepts Christ & begins a walk with him….but we don’t like to wait in our microwave society anymore. So we lie to ourselves to justify are foolishness & cry to God when it blows up in our faces. We don’t save anybody…..all we can do is witness in word & deed. Christ does not force himself on anybody that is a choice that only they can make …..& if it’s not sincere it won’t last & neither will that uneven relationship. It’s called being unevenly YOKED! Dr. Osgood, Pastor Davidson or TD Jakes can’t make unbelievers change. The first thing that any creditable pre-marriage counselor asks when they meet a couple is are they both believers & then they want them to elaborate on that…..Why is that???..............It’s called Foundation!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I believe that the Bible forbids being "unequally yoked." This applies to dating and even business relationships. As Michael stated, we have choices and we have to pray for wisdom, discernment, and the strength to do what's best. It is easier said than done, with the shortage of good men. But, I have experienced much disappointment with men who are non-believers. Christian men are not perfect; no one is, but if you are both Christian, you stand a better chance.

    ReplyDelete
  9. The bible says that every knee will bow. Before I got saved I wasn't a bad person. It depends on the characteristic of the person.

    ReplyDelete