Dating
- Typically started at an age too young to marry.
- Meet one another on their own in classroom, workplace, etc.
- Purpose is personal pleasure, fun, and recreation. No strings attached.
- Date is usually planned by the youths themselves.
- Oversight by parents is resented as an intrusion.
- Complete privacy is expected by the youths and permitted by parents.
- Physical affection is expected and allowed.
- Romantic feelings for multiple partners causes wounded feelings.
- Dating is rooted in selfish, feeling-oriented love: “falling in love.”
- Disagreements or loss of romantic feelings produces “breaking up.”
- Wounded heart produces scars, bitterness, and insecurity.
- Conscience is generally defiled and seared by impurity.
- Future marriage is troubled by past emotional bonds, unrealistic comparison, and appetite for variety.
Courtship
- Entered into only after preparation for marriage: spiritual, financial, etc.
- Meet one another through family/church gatherings and through parental investigation/approval.
- Purpose is to lead to marriage. Courtship pursues the commitment of marriage.
- Courtship is overseen by parents with cooperation of son/daughter.
- Oversight by parents is required and welcomed for moral protection.
- Privacy is disallowed/avoided. Chaperoned time together, usually at family home, church, or approved events.
- Physical affection is reserved entirely for marriage.
- Pure, whole-hearted romantic feelings saved for future spouse.
- Courtship is rooted in a selfless, commitment-oriented love: “growing in love.”
- Feelings/disagreements worked out by Biblical problem solving, not “divorce.”
- Heart is protected by one romance for life.
- Conscience is kept clear through a pure relationship.
- Future marriage is free from the “baggage” of dating.~ Pathway to Christian Marriage by: John W. Thompson
Photo source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/vintageandcake/5863207522/in/set-72157623567757606
No comments:
Post a Comment