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Ninjaearth -> RE: Casual dating (6/19/2008 8:34:21 AM)
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Cloak
There is nothing wrong or unbiblical about dating or casual dating provided being mature Christian and preferably dating Mature Christian fellow to be on the safe side. This is the way God created people to get to know each other. I also believe that a wise Christian would be in communication with God and other mature believers asking them to pray for them during this whole process.
I am sure during biblical times people dated, otherwise how would they know each other, even if physical attraction!
Actually, the concept of "dating" didn't exist back then. It was arranged marriages in the days of the patriarchs, bought together and bound by the law of Moses, and done for alliances in the days of the kings. The Bible in no way supports dating; rather it's better said that the Bible gives no principles for dating. What I mean by this, is that you won't a passage that will talk about what to do or how to act on a date. However, the Bible does give some principals on being single just as it does give details and principals on being married. To answer your second question, this idea of physical attraction probably wouldn't have been an issue very much, because at most times the marriages were between clan members (patriarchs) and own people (not foreigners). There are some occasions in Scripture where it was clear that some men were interested in women because they were beautiful: rape of Tamar in Genesis, David's daughter was also beautiful, Ruth was beautiful to Boaz, Jacob and Rachel. So, yeah, it played a part; but even then, it wasn't like "let's get to know each other" because in most cases they would distant family, even if they weren't known very well. I don't think many of them would be as independent as much as we are today, given the fact that they were a different culture and we have a culture that gives us the freedom to decide for ourselves (instead of our families arranging marriages).
So, I hope everyone gets what I'm saying. While the Bible doesn't biblical support the notion of dating (as in you find a passage anywhere about it and it wasn't a practice given back then, based on the context and teaching of Scripture), it does give basis to how singles should act. In general, it tells how the men and women of God to act. In Titus, you have passage concerning the behavior of single young men and women. This can be used to help young adults (like myself) have the proper attitude towards women both my age, younger, and older. It also gives details on what a Godly character looks like (for both man and woman); all of this can be helpful when you are dating and finding a suitable mate for marriage. Ultimately, though, to date or not to date is really up to the individual. Also, don't expect to read biblical principles from Scripture that deal with dating, but keep in mind that it does say plenty about being a single individual and a Godly character. This itself can be used to help determine who is datable and who is not (for us as Christians, we can't go outside the family > unbelievers, 2 Cor talks about being unequally yoke, the context being unbelievers and does not include mature believers pairing up immature believers, as this wasn't a case in the OT of Israel just as long as it was Israel and Israel and not Israel and Baal). However, it is important to really think about who you will eventual marry and keep in God's hands prayerfully because Adam did have someone "suitable" for him. In dating, (whatever you define it to be, which is really the issue) just keep in mind that men are to treat women as sisters (same age or younger) and mothers (if older) and vice versa.
Any questions on anything, please let me know. God bless!!!
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