General Dating / Courtship Information
- Dating patterns and trains for divorce / has no guidelines (anything goes)
- Dating uses the opposite sex
- Dating is self-seeking and pleasure oriented / “me” centered
- Dating involves you physically and emotionall.
- Dating has excitement of romance and feelings of intimacy
- Dating carries no commitment or responsibility
- Dating carries a lot of pressure from peers
- Dating is done by most of their friends
- Dating gives a “false impression” (often being someone you are not)
- Dating takes place outside of the home
- Dating is to be “alone together” (isolates from family and friends)
- Dating and isolation can lead to sexual temptation
Biblical Principles of Courtship – supervision, discipleship, and instruction given to a young man and a young woman who are ready to marry in the near future.
- Courtship is planning for life-long marriage
- Courtship respects the opposite sex
- Courtship is designed to bless others
- Courtship carries no great emotional or physical attachments
- Courtship waits for emotional and physical gratification until marriage
- Courtship establishes character qualities that you want to see
- Courtship can be gracefully backed out of / change of heart (qualities are lacking)
- Courtship avoids broken hearts
- Courtship involves both families in “real life” situations
- Courtship takes place inside the home
- Courtship allows input from family and friends
- Courtship frees one from sexual temptation
Young man prepares for marriage in areas of:
- Finances and/or career
- Home and mechanical maintenance
- Fatherhood
Young woman prepares for marriage in areas of:
- Home-making
- Supplemental income if desired (part-time or hobby)
- Motherhood and instructional teaching (home-schooling)