Big Long Dating Questionaire :)

[jshurley04]

This thread is so sticky sweet spiritual about somthing that is nothing I think I am going to be sick. This is just over the top.

 

[SaggyWoman]

So.... what are you trying to say?

 

[MissAbbyIFBaptist]

And as Baptists we are descended from the Catholic Church as all other Christian denominations in one way or another (remember Martin Luther? - he sort of started a trend) So Baptists, Methodists, Penticostal, Church of God, Church of Christ, etc... are Christian but the Catholic Church and related Ortodoxy

Martin Luther tried reforming Catholicisum true, but Baptist's never came from that refromation. They weren't always called Baptist, but there have been many "churches" down thru the ages since the New Testament that held to the Baptist doctrine today.
I supose their might be saved Catholics; one dosn't have to be Baptist to be saved, but as a whole, the Catholic church has a whole lot of mess that isn't biblical.
Anyways, as to the original topic, I had a time with the last question. I chose the first one so my vote would count ( I wasn't sure if you could leave one blank or not!) but I would have to say it is NEVER ever ever, and may I stress, EVER right to date an unsaved person.
Kayla is right, the Bible teaches against that practice. And though I've never dated/courted, I would say the same thing she did. Never date someone you wouldn't consider marrying. If a person dates an unsaved person, they may marry them. Then they've got trouble. Sometimes that person may get saved, and for any in that situation, pray to that end, but if you aren't already married, make it a standard to only date/ court a saved person. It'll save trouble later. There are several men and women in my church in that situation now. Women who come week after week and pray constantly for their husbands' salvation, and men who's wives left them for their stand on the family attending church.
Please, please follow God's standards when it comes to dating/coutship.
~Miss Abby
Proverbs 31:30 KJB

 

[12strings]

I think we need to define "Dating" for the purpose of some of these questions. Is "Dating" different than "going on a Date" (and what's a "Date")
Anyway, While I would never romantically date someone who is not a strong believer, I would have no qualms about taking a non-Christian female out to lunch just to talk. I may even pay, and it wouldn't bother me if anybody called it a "Date" or not. If she had other ideas, i would make it clear what my intentions were and were not.
(i'm 23 by the way, and with college-age/young singles, it's not that uncommon for guy-girl pairs who aren't "dating" to go out for a bite to eat.)

bye for now,
-andy

 

[Xingyi Warrior]

I think we need to define "Dating" for the purpose of some of these questions. Is "Dating" different than "going on a Date" (and what's a "Date")

I think that would fall under one of two categories - Serious dating, or Casual dating. When two people go out on a casual date, it generally never implies more than just friendship or perhaps even business. Serious dating implies that the parties, either one or both, are seeking a relationship that will culminate in intimacy. When you agree to accompany someone on what would be considered a "serious date", you have basically indicated that your partner has met the bare minimum qualifications for what you consider compatible with your interests in such context, or in laymans terms - the looks test. Basically if you are not physically attracted to someone in some manner then a serious intimate relationship will not culminate. I have many women friends whose frienship I cherish greatly. They are wonderful friends and I like to be around them and greatly value thier opinions and advice. But I am in no way, shape, or form intimately (read sexually)attracted to them whatsoever and I never will be. I'm happy keeping them as just friends.
As Miss Abbey said, to be a Christian and unequally yoked is contrary to scriptural teachings. But that is in the context of a intimate/married relationship where you are intimately(sexually, and or emotionally bound) involved with that person and as such they can greatly influence your life. I see no problem with casual dating with an unbeliever and frequently go out to lunch and dinner with friends of mine who are not saved. I look at it as an opportune time to be a character witness and honestly, just a good friend. I believe that dating someone seriously with the intent of converting them will usually not work and should be avoided. I associate with friends of mine that are unbelievers but do not participate in acts or goings-on that require me to comprimise my faith and moral beliefs. And I hate to say this, but quite hoestly, from a standpoint of just pure enjoyment and casual companionship I would take my unsaved friends over a large percentage of the "Christians" in my church any day of the week. Not all of them, of course but one of my pet peeves is that the term Christian is thrown around far too loosely nowadays.