Missionary Dating is when a christian dates a non-christian not only because they are attracted to them but also to try to bring them to Christ. What do you guys think about this? Is it going against scripture?
129602
ok look at it this way\n\nyou stand on a chair, and have someone  stand on the ground next to you, now try to pull them up with you onto the chair?\nhow did that work?\nok now have them try to have them pull you down next to them.\nyou fell of the chair didn't you?\n\nthat's how it is when you "missionary date"\nit's is easier for the person you are dating to pull you down, then  for you to pull them up to christ.\nand then they might even try to become a christian just to please you, then it wouldn't a true conversion.\n\nI hope that helped you!\nGod bless!
529778
I don't think I agree with you here.  What does wearing a condom have to do with having premarital sex.  Has alot to do with not getting pregnant but nothing to do with not having premarital sex.  I believe Christian adults are doing a very poor job with our children in teaching them the holiness of sex within marriage -- of teaching them how to be set apart from this world -- of teaching them very early in life about sex and how it is intended to be a blessing to two people within the marriage covenant.  \n\nThe selling of sex in our culture around us permeates the thoughts and minds of our Christian young people because we have not taught them how to separate themselves from this world.  We let them view sexually stimulating movies and then are surprised when they act out the immoral sexual activity they have viewed on the movie screen.\n\nChristians are called to no longer conform to this world.  I see much more conforming of young Christians to the world than I see the world being transformed by young Christians.  And sadly that is because many adult Christians interact with the world in the same way.
542015
First, christian is not another way of saying asexual or even nice.  Look at catholic priests.\n\nWhy not give them the same things?  I'd skip the stuffed animals though.
573750
first- notoriousnick- Are you LDS?\n\nAnyway, back to the question- Why do others think Mormons aren't Christian....\n\nI think it all has to do with definitions.\nIf you define a duck as a waterfowl with webbed feet, a big bill, a bird that waddles, quacks and is white in color, eliminating any animal that does not fit this description... that's a pretty specific definition!... it also eliminates all wild ducks, like malards...\n\nIf you define Christians as people who believe in the Bible, both the Old and New Testament, have accepted Jesus as their savior, and accept the Trinity as fact... Again, that could be considered a pretty narrow definition.\n\nBecause "Mormons" don't accept the idea of the Trinity, they are often exluded from the label of Christian.\n\nMy own definition of Christian-\nA Christian is one who\na) accepts Jesus as the Son of God, Savior of mankind (including him or herself), and Redeemer of the world (btw- these characteristics, when applied to Jesus of Nazareth can be found in the Bible, both Old and New Testament).\nb) also tries to follow Christ's example as recorded in the New Testament, living the "Golden Rule" throughout their lives.... (this definition could eliminate many who call themselves Christian, simply because they arent' living the "Golden Rule")\n\nIn essence, my definition of Christain is someone who not only talks the talk, but walks the walk.\n\nAccording to my definition of what a Christian is- someone who fulfills both parts of what I've written, yes, "Mormons" are Christian.
588623
As one of Jehovah's Witnesses (as you identified yourself in another question) you know what "hangin' out" can lead to. Why not just plan to share in the ministry together? Also spending time with him and other Christians from your congregation in group outings and fun get-togethers is a great way to get to know someone, then you can decide whether you really want to start dating. If he likes you (and the attraction is mutual) it will be quite obvious after a short while.\n\n1 Corinthians 15:33 - "Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits."
325914
Why in this world would you two ever marry?  You two will self destruct in a very short time if you marry.  A christian should never marry a non christian.  It just makes the whole marriage very difficult, if not impossible.  You should tell him everything that you think BEFORE you ever marry.  He can not OK or deny you to go to hell, you will go there no matter what he believes, but for your own belief.  I think you are just looking for problems dating this person.
216554
I'm Christian. I love Jesus. I also find your question really funny. A lot of people seem to find your question offensive, but I think they have missed your point! (Of course I could be wrong. You might be a horrible guy and I'VE missed the point.)\n\nI know exactly what you mean though, I have only heard this term related to Jesus and the dinosaurs!
604877
First, burn all those Christian "courting" books, they can really mess you up in the head.  Here are the a few pearls of wisdom from a young married woman (who is probably certifiably crazy, so take with a grain of salt)  \n\n\nBe honest to the point of pain, tell them on the first date or before what you are looking for.  If they run when you say you want to wait, thank the Lord you didn't waste your time.\n\nDon't assume just because you met in Church the man is a Christian. Also don't assume Christian men won't want or won't push for sex - the earthly church is made up entirely of sinners.  That said, the "women are the gatekeepers" theory is idiotic.  Why would God put the main responsibility for that in the hands of the physically weaker party? You have to work those feelings and temptations out together.\n\nRemember once you start dating you will either break-up or get married.  The difference between dating and engagement in the Christian community is mostly immaginary.\n\nMost Christians "fall" into dating from a short friendship.  Which stinks for girls because we are not supposed to make any moves until we are actually "dating".  Good News - there is nothing in the Bible that says that. (Read about Abigail in 1st Samuel 25 and see if women are supposed to wait for men to act.)\n\nChosing to be married is like chosing to be a Monk, it has privilages but mostly it is about working out your faith through tedious tasks.  Be sure you want that, or you won't be happy with anybody.  That said, you are never "ready".\n\nHere is the worst news.  Because of all the bad info out there, there really isn't an accepted system for Christians to meet each other.  Any form of dating is considered at least mildly scandalous (no-one will admit to this but it is a culturally ingrained thing).  Be prepared for somebody if not everybody to disapprove at some level or another until you are engaged.  It stinks, but, like I said, the church is made up of sinners.  The good news is, this encourages quick engagements.
45982
no, i don't think it's ok. i'm a Christian too, and i have made a list of my standards and what i want in my guy, u should make one too! but like u said, ur not gonna marry him ever and do u think he wants u to date him jus cuz ur bored? also u said u don't want to get sidetracked from God, that's why u wouldn't marry him(or another non-Christian) so what, he's not gonna sidetrack u jus cuz ur dating him? i think he would sidetrack u! and u r only 15, u still have plenty of time to date and find the right (Chritian) one!\n but also think about this, if this guy is so great, what is the guy that God has for u gonna b like? he's going to b even BETTER!!! so keep holding out for the right guy! good luck!
663794
I am a Christian as well but I honestly dont see anything wrong with it. If two people love each other they should eb able to express it how they please, no matter what the orientation or preference is.
104940
Simple version: no.\nVersion with an explanation: No, for many reasons. The first one, though, is that God said not to do it. God tells Christians not to be yoked with non-Christians. There are many reasons for this:\n-Where will you go to church?\n-Will the muslim want to tithe to the Christian church?\n-what will the children learn as the true religion?\n-What will they think when they find out that their mom is not saved, and what will they think of that?\n-What will the children think when they read that muslims should kill all Christians?\n-How will it feel for the CHristian to have sex with the muslim- knowing that the muslim is going to hell?\n\nWhen people say that "nothing can stand in the way of love" that really bothers me. That is like saying, 'I have an earthly love for this muslim. I know that it isn't God's plan for me to marry them until they are a born again Chrstian, but I really think that our love knows more than the Master of the Universe.' There will be trial after trial in this relationship. \n\nIt may seem hard to hear that this person isn't God's plan for you. God sees such a bigger picture than what we can at this time. He knows best. Our lives will go better if we just listen to what He tells us. You are going to have to stop dating this muslim girl. You don't want to lead her on. If she is truly born again at a later time, then you can see if you want to start dating her again. \n\n I have already been praying for you.
138352
Actually, christian dating, or courtship is biblical, if not somewhat overlooked by today's general population because of it's cry for purity and virginity. Someone mentioned polygamy and adultery in the old testament. Duh. People were human then too, but that didn't make their actions correct, nor can we base our personal lives and ok our actions on the sins of others.\n The story of Isaac and Rebecca in the old Testament is a great example. The wife was chosen in good taste by the parents for Isaac. Both Isaac and Rebecca had a voice as to whether or not they liked the other one. In the end, they were married, and they were pure!!!!!!! Yes, I belive in biblical courtship. Their is a good book, (Let the Bible be your first authority), on courting vs. dating. It is called "I KIssed Dating Goodbye" by Joshua Harris. No, I don't believe everything he believes, but he does have many good standards. \nI believe that you don't have to wear a veil over your face to be pure, nor, must you be amish. Purity starts in the mind and in the heart. \nSo, in conclusion, yes, I believe in dating biblically.
14230
I suppose today's society isn't as tribal as the past societies or the ones you still see in 3rd world countries where women were nothing but chattel.\n\nBased on that it's quite simple today to find someone you love having most of the qualities you desire - yes, even in the religious sense.\nA devout Catholic women should be chaste and so must her husband. Both should have a pure state of mind and believe in God.\nThere are many non-Christians who aren't Christians or Catholics but still have a sense of God, but are not ready to make a huge commitment to the Christian or Catholic faith if they're not ready yet.\nMany non-Christians are chaste, have pure, good hearts and I'm sure we all know not all Christians are better than non-Christians. I've met alot of non-Christians with hearts of gold that'd put many hollow-faithed and judgemental Christians to great shame if they were put together.\nIt maybe a matter of time before this person actually decides to take God and Christ into his or her heart, or through the spouse's good conduct and deep faith, decide that, yes, the children are better off having a religion then just skulking around in the wide open space looking for something.\n\nSo, I don't think we should judge non-Christians harshly - unless as individuals they have less-than-honourable conduct and character. It takes a lot of love, effort, acceptance and faith in God, as well as time, for the spouse to realise that yes, I want to accept Christ in my life.\nAnd of course, when the children come their religious beliefs will form naturally in the family.
143526
As followers of Christ, we are commanded to carry the Gospel to the entire world. We are just doing as commanded.\nWe can't help it if some are offended.\nWe are only 'pushing' it on those who choose to read the religion/spirituality forum.\n\nIts like, if I leave my Bible on the table and another picks it up and reads it, am I pushing my beliefs on him? \nThere are lots of other books to read on my table, so why pick up the Bible and then complain?\nI have to think that those who read this forum are looking for answers.
346379
Jesus Himself asked Peter, "Do you love me?   ...then feed my sheep!"\n\nLove is not turning our backs to our brothers and sisters who do not know Christ (though it often times involves less conflict and persecution). That is the opposite of love (and it is sad that such apathy toward the calling to share the Gospel often comes under the deceptive banner of "tolerance").
20725
My impression from the Christians on this site (myself included) is that we are trying to at least clear up the confusion about Christianity and the Bible, but whether or not anyone is interested I can't say. \n\n My personal feeling is that if you're going to reject something, say Christ, you should at least know about what you're rejecting.  Some people do understand and reject what the Bible says, but most don't understand at all and have all kinds of pre-conceived notions that they've learned from the culture at large.
429009
...Unfortunately, we can embrace some traditions that may not match up with Scripture.\n...I respectfully disagree with those who use this terminology (ask Jesus into your heart).  The Gospel was explained to me this way, but I don't think it is biblically accurate.  \n...I also do not like nor do I think it accurate to say, "I accepted Christ" - it sounds like God is getting a big favor if you/me "accept Him", when He really accepts us, based on what Jesus has done.\n...Then what is correct?  What I see over and over in the Scriptures is believe - \n...Acts 16:31 - "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved"\n...Acts 13:48 "And as many as were appointed to eternal life believed"\n...Acts 10:43 "Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins." \n...Acts 15:11 "But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are."\n...We are saved by His grace through faith in Christ alone.  Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.\n...If someone wants to pray and express to God a need for salvation, I see nothing wrong with that.  I personally admitted to God that I was sinner needing Jesus, and I asked Him to save me and make me the type person He wanted me to be - I was alone, and no one was pressuring me.\n...And I know after that I was much different -I wanted to pray, read the Bible, go to church, and share Jesus with whoever would listen - "things that accompany salvation."\n...Blessings to all.