question

[holyroller2005]

what exactly is courting? I have heard of it but dont know anything about it.

 

[ChildOfGod20]

i'm not really sure what it means exactly. i think it just means "dating" or "going out with" someone.

 

[CarrierOfChrist]

Courting is about getting to know about someone enough to see if they would be compatible for marriage. It begins as a friendship and opens the door for discussions in important issues, such as, individual goals, morals, values, relgious beliefs, children, family, etc.

Dating is more about having fun and being intimate without any real commitment; satifying physical desires without any real commitment.

(These excerpts taken from www.gotquestions.org)

 

[seamonster]

Courting is similar to dating, but normally doesn't begin until someone is of "marriagable" age, with the direct intent to find a spouse. Carrier of Christ has a pretty good description of this, but I'd also like to add that the couple is usually very open about boundaries and what should be saved for marriage. Many courting couples choose not to kiss until their wedding day. A couple of books to check out on this topic would be:

"Of Knights and Fair Maidens" (not sure of the author, but you can get it on Amazon)
"I Gave Dating a Chance"
"I Kissed Dating Goodbye"

 

[seamonster]

Also, courting usually has a lot more involvement with family and focusing on getting to know the person spiritually and emotionally, rather than physically.

 

[ChildOfGod20]

oooh i see. i never really know what to say about me and my boyfriend. we're not "dating" bc we've been together for 2 yrs and are really close but i also don't want to say "we're going out" cause that sounds like high school. so i guess i'll say we're courting!

 

[inchristalone221]

I personally do not see the justification in the whole "casual date" idea, therefore what I advocate would be called courting. I will not, however, quibble about the word used to describe it (that's my only beef with people who write about this subject). I believe the only purpose of courtship should be the consideration of marriage. Anything else is just creating physical temptation for no benefit, which is not wise and is therefore not moral.

 

[CarrierOfChrist]

I personally do not see the justification in the whole "casual date" idea, therefore what I advocate would be called courting. I will not, however, quibble about the word used to describe it (that's my only beef with people who write about this subject). I believe the only purpose of courtship should be the consideration of marriage. Anything else is just creating physical temptation for no benefit, which is not wise and is therefore not moral.

Right on

 

[SoyaMilk]

bluenovember - i like to read IKDG too!

 

[holyroller2005]

thanks to you all for your responses. Its been 6 months and now im able to get back online. I found out exactly what courting was and means. Im doing just that now, courting. It stared about 3 months ago. The Lord has blessed with someone special. It started with him praying for me about something and The Lord has been working in our relationship ever since. Its so amazing! I had forgotten all about ever writing this post until tonightand BAM! The Lord showed me Himself. Its so special with someone when you both let the Lord lead you not only as individuals, but as a couple as well. But the Lord ganve be another blessing in this man. He has been called to preach and I have only grown. And Jesus has just been pouring out the Holy Spirit over me, him, and us as a couple. Keep us in your prayers and that we will always let the Lord lead. Thanks again and God bless!

 

[Inperfected]

Heh, by the first description, i've been courting my fiance for over 4 years. Realistically it was a (too?) close friendship.