Dating Beyond the Church?

Three years ago, I visited a small art museum in London.

I entered a room of Dutch paintings and noticed one of the museum staff, an attractive young woman, scribbling in a notebook.

Also being someone who waltzes around museums with pen and paper, I mustered up the courage to approach her and ask what she was writing.

At that moment, she was writing a poem about a painting in the room. She showed me this painting and described the scene with stunning detail, passion, and precision.

I was floored.

As the conversation went on, however, I learned that we didn’t share the same faith. And despite her charm, intelligence, and kindness, that one fact held me back from asking her out.

Interfaith Dating

Maybe I’m too picky or zealous, but allow me to explain myself.

The fact that she wasn’t a follower of Jesus didn’t make her a horrible, unattractive person or anything like that.

The decision simply came from my convictions about dating.

When it comes to dating, I want someone who holds the same core values as me.

As a follower of Jesus, my core values are His Way of life.

Meaning, I’m only comfortable dating people who also live the Way of Jesus.

Dating, for most people, leads to marriage. And a strong marriage is built off a shared set of values. I believe that’s more important than similar interests or even personalities.

After all, I don’t think a lifelong, committed activist for socialism would be interested in dating a staunch venture capitalist.

(Could make an interesting rom-com, though.)

Should We Date Outside the Church?

This is a notoriously tricky thing.

Sometimes we’re drawn to people and there’s an unspoken, intuitive pull to them that defies all logic - regardless of religious background.

Other times, people become followers of Jesus while in relationships or marriages with people who aren’t.

This is a many-sided topic but one that affects most people.

Now, I don’t think I’m qualified to give relationship advice but I can talk about how this issue relates to our faith.

So, that’s what we’ll do this week. 

And what a fun topic it will be because, as the great Bob Dylan once said, “You can’t be wise and in love at the same time.”

Until tomorrow.

For now, be blessed.

Jon,

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