"I Kissed Dating Goodbye" by Joshua Harris is making its' way around our house. First I read it, then my husband read it and just this weekend my almost-15-year-old finished it. This book was written by a godly young man who decided that he wanted to seek God's way in the realm of relationships. It is an honest, practical, easy-to-read Biblical resource that discusses Scripture and seeks to apply it with purpose. The book encourages readers to examine the evidence of the world's system of dating and instead, choose to deal honestly with their own hearts and seek God's wisdom. Joshua Harris was very much inspired by Elisabeth Elliot's book, "Passion and Purity." On the back of the book are the following comments from Elisabeth Elliot: "Bravissimo! I applaud Josh's forthrightness, courage, God-given conviction and ability to articulate a message that is desperately needed."
Here's an excerpt from the introduction: "Many wise people say that honesty is the best policy in any relationship. So before you "get serious" with this book, you need to understand one thing. This book isn't like other books on dating. Most other books will tell you how to fix dating to make it work for you. This book tells you how to "break up" with dating so your life works for God. "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" is about the reasons and ways to leave behind the world's lifestyle of dating."
Now it goes back on the shelf for a year or two until the next boy's turn -
7 comments:
What a great opportunity for your family!!! And I do hope that next son will take up the banner and also read the book.
"Dating" is by far, the secular world's worst temptations, in my humble opinion. I watch vulnerable youth all the time -- looking and yearning for that "right someone," as depicted in movies or tv or books -- a lot of fairy tales, but few with happy endings.
I was so pleased to see "courtship" take its proper place again in Christian society -- and those who have taken that route, have either chosen not to pursue the relationship to marriage, or, continued the courtship into marriage.
Anyway, my prayers will be with you and your family, as you seek to glorify God in your relationships...
Julie, I smiled as I saw your post. You see when my two grown daughters were teens we attended several of Josh's conferences and got to know him. This book is great and still relevant for youth. I would also like to recommend another couple to you-they were writing books on purity/being sold out to Jesus the same time Josh was. The names are Eric and Lesley Ludy. You should check out their website-more books to add to your library.
here's the link:
http://www.setapartlife.com/
It is wonderful when we can get our kids on the right track for relationships founded and based in Christ.
Blessings.
Noreen
Our family read that book a few years ago, and we have embraced the old-fashioned concept of courtship. Dating, as I know from my own experience, is about having fun until something better (more fun, better looking, etc.) comes along. Is it any wonder, then, that divorce is so rampant. We've been living for so long with dropping one thing when something better comes along, that we think the same thing is acceptable in marriage as well.
This book was/is great encouragement for those families seeking another approach.
And, by the way, the author's two younger twin brothers (age 19, I think) have a wonderful website (which my daughter visits) that encourages today's teen to not live by the typical teen standards of today. It is The Rebelution. You might want to check it out sometime and see if it is something your son would benefit from.
Have a lovely day. And, oh, I sure wish I could send you some of my apple cake with caramel frosting. Actually, it would be even better if I could invite you over for a piece (and a cup of tea, of course). Alas, though, PA and Idaho are just too far away.
Love in Christ,
Patti
Ladies,
Thank you all so much for your comments regarding this topic! Your words encourage my heart!!
Blessings to you all,
Julie
You might find my blog of interest. I discuss the wisdom and foolishness of this approach. One thing that really concerns me is that those who push this promote aren't willing to share the problems it has caused. This includes Joshua Harris and his not sharing problems that he observed in his own church.
It appears that a lot of the time this approach is presented as being perfect while claiming dating has all these defects.
www.ikdg.wordpress.com
"I Kissed Dating Goodbye: Wisdom or Foolishness"
It might be an approach that is best suited for teenagers.
Thanks for the review! I ordered Josh Harris books (on tape) at CBD recently. The books-on-tape were only $3.99. I always heard great things about them and knew I'd need them soon.(since time flies):)
The second book is When Boy Meets Girl. Have you read it?
I also bought the book you recommended "Preparing Him for the Other Woman." Haven't read it yet but will over the summer if not sooner!
Thanks!
Have a great week in the Lord!
SchoolinRhome (aka Carol)
www.homeschoolblogger.com/SchoolinRhome
Carol,
You asked about "Boy Meets Girl" - yes, I just recently read it. I will hold on to this book and have my oldest read it in a year or two. It is more for those who are closer to "courtship" age. The first one ("I Kissed...) was good for him now as it introduces ideas/Scripture relating to relationships in general with others as well as things that he might/does struggle with. I definitely recommend reading/listening to it yourself first and making sure that your child is ready for it. Also, the other book you mentioned "Preparing Your Son for the Other Woman" - I got several good ideas in this book though I don't agree with the author's view of boyfriend/girlfriend relationships. The book isn't especially in-depth or contain a lot of Scripture, but it was definitely helpful in getting my mind to thinking about how to treat and help my sons.
Blessings to you!
Julie
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