I’d like to clarify that biblical dating as defined in this article by Scott Croft is not about a legalistic list of rules, but about a few principles based in Scripture.
The principles that tend to differentiate what he’s calling “biblical dating” from most “modern dating” include the following:
- Intentionality
- Accountability
- A complimentarian view of the sexes
- A Godward perspective
- Purity
I may have missed one or two, but those are the ones that stick out to me as most relevant. For an exploration of these attributes, please read Scott’s article.
I have to say that most Christian dating includes some of these characteristics, even if it’s fundamentally based on “modern dating.” The thing about Scott’s model is that it presents a set of principles built from the ground up on the five characteristics listed above. It’s an approach that will attract those with an adventurous and pioneering spirit, as it’s currently still fairly unpracticed by the majority of Christian singles.
Please don’t see these principles as “legalistic.” They’re not. Different people are free to walk them out differently. I, for example, chose perhaps an extremely cautious approach to purity, not even kissing my girlfriend until the pastor told me at the altar, “Ted, you may kiss your bride.” Others practicing the principles of biblical dating might not hold to such an extreme conviction.
I would be interested in your thoughts on these principles.