If you take a close look at any religion then you will see that every single one rigorously defines the family unit, the restrictions of sex and exactly how courtships are to proceed. The Jehovah’s Witnesses are no different in that respect but whereas some areas of society have shrugged off more conservative forms of dating, they have not. In fact, Jehovah’s Witnesses dating has changed little over the years but has a higher marriage success rate than most other religions over the past fifty years or so. Why is that and exactly what is involved in the way they date?
Jehovah’s Witnesses dating is governed by several strict rules. These rules apply to both the males and the females that are looking to date, with the primary one being directly related to why they date in the first place. Jehovah’s Witnesses are only allowed to date with a view to finding the perfect partner to marry. Marriage has to be the ultimate goal of dating regardless of how old the individuals are. For example, many girls do not start to date until the age of 18 purely and simply because she cannot marry before that age in many countries. However, the ultimate goal of marriage is not the only element of Jehovah’s Witnesses dating that is important. There are many more to consider as well.
First and foremost, Jehovah’s Witnesses dating has to be within the faith so no one person can date a non-Witness. As a result, many individuals often date within their own community with the consent of their parents. The consent is not optional because they do not approve or condone unchaperoned dates. At least one parent or other responsible adult has to be present during a date to make sure that it is conducted properly and no funny business occurs! This is largely to make sure that the boy and girl on the date do not undertake any improper acts that could bring shame on their parents and be deemed a sin.
Although Jehovah’s Witnesses do not approve of sex before marriage, they do not approve of excessive displays of affection in public either. In fact, the two are often thought of to be inseparable because some elders actually consider oral sex and heavy petting to be “sex” as well. Holding hands is considered cute and part of the dating process, as is kissing on the lips or cheek when greeting or parting. However, the whole event of dating is a very controlled process that is designed to make correct matches for marriage and so almost becomes formal rather than the informal dating other people undertake.
Of course, Jehovah’s Witnesses dating does not just apply to teenagers but also applies to older men and women that fall into two distinct categories – those that have never married and those that have been divorced as a result of the former spouse’s infidelity. Divorce can only occur under the Jehovah’s Witnesses principles if adultery occurs but those committing that act are sinful and unsuitable for dating. Dating an adulterer is frowned upon but dating someone that has been cheated on is absolutely fine.
Jehovah’s Witnesses dating might sound complex but it has been evolved over numerous years to ensure that the faith prospers and also to ensure that as many successful marriages are formed under God as possible. As such, the process holds today.
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