Courtship Definitions

Before we continue on this discussion I feel that I need to define some terms. The cross culture dialogue about relationships is a lot like a Lincoln Douglas Value Debate. Each “side” doesn’t understand the other side because we use the same words but attach different definitions to those words. I would like to offer up the following definitions.

Courtship

• Value: Purity
• Criteria: External Control
• Rational: Using a system of external/parental controls  for young people in order to be kept away from sexual and emotional sin.

Christian Dating

• Value: Marriage
• Criterion: Purity
• Rational: Young people should get married by any means possible as long as they maintain their purity along the way.

Casual Dating

• Value: Happiness
• Criterion: Liberty
• Rational: What young people do doesn’t matter as long as it makes them happy in the long run.

Arranged Marriage

• Value: Stability
• Criterion: Parental Choice
• Rational: Love is a choice. You don’t choose your parents or siblings and yet love them. Your spouse is the same way.

Neo Courtship

The new modified form of courtship advocated by various communities within the homeschool movement.

Classical Courtship

The form of courtship practiced in the Victorian Era by Christians throughout the United States and England.

What do you think?

Do you think these definitions fit? Am I off the mark here? Before we move along further in this dialogue we need to make sure we can understand each other.

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