Links: Dating and Courtship
"Christian Courtship: Different from the Dating Game"
by Henrietta Gomes, Catholic onlineThis article argues that dating must occur with a view to marriage, and that there ought to be certain non-negotiables (such as Church teachings on contraception and cohabitation) in these relationships.
"What is Courtship All About?"
by Carmen MarcouxThis article is primarily concerned with the differences between courtship and dating. In courtship, the consideration of marriage is at the forefront, unlike dating, which often occurs between couples who feel that their partner is not marriage material. Marcoux also discusses practical considerations about responsibility and accountability.
"Proposing Courtship"
by Amy and Leon Kass, First ThingsA discussion of how gender neutrality in contemporary society has led to a loss of manhood and womanhood, which in turn led to a lack of appreciation for romance and courtship. The Kasses suggest that modern literature has desensitized us to this sort of interaction, and they provide an example from Erasmus' Colloquy to explain the importance of courtship and a view towards marriage.
"The End of Courtship" (Parts 1, 2, and 3)
by Leon KassKass presents the current state of affairs with regard to courtship, and laments various problems, such as the devaluing the family, the overemphasis on pleasure, and relationships without a view towards marriage. He then presents a brief solution: women need to raise the banner of "not until we're married." Parts 2 and 3 are linked at the bottom of the page.
"A Case for Courtship"
by Amy KassKass begins by suggesting that in the modern world, the assumption of premarital sex in relationships has created a problem for people interested in beginning families and having meaningful relationships. She suggests that we can learn from our predecessors about the importance of courtship. Similar to other articles by Leon and Amy Cass, but the ties to literature are always very interesting and insightful.
"Take Back the Date"
by Allison KasicAn article endorsing dating (perhaps what some might call courtship) and getting to know a romantic interest personally rather than engaging in the campus hook-up culture. A short but good article; more advocacy than information.
"When Good Girls Date Bad Boys"
by Mary Beth BonacciBonacci discusses the phenomenon of nice girls dating bad boys. She attributes this to young men understanding what girls want, and pretending to be emotional and sensitive, while in reality they may be bad boys. Bonacci warns parents not to be deceived by appearances, and not to push their daughters to date boys that seem nice on the surface.
"Passionate Attachments in the West in Historical Perspective"
by Lawrence StoneStone points out that marrying for love is a largely modern phenomenon, and indicates that sexual fulfillment being accepted as the primary right of both men and women has led to destructive consequences.
"Where is the Love? Students Eschew Campus Romance"
by Sue Shellenbarger, Wall Street JournalCollege romances are becoming a thing of the past, according to Shellenbarger, who says they have been replaced by office romances. People are marrying later, and choose to not have serious relationships in college. This article is mainly focused on observing and commenting on the trend, rather than making an argument.
"Romance in the Information Age"
by Christine RosenIn the modern era, people are treated as products, and technology leads us to seek efficiency, even in personal relationships. Rosen argues that we must be patient and allow romance to develop slowly.
Excerpt from "Love, Dating, and Romance"
by Rabbi Pinchas StolperRabbi Stolper addresses how Jews should treat dating and relationships, and explains why Jewish law prohibits physical contact in dating.
"The Superglue Touch", an excerpt from "The Magic Touch: A Jewish Approach to Relationships"
by Gila ManolsonProvides an outline of the Jewish idea of shomer negiah (allowing no physical contact between a couple until marriage) and emphasizes the extraordinary power of physical touch in relationships. Encourages sensitivity in our physical interactions.
"Injuries, the Self-Fulfilling Prophesy", an exerpt from "The Magic Touch: A Jewish Approach to Relationships"
by GIla ManolsonFocuses on the importance of preserving physical closeness for permanent relationships in order to protect the deeply emotional component of our romantic interactions.
"Dating is About Dumping"
This article is a response to those that remain in relationships that they know are not working out because they fear hurting people's feelings. This article stresses that dating involves rejection, and that the way to show the person you are dating that you care about them is to dump them promptly and kindly and free them up to find their Mr. or Ms. Right.
"Love, Dating, and Morality: The Latter-Day Saint Way"
An FAQ with answers to common questions about the view of sexuality within the Church of Latter-Day Saints. A simple but helpful resource.


