Extra-Biblical ?

[Natt]

I just would like to know if anyone else feel that there has been some extra-biblical standards written into Today's Christian Culture.

For example I've just heard about 'Josh McDowell' changing the Christian dating culture. On a radio interview it was said that a women should not even hint that they like the guy and basically it is all left up to the guy. How does the story of Ruth fit into this?

[salos]

Natt, there are many things that people are adding (and have added in the past) that are not only extra biblical but in many cases anti biblical. Do you want a list?

As far as Christian dating is concerned, it's only proper for a young woman to show a certain polite interest in a fine young man she likes. It's always good for young people to start out as friends, and then if that leads to marriage and romance, great.

[EricH]

I just would like to know if anyone else feel that there has been some extra-biblical standards written into Today's Christian Culture.

For example I've just heard about 'Josh McDowell' changing the Christian dating culture. On a radio interview it was said that a women should not even hint that they like the guy and basically it is all left up to the guy. How does the story of Ruth fit into this?

Maybe he was referring to Ruth's interactions with Boaz

[Smalcald]

The problem is we don't really have an agreed upon consistent Christian Culture, your Christian culture may be different than mine. Many Christians have never heard of Josh McDowel, he cannot and does not speak for them, so there is no way he could add anything for them.

So I do think we need to keep sound advice from our local congregation and yes keep with what is in scripture.

[rfw]

I seriously doubt Josh McDowell considers that he is "changing Christian culture". He is a faithful and wise man proclaiming the Gospel and applying the priniciples of the Bible to modern life.

Oh, and by the way, "dating" is not a Bible-based activity. It is a relatively modern invention, one with more to warn against than approve.

[apothanein kerdos]

I just would like to know if anyone else feel that there has been some extra-biblical standards written into Today's Christian Culture.

For example I've just heard about 'Josh McDowell' changing the Christian dating culture. On a radio interview it was said that a women should not even hint that they like the guy and basically it is all left up to the guy. How does the story of Ruth fit into this?

I don't know how it is over in New Zealand, but in America our college aged group and below is going through a major crisis in morality. Girls have no problem going up to guys, requesting sex, doing whatever they can to get any guy's attention, etc. A lot of this has been brought on by the feminist movement here, under the idea of, "If boys can act like boys, then so can girls." This has, of course, led to the degradation of not only women, but humans in general...treating their bodies as nothing better than sex.

I think what McDowell is doing is a reaction to the radicalized culture. He's saying that, in order for Christians to counter this, it would be better if the man had to pursue in a respectful manner, instead of having the girl throw herself at him. This, the idea goes, will teach the man self-respect.

[salos]

I seriously doubt Josh McDowell considers that he is "changing Christian culture". He is a faithful and wise man proclaiming the Gospel and applying the priniciples of the Bible to modern life.

Oh, and by the way, "dating" is not a Bible-based activity. It is a relatively modern invention, one with more to warn against than approve.

RFW, I completely agree.

[Natt]

I'm not really targeting Josh McDowell but I've seen in some Christian circles that it is taught that this is the way we should do things now.

This approach obviously works for Josh McDowell but is it the only way? To teach it as such I believe is not biblical. Ruth initiated the relationship with Boaz.

Another popular teaching is the book '40 days of Purpose' by Rick Warren. It seems that churches teach more from other books and not from the bible. Shouldn't we be teaching from the bible?

I'm not criticizing Josh and Rick here. It isn't there fault how people use their books.

[LadyRaven]

I just would like to know if anyone else feel that there has been some extra-biblical standards written into Today's Christian Culture.

For example I've just heard about 'Josh McDowell' changing the Christian dating culture. On a radio interview it was said that a women should not even hint that they like the guy and basically it is all left up to the guy. How does the story of Ruth fit into this?

Dating itself is a extrabiblical activity...I wrote down alot of biblical thoughts about finding a spouse, there are many, and typical cultural american style dating is not anywhere in there.

[FighterforJC]

I'm not really targeting Josh McDowell but I've seen in some Christian circles that it is taught that this is the way we should do things now.

This approach obviously works for Josh McDowell but is it the only way? To teach it as such I believe is not biblical. Ruth initiated the relationship with Boaz.

Another popular teaching is the book '40 days of Purpose' by Rick Warren. It seems that churches teach more from other books and not from the bible. Shouldn't we be teaching from the bible?

I'm not criticizing Josh and Rick here. It isn't there fault how people use their books.

I don't know you personally but, what's with the hangup over the Ruth-Boaz deal? If you like a girl and you're frustrated because she hasn't come up to you herself to profess her love, it's not Josh McDowell's fault! You should just do the initiating yourself. Peace.