Howdy- I'm new here obviously, and am only posting out of need: I recently have become close to a girl and its pretty clear we're attracted to each other and spend a good deal of time talking to each other and hanging out. I guess my questions are these: 1. Is interfaith dating outright banned or highly discouraged? I've had many JW male friends both date and eventually marry outside of their faith, but i'd bet most of them don't attend services or anything like that. I'm a Presbyterian and pretty white-bread about my faith, but I do have an unshakable belief in God and what I believe to be a good relationship with him. I also am what most people consider a "good" person-- I do a lot of charity work, im a member of many service orgs etc. Is there a way to get "approved" for dating without a conversion (which in my case is out of the question- I'm an elected official and otherwise political figure) to JW? 2. Is dating generally a road to marriage, or is it more accepted as a common practice now? I'm more than happy to keep seeing her in the capacity we do now if she thinks dating is only intended for someone youre considering marrying. 3. If interfaith relationships are just discouraged, howso? and would it be worth me pressing ahead with her to make a decision on this or is it bad enough that I shouldn't? Right now I think she's having it both ways, and while I kind of don't care, I'm not sure that its fair to me in the long run to be pursuing her if shes flat out unavailible to me. Thanks for any feedback/help/advice.
Questions about dating a JW
by Hyperion 2 Replies latest social relationships
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MeneMene
Have you read the other thread dated 12/27 titled "Confused about the JW dating system"? That will give you some good points to think about. - - - Be aware that JWs do not do charity work as you are familiar with. Their "charity" is knocking on doors passing out literature. They should not be a member of service orgs - it takes time away from their "passing out literature work". - - - They definitely are not allowed to be involved in political activity. Several people on this website have suggested reading the book "Combatting Cult Mind Control" by Steven Hassan. I ordered a copy from www.half.ebay.com for a few $$ and just received it. You may want to get a copy to help you understand the position this girl is in mentally if she is a true JW.
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Arthur
1. Is interfaith dating outright banned or highly discouraged? I've had many JW male friends both date and eventually marry outside of their faith, but i'd bet most of them don't attend services or anything like that.
It is not banned, in that one gets punished for it; however it is highly discouraged; and even chastised. Any Jehovah's Witness who even dates anyone outside of the faith is considered to be disobedient against God. Most JWs who date someone outside of the faith are either unbaptised, or "inactive" which means that they never attend congregation meetings.
2. Is dating generally a road to marriage, or is it more accepted as a common practice now?
Within JWs, dating is certainly considered to be a "step" toward marriage; and it is not acceptable to date purely for recreational purposes. If two JWs are dating; it is always assumed that they are looking to eventually get married.
3. If interfaith relationships are just discouraged, howso? and would it be worth me pressing ahead with her to make a decision on this or is it bad enough that I shouldn't?
There are so many variables involved. Is she baptized? Are her family JWs? If her family are JWs; I must tell you that your lives would be difficult if you two were ever to get married. But, whether she is baptized or not; and whether her family are JWs are huge factors which do have bearing on the issue.