Rating:  Summary: This book's ideas are both good and bad. Review: If I could have, I would have given the book 2 1/2 stars. There are many points in this book that I agree with: you should not date someone with selfish intentions; dating can isolate you from your friends and family; unhealthy romantic relationships can cause you to shun opportunities that would otherwise help you to become a stronger man or woman of God; dating teaches people that "romance" is the most important aspect of a relationship. Regardless of whether or not people who have read this book have been inspired to give up dating, it has taught many people how to keep their relationships balanced and what really matters when evaluating a future husband or wife. What I do not like about this book is how unrealistic it is. Harris tells his male readers to observe women in group situations and be friends with them before moving to another level. Sorry, but life does not work that way. What if you meet someone at the post office or while sitting next to him or her on a plane, and you realize that you would like to get to know that person better? Would you not ask that person on a date because you haven't been able to "observe?" Harris also says that dating provides an artificial environment for evaluating a guy or girl's potential as a husband or wife because you're most concerned with how the other person looks and how fun he or she is. But don't friends in groups also make those judgements? The author neglects to discuss the possible pitfalls of being friends with someone first and then courting (as though that system is perfect) while bashing dating. He also seems to believe that God works in very obvious ways. His life may be like that, but mine sure isn't. Although my feelings about this book are mixed, I do look forward to reading the book that he is now writing with his wife.
Rating:  Summary: Holzmann's DATING WITH INTEGRITY is far more insightful. Review: I agree with the guy[s] who compare Josh's advice to telling a job-searcher, "Just wait on God!" I believe this book HAS destroyed the possibility of many pleasant and upbuilding relationships.YES, we need to wait on God. But we also need to DO something in the meantime. God made us male and female for a reason. And we need to learn how to relate to one another first, as acquaintances, then as friends, then as good friends, best friends, etc., before we start thinking seriously about MARRYING someone! I don't see how the "courtship" model Josh recommends is going to help us learn how to be real friends. The moment a guy and girl think they MAY have any interest in one another, they [I should say, the GUY] is supposed to "declare his intentions" . . . for MARRIAGE (??!!!!). You've [Josh has] GOT to be kidding! John Holzmann's book, DATING WITH INTEGRITY: HONORING CHRIST IN YOUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE OPPOSITE SEX, helped me a WHOLE lot more. Rather than preaching, it helped me to look at Scripture and practical situations and evaluate the underlying issues, the need for real honesty and careful communication not only in WORDS, but also--and far more--in ACTION.
Rating:  Summary: Praise God for Joshua Harris! Review: I think that everyone, teenager or not, should read this book. I bought it after hearing my friend praise it. I quit dating about 2 years before I read this book, but it gave me the strength to continue. Thanks to my patience and this book, I am engaged. I never would have thought that happiness could come in this form, but it has.I thank God that he gave Joshua Harris this perspective on dating.
Rating:  Summary: In one line this book should have been written SOONER Review: In the Singles ministry at the church that I attend, this text, or should I say book, has become very handy for us (males & females) within the group. Why? The Word says, HE who FINDS a wife find a good thing. So What am I to do!? TRUST GOD!! Go on having fun with the various groups and learn to bless (operate within my gift to...) others through this willing vessal. Then through my wait (serving) on God, I will most likely be more of a blessing to the one that He has for me which will in turn make the friend ship, relationship, and marriage VERY exciting, unique, chaallenging and LONG LASTING! Thanks for the insight to be Wholly, Holy, wholly committed in ministry, focused and appreciative of the parts of the body of Christ (holy) that I interaact with and am a part of. This book has freed most of us to lighten up aa great deal concerning the most basic foundation of ministry and relationships. Thanks again for the insight for both males and females.
Rating:  Summary: Only for those who sincerely want God's best for their lives Review: This book was recommended to me (and her parents) by a 15 year old young lady who has more wisdom concerning dating than any youth director I had growing up. Josh Harris has written the definitive book on Christian male/female relationships. I only wish I had read the book before I got married (Josh was 3 years old then) so that I could have been better prepared for the lifelong commitment I was making. An unusual gift for the practical application of Biblical truths with the right heart attitude marks Mr Harris's style. Readable and convicting.
Rating:  Summary: I must say... it's super Review: I realy enjoyed this book,not only because of its factual evidence to the Bible, but also because it gives a practical perspective on the ideas of dating. True, there was no such thing as dating back in Bible times, but it gives an applicable process to follow. This is what I will do and follow until God sends me the right one.
Rating:  Summary: Romance - God's Way Review: This is a great little book that challenges modern concepts of dating and romance with a spiritual alternative. Geared toward teens, this is also a must-read for parents of early and middle adolescents, as well as adults who desire a Godly perspective on things romantic. This quote from the book sums up the tone of the work: "I am, by my own admission, a hopeless romantic. If such a thing is possible, I am in love with being in love. There's nothing else quite like it, and if you've experienced it, you know what I mean. Being in love is a patchwork of a thousand indescribable moments. Nervous energy runs through your body whenever you think of that special person, which is every waking minute. You lose interest in the dull chores of eating, sleeping, and thinking rationally. You discover that every love song on the radio was written for you. It seems that someone has removed blinders from your eyes, and you can see the world full of wonder and mystery and happiness. I love love. But I've come to realize that I don't really know much about it. Oh, I can tell you all about the warm, fuzzy side of love. I can throw myself into romance with all the passion of Romeo, but in God's school of true love, I'm afraid I'm still in kindergarten. To me and other romantics who share a "love for love," God wants to give a higher, grander view. He wants to deepen our understanding. Romance can thrill us to our core, but it's only a small part of true love. We've been playing in the sandbox - God wants to take us to the beach."
Rating:  Summary: What a find!! Review: I was pretty skeptical when I picked up this book. I mean, I had dated in high school and college. Nothing happened, my boyfriend and I were both Christians. Many of our dates were to church events. I figured this book was for people who were being home-schooled in the backwoods somewhere. Boy, was I wrong. This is the best book on "dating" I have ever read. I only wish I had read this when I was younger. Physically I was "pure" when I got married, but emotionally, I left parts of myself behind with each relationship. I have read the reviews, especially the negative ones, with interest. I think the bottom line is: who are you going to trust? God, or your "experiences"? Joshua Harris encourages you to trust God. You can't go wrong with this kind of advice! Hand a copy to every unmarried person you know.
Rating:  Summary: This is the most insightful book on dating I have ever read. Review: When it comes to relationships, there aren't really any easy answers. God doesn't have a list of dating do's and don'ts in the bible. This book is so insightful, and gives excellent biblical references. This has become one of my favorite books, and I often find myself quoting it, when talking to my friends about relationships. Although some of the views are a bit too extreme for my taste, overall, it really helped me in forming opinions about dating, and being able to further understand what God wants for my life, in terms of relationships.
Rating:  Summary: Terrible Review: This is the worst book i have ever read. Joshua Harris has problems. How in the world can you suggest to a teenager to stop dating? There is no way to condemn dating by using biblical reasons because first of all THERE WAS NO SUCH THING AS DATING IN THE BIBLICAL DAYS. This book has ruined many relationships and has ruined many peoples chances at dating someone that they like. I met a beautiful girl at my youth church and we went out a couple of times and on one of our dates, she tells me that she had made a vow to God that she wouldnt date anyone until she finds the one that God has sent for her. Then she told me about the book. I personally think she went too far to make vows and I blame it on the book. Josh, you really messed up this time. I tried not to give it any stars, but it wouldnt let me.
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