Boy Meets Girl: Say Hello to Courtship

While popular culture's take on dating needs a good Christian criteria and a strong alternative, This book's model is insufficiently nuanced and fails to understand that more is accomplished in dating than finding a partner. I found parts of this book unrealistic, with a number of romantic stories of successful courtship which are almost fairytale in nature. I feel like the author fails to recognize that most true fairy-tales are often filled with heart break, struggles, and pain. I agree with the authors assessment that we need to be more purposeful in dating relationships, but believe this book is provide just one model, where there are a number which honor God. I would suggest that his focus on courtship, dating as a way to discover show more if this relationship will grow into a marriage can lead to a selfish orientation and removes opportunities someone could have to grow and learn. Besides discovering if the person you are dating will become the person you marry, dating provides a context to learn to love people better which prepares you to be a good marriage partner and lets you get to know someone (which is inherently good). I have seen many examples of people who benefited from dating, even when they were not yet at a point where they were prepared to get married. There is some very good content in the section on "the season of courtship", though I think the authors understanding of gender based roles is inadequate, having been influenced too much by 1950s popular culture. A quick read of Proverbs 31 would suggest a much more active and engaged role for women. I found this book very uneven. The appendix has some good suggestions for dates that help you learn about each other's lives. Some parts I thought deserved 1-2 stars, others 4 maybe 5 stars. I would recommend as an alternative Dating and Waiting by Bill Risk and Spiritual Relationships that Last (used to be Myth of Romance) by Dennis McCallum and Gary Delashmutt. Originally I rated this book 2 stars but dropped it to 1 star as I learned how the application of this book hurt people. show less

I saw this at the library where I worked in the 2000s, and read it eventually (without first noticing the prior book) Besides that I wasn't really the target audience (rarely dated in my youth, and didn't get engaged until my early forties), I now wonder whether I read this book closely enough. Probably not.

Because first, I don't remember seeing the material as a set of "legalistic" rules for courting, whereas these days, seemingly everyone else who read the book says it is. Second, in retrospect, I cannot remember the slightest hint in this book that Joshua Harris would eventually rebel against Christianity and also leave his wife. I wonder what happened to him.

Aleah Stallings
Reading/Lit 5th
Book Review #2
“Boy Meets Girl: Say Hello to Courtship”
Joshua Harris

Joshua Harris continues his amazing book “I Kissed Dating Goodbye” with “Boy Meets Girl,” the story of how he met and married his wife, Shannon. Harris’s first book encouraged readers to abandon the modern day idea of “romantic fixation.” The book “Boy Meets Girl” goes to the next level and urges single Christian men and women to pursue courtship, and then eventually marry, thoughtfully and prayerfully. I believe that many readers will shy away at the idea of courtship. Harris insists that dating should not be emotional recreation but rather a careful decision rooted in obedience to God. This is amazing. I could not show more agree more. Even from personal experiences, when we think with our emotions and base our actions off of our emotions (which we all have done), it puts in a bad situation. This will possibly lead to destruction and pain, opposed to making a careful decision, allowing God to take control of the wheel which will lead to a beautiful relationship. The story is used to reveal “true-to-life scenarios” about dating drawback are somewhat elementary.

Harris emphasizes the point that obedience to God's word, selfless love, community, purity, and satisfaction in God are the most important aspect of any relationship. The last section of the book discusses forgiveness of past sexual sin, questions to ask before tying the knot, and how an understanding of our sinful nature can lead to conflict resolution. Harris 21 years of life experience; his maturity and devotion to God can be evidence to those that what he preaches works. He has found a passionate relationship with the love of his life.

We know that the last thing singles want is more rules (shoot, totally agree!), but when looking for an intention and God-pleasing game plan spouse, there are rules we must follow. Joshua Harris delivers an appealing one. Harris illustrates how biblical courtship (a healthy, joyous alternative to recreational dating) worked for him and his wife. Boy Meets Girl presents an inspiring, practical example for readers wanting to pursue the possibility of marriage with someone they may be serious about.

If you’re fed up with self-centered relationships that end in disappointment, it’s time to rethink romance. Finding the loving, committed relationship you want shouldn’t mean throwing away your hopes, your integrity, or your heart.
As old school as it may be, courtship is what modern day relationships desperately need. Think of it as romance chaperoned by wisdom, cared for by community, and directed by God’s Word. That appears to be like an amazing experience which will lead to successful relationships.

Filled with inspiring stories from men and women who have rediscovered courtship, “Boy Meets Girl” is honest, romantic, and biblical. Keep God at the center of your relationship as you discover how to: “Set a clear course for your romance, Get closer without compromise, Find support in a caring community Deal with past sexual sin Make the right decisions about your future.” This is an amazing book that I recommend to all that have read “I Kissed Dating Goodbye!” AMAZING BOOK! show less

A lot of people think that “courtship” is an old-fashioned concept. But, Joshua Harris believes that it’s still a very valid way of pursuing a girl. He used it with his own now-wife, Shannon, and they are living their happily ever after.

This book explains what courtship is, and how to put it into practice. It’s dating — but with a clear purpose; with the intent of figuring out whether you and the other person are meant to marry. There’s no hurry, and God is at the centre.

I enjoyed this book, and hope to pass it along to my kids when they are ready to date. Maybe beforehand. Even if you do like I do, and just get a lot out of it as far as guy-girl interactions (aside from the dating), it’s worth the read.

Another thing I show more enjoyed was that, in the back of the book, there are 8 ideas for “dates” that a couple can have while courting — ones that have the purpose of showing how he & she handle this or that situation, and then discussion questions to talk about things like how finances should be handled, or whether kids are in their future, or whether they are competitive in certain areas. There are some neat ideas in there.

I definitely recommended this one. show less

The main argument (serious courtship vs. casual uncommitted relationships) is good and biblical and easy to make a strong case for. I support the author's opinions, but the book is kind of boring. The best parts are quotes from other authors. That being said, I am happy for Mr. and Mrs. Harris!

Joshua Harris has a way of writing that helps you see the principles and attitudes associated with a God-centered view of pursuing an intimate relationship and the possibility of marriage. This is not a book of formulas, but rather it deals with the heart and thus has tremendous value in guiding young men and women.

Accessible and God-centered. Harris's awkwardness in his romantic endeavours is the only disagreeable element in this very counter-cultural and much needed work.