relationships

cross-gender relationships

[aside: in 1997 and 2003-2004, I had this extended conversation with Christine about relationships — Relationship Theory email dialogue and the follow-up blog]

I Gave Dating a Chance: A Biblical Perspective to Balance the Extremes ~ Jeremy Clark
“To date…or not to date?” In recent years, “dating” has become a
dirty word in many Christian circles. So dirty, in fact, that young
believers are now encouraged simply not to date. This position has
provoked an open debate among teens, their parents and youth workers,
and single adults. The author attempts to articulate a sound, biblical,
and practical approach that balances out the extreme perspectives:
dating without responsibility versus a complete withdrawal from the
dating process.

Friendship
Factor : How to Get Closer to the People You Care for
~ Alan Loy McGinnis
I like this book, practical stories and tips on building good friendships.

Dating
With Integrity : Honoring Christ in Your Relationships With the Opposite
Sex
~ John Holzmann
This guy’s approach to cross-gender relationships is even more radical
than mine, and I’m told that mine is pretty radical! I’ll be posting my
relationship theory online some time, as many have asked for it via email,
but basically I don’t recommend recreational dating for Christians who
want to be mature about it; enjoy cross-gender relationships built on honesty
and commitment, and should God knit you closely and possibly lead you to
marriage, use a courtship process.

I
Kissed Dating Goodbye
~ Joshua Harris
The popular book about courtship, a safe conservative alternative to conventional dating.
This book challenges young adults away from playing the dating game and
revealing how they can live a lifestyle of sincere love, true purity, and
purposeful singleness, this book will inspire teens and young adults to
remap their romantic lives in the light of God’s Word.

The
Book of Romance : What Solomon Says About Love, Sex, and Intimacy
~ Tommy Nelson

The Ten Commandments of Dating ~ Ben Young

Passion
and Purity; Learning to Bring Your Love Life Under Christ’s Control

~ Elisabeth Elliot
This is a classic book about relationships.

Finding
the Love of Your Life : Ten Principles for Choosing the Right Marriage
Partner
~ Neil Clark Warren
A standard evangelical book about the ingredients to consider in discerning
a good marriage fit.

Finding
Your Perfect Mate
~ H. Norman Wright
Here’s the other guy’s standard evangelical book 🙂

Choices
: Finding God’s Way in Dating, Sex, Singleness, and Marriage
~ Paula
Rinehart, Stacy Rinehart
Here is NavPress’ book on relationships

Other relationship books with interesting titles

nope, you won’t find John Gray’s book listed here- he’s a eastern
meditation monk 🙁

Interpersonal Relationships

These books cover the ingredients of an authentic community, and explore
ways of developing authenticity and intentionality.

Gender Issues

Pre-marital Counseling

Marriage Builders