Dating/Courtship Standards & Resources

Written by Hannah Stoddard from the blog Here I Stand

May 6, 2020

During the late 1900s, a growing number of Christian parents became concerned with the increasing sexual immorality and degeneration of chastity and virtue in America. In response, many began looking back to time-tested customs and principles lost during the Sexual Revolution of the 1960s. Some adopted the purity movement, some returned to various courtship traditions and still others began searching the scriptures for guidance. Formulas and programs do not provide permanent protection from temptation. As Latter-day Saints, we must search the scriptures and inspired teachings for principles and doctrines from God regarding marriage, relationships, chastity, love, and so forth. The following resources contain the insights of various writers and thought-leaders to assist individuals in discovering, “How does God want me to find a future spouse?”

Motion Pictures & Documentaries

Pamela’s Prayer— (film)

“This period piece motion picture portrays the unique and heartfelt story of Pamela Bucklin from her birth in 1969 to her wedding day in 1991. When her mother dies at birth, Pamela is raised by her father, Wayne. He makes a commitment to pray with his daughter each and every night. He also raises her with a very high standard of purity before marriage. In an age when purity is scoffed at by many, this movie presents the message with perspective and inspiration. Also, the prayerful commitment of Wayne Bucklin is an example for all who are in a parental role.” (Description from Christian Films.com)

Princess Cut— (film)

The Courtship of Peter & Kelly Bradrick—

Come What May— (film)

Presentation/Lectures

To Have & To Hold— Presentation lecture by Richard Little-Bear Wheeler
What Our Father Taught Us About Boys— Anna Sofia & Elizabeth Botkin
Marrying Well— 9-hour webinar series on Biblical principles in preparing for marriage and finding the right spouse. http://westernconservatory.com/products/marrying-well-practical-wisdom-for-courtship

Articles

To Date or Not To Date: That is the Question—

10 Principles for Godly Relationships

Proper Physical Intimacy
Choose Practical, “Real Life” Activities
Encourage Righteous Parental Involvement
Ask Tough Questions
Maintain Emotional Purity
Understand Patriarchal Authority
Live the Law of Consecration

“If I spend a minute that is not in some way devoted to building up the Kingdom of God and promoting righteousness, I regret that minute, and wish it had been otherwise spent. This proves to me that the Spirit of the Lord is with me.” (Brigham Young, JD 12:217)

Prepare for Responsibilities of Marriage
Treat Others as Brothers and Sisters in Christ
Become “Equally Yoked”

Consequences of Moral Impurity—Abortion

As of 2021, it is estimated that at least 2,363 children are murdered each day in the United States from abortion. Every 90 seconds, a child is aborted at Planned Parenthood. This is one of the consequences of immorality and sexual promiscuity in our nation.

Unplanned (2019)— Watch for free on Vudu. “All Abby Johnson ever wanted to do was help women. She believed in a woman’s right to choose, and as one of the youngest Planned Parenthood clinic directors in the nation, she was involved in upwards of 22,000 abortions. Until the day she saw something that changed everything, leading Abby Johnson to join her former enemies at 40 Days for Life, and become one of the most ardent pro- life advocates in America.” (Vudu.com Unplanned description)
Gosnell: The Trial of America’s Biggest Serial Killer (2018)