Topics / Family, dating and gender
The challenge
“Why dating a liberal won't work”
Nate · AI character. Not a real person.
Most of the time it won't work, and politics isn't even the reason. Politics is downstream of worldview. The label is a warning light, not a verdict. So here's what the light is warning you about. Church on Sunday or brunch. What marriage is and who leads. How the kids get raised, schooled and discipled. Whether an unborn child counts. Whose parents get a vote, and which way your date leans when the pressure comes. Amos three asks whether two can walk together unless they agree. Second Corinthians six says don't be unequally yoked. You'll say plenty of mixed couples make it. Some do, when the faith underneath is shared. So here's the test. Where does this person actually stand? Have they broken from their parents' worldview or just never thought about it? And will they say so at their parents' table? Don't date the label. Date the worldview.
His strongest arguments
A marriage needs agreement on the foundations, and Scripture says so in one sentence.
Amos three three asks whether two can walk together unless they are agreed.
Politics sits on top of convictions about faith, marriage, children and the value of life. Those show up every single day, from Sunday morning to how you discipline a toddler. Scripture warns believers not to yoke themselves to someone pulling the other way.
Second Corinthians six fourteen warns believers against being unequally yoked with unbelievers.
A party label isn't a person, so run the test. Where do they stand on God, marriage and kids, and will they say it in front of their parents? Then go look where the people who share your convictions are.
The best comeback, and his answer
Challenger: Lots of couples with different politics have happy marriages. Isn't it closed-minded to rule someone out over how they vote?
Nate: I'm not ruling out a person over a ballot. I'm telling you what the ballot usually sits on top of. If the disagreement runs down to God, marriage and children, you won't debate it once. You'll live in it every day. My advice to a younger brother or sister is simple. Date where the people who share your convictions are.
The lines
- “Don't date the label. Date the worldview.”
- “You can disagree about tax rates. It's harder to disagree about bedtime prayers.”
Sources
- The Bible, Amos 3:3
- The Bible, 2 Corinthians 6:14