Boy Meets Girl: Say Hello to Courtship – Joshua Harris

“Boy Meets Girl: Say Hello to Courtship” is a thought-provoking and controversial book by Joshua Harris, published in 2000 as a follow-up to his immensely popular book, “I Kissed Dating Goodbye,” In this book, Harris explores the concept of courtship as an alternative to conventional dating, promoting a more intentional and spiritually focused approach to romantic relationships.

The book begins with Harris sharing his personal journey and experiences in the world of dating. He reflects on his previous book, “I Kissed Dating Goodbye,” and the impact it had on his own life and the lives of many young Christians who embraced its principles. Harris explains that while his intentions were sincere in advocating for a more purposeful approach to dating, he has come to realize that some of the ideas presented in his earlier book may not have been as helpful as he initially thought.

Harris introduces the concept of courtship as a way to address some of the concerns he had with traditional dating. He argues that dating often leads to a focus on physical attraction and emotional attachment without considering the long-term compatibility and spiritual aspects of a relationship. Courtship, as he defines it, involves a more intentional and parent-guided approach to finding a life partner.

One of the central themes of “Boy Meets Girl” is the idea that God should be at the center of any romantic relationship. Harris emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s will in choosing a life partner and suggests that involving parents and mentors can help young people make more informed decisions about whom to court.

Harris provides practical advice on how to implement courtship principles, including:

1. Guarding Your Heart: Harris encourages readers to be cautious about emotional involvement before committing to a relationship. He suggests that emotional purity is just as important as physical purity.
2. Defining the Relationship: Harris emphasizes the importance of defining the nature and purpose of a courtship relationship from the outset. This clarity can help prevent misunderstandings and heartache.
3. Involving Parents and Mentors: Harris advocates for involving parents and trusted mentors in the courtship process. He believes they can provide valuable guidance and accountability.
4. Setting Boundaries: The author stresses the need for clear boundaries in physical and emotional aspects of the relationship to avoid temptation and maintain purity.
5. Seeking God’s Will: Harris encourages readers to seek God’s guidance through prayer and seeking His will in the relationship. He suggests that God has a specific plan for each person’s life, including their choice of a life partner.

“Boy Meets Girl: Say Hello to Courtship” by Joshua Harris is a book that promotes the concept of courtship as an alternative to traditional dating. It encourages young Christians to approach romantic relationships with intentionality, seeking God’s will and involving parents and mentors.