Monday, May 05, 2008

Is this Christian Dating or a Christian Hook Up?

I'm appalled at the number of alleged Christian dating sites that claim to be true Christian sites yet operate as if they are not. Some of them allow users to post inappropriate photos, some that border on soft-core porn. How can a Christian site operate allow this kind of filth on a site that claims to be Christ-centered? I realize that most of these operators are not even Christians themselves, but a few of these sites appear, or at least claim to be operated by Bible-believing Christians.

Caveat Emptor - Buyer Beware

When you think you are on a Christian dating website, there is a good possibility that you are not. Be careful and be discerning. Even on true Christian-owned-and-operated dating websites, many of the people with profiles are not true Christians. Some probably think they are, but are not and some know they are not, but are pretending to be for various reasons.

"I am sending you out like sheep surrounded by wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves."
-- Matthew 10:16
Posted by godsman at 11:22:40 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Many Single Christians are Confused

Here's an interesting resource for single Christians:

Christian Dating FAQ

What you'll see is that a lot of Christian singles are confused about what is appropriate and inappropriate in a dating context and they are confused about how to use good judgment in their relationships. The Christian Dating FAQ provides some good information to help Christian singles find their way through the maze of dating relationships. What might seem like common sense to some is not for others. This is probably due to differences in emotional and spiritual maturity, dating experience, wisdom and discernment and, yes, intelligence. What breaks my heart is to read about some of the bad situations my brothers and sisters are in. If only all dating relationships involving Christians could be Christ-centered or, for that matter, if only ALL relationships of ALL KINDS involving Christians could be Christ-centered. Maybe THEN the world would see something different and desirable.

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." -- Hebrews 10:24
Posted by godsman at 06:58:15 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Thursday, December 13, 2007

BigChurch.com sold to Penthouse

That's not a typo.  The company which owned BigChurch.com (Various, Inc. a.k.a. FriendFinder Network) has been sold to Penthouse Media Group, who publishes Penthouse Magazine as well as pornographic videos and Websites.  It will be interesting to see what they do with it, since Penthouse seems to be only interested in the sex-related sites.  Perhaps they'll sell it.  It's sad to think that a Website that has the name "Christian" in it is owned by a company like Penthouse.  The previous owner was bad enough, but I think this is even worse.  I hope they sell it soon!

"You are always righteous, O LORD, when I bring a case before you. Yet I would speak with you about your justice: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?"  -- Jeremiah 12:1 (NIV)

(Their ease is but for a while.  Judgment is coming...)
Posted by godsman at 11:20:38 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

This month's "Give Me a Break!" award winner....

The operator of one of the most visible Christian dating sites on the Web got an email from someone who met a man on another Christian dating site.  Seems the man was in Nigeria "for missions" (Do you smell a rat here?) and his hotel didn't take traveler's checks.  (Here it comes...)  This lady sent him $4000 to help him out, and now she wants to sue the Christian dating site on which she met the scammer.  Her attorney says she can sue for "damages and mental anguish."

Give me a break!  Who doesn't know this is a scam?  No Website operator can protect their customers from their own ignorance and bad choices.  What's next?

"My boyfriend just broke up with me, and my attorney says I can sue you for damages and mental anguish because we met on your dating site." 

Why can't people take responsibility for their own mistakes and bad choices?  Why do the rest of us have to pay for their ignorance and mistakes?   Don't get me wrong; I feel bad for this woman, but does she live in a hole where there is no news?  These scams have been in the news for YEARS.  I just don't understand the mentality of blaming others for your own mistakes.  That's a real problem in this country, and it explains why there are so many frivolous lawsuits.  Some people see this as an opportunity to "get paid" and the attorneys see it as an opportuntity to exploit someone for their own gain.  Stop the insanity!

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." -- Romans 12:2

Posted by godsman at 09:33:13 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Did Truth Win Out?

In my last post, I talked about christiansitereviews.com, a "Christian" dating review site which was very misleading and misrepresenting itself.  That domain is now pointing to the Website of the company that was hosting it, so I'm wondering if they gave up.  Perhaps calling them out helped bring about their demise.  Truth doesn't always win out in this world and in this life, but in the end Truth will win out!

"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" (John 14:6)
Posted by godsman at 19:57:32 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Monday, November 05, 2007

This month's "Give Me a Break!" award goes to....

...Christian Dating Site Reviews at www.christiansitereviews.com.  Here is what "Teri" says about her site: "Christian Dating Site Reviews - honest reviews of Christian Dating sites. Its important to know who's marketing a Christian Dating site and who is just marketing."  GIVE ME A BREAK! She is about as unbiased as a politician who just took a bribe!  She criticizes another Christian dating review site (christiandatingservice.com) for promoting a particular website as an affiliate.  I checked out this claim, and on the About page of christiandatingservice.com, it clearly states the following:

"...in the interest of honesty and integrity, let me state here that I get a commission if you sign up with one of the sites where I'm an affiliate. That being said, let me assure you that my desire is inform you and educate you, and I strive to be honest and impartial in my reviews of the various sites. Many other sites have asked me to review and recommend them, offering lucrative affiliate programs, but I will not recommend a site that does not meet my standards for quality and integrity."

That's about as honest as you can get.  They admit that they make money on the links to other sites.  I don't have a problem with that.  What I DO have a problem with is sites like christiansitereviews.com who apparently can't make it on their own merit, so they resort to putting down the competition.  Teri at christiansitereviews.com is the one being dishonest and deceitful.  Most of the links on her site are affiliate links, but you don't see her stating that anywhere, do you?

I applaud christiandatingservice.com for being honest about the affiliate links.  Everyone does affiliate links, but it's very rare to see someone being honest and upfront about it.  In fact, I've never seen anyone else do that.  On the other hand, shame on Teri at christiansitereviews.com.  Check your facts before you accuse people of things that are not true!  And stop doing the very same the same thing you are critiizing!
Posted by godsman at 15:07:06 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Not All Christian Dating sites are What They Seem - Part 2

Christian Mingle, aka ChristianRelationships.com, is owned by a secular company (Spark Networks) with a questionable reputation, according to the Christian Dating Watchdog.  Apparently, they operate several other websites which promote gay and lesbian relationships and sex outside of marriage.  At one time, they operated glimpse.com, a dating website for gays and lesbians, but when they purchased ChristianMingle.com they shut down glimpse.com and moved the profiles into one of their other dating websites that was not openly targeted to gays and lesbians.  The Christian Dating Watchdog has provided documentation and links to information that supports these claims. 

If you go to their website, you'll see they even have a "Statement of Faith."  They go to great lengths to make themselves appear "Christian."  Don't be fooled. 

It is frustrating to me that secular companies with no conscience and no morals are exploiting single Christians looking for a mate online.  PLEASE! Don't support these secular companies.  Make sure that the company to which you are giving money is a Christian-owned and operated Christian dating site, not just another secular company trying to look Christian.

Posted by godsman at 10:38:53 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Is It Okay for Christians to Use Online Dating Sites?

I hear this question a lot, and it's a fair question. I personally believe it's okay for a Christian to use an online dating site. However, it depends on HOW and WHY you do it. For instance, if you're desparate to be in a relationship and obsessed with it to the point of joining all the Christian dating sites, you're in trouble. Or, if you're a woman and aren't careful then that's a bad thing. On the other hand, if you are wise and patient in your use of these sites I believe it's okay, but it's not for everyone. If you would be embarrassed to tell someone you met your girlfriend or wife online, then you probably shouldn't do it.

I love the fact that that you can get to know the other person(s) via email and the the phone before you ever meet. This have several advantages, including eliminating the ones with whom you're not compatible without going on dates and really getting to know the ones with whom you are compatible before you meet them in person. The advantage of the latter is that you can really get to know the person without the distraction of all the stuff that comes along with being on a date. I believe this is the single greatest advantage of online dating for Christians.

Posted by godsman at 21:23:28 | Permanent Link | Comments (1) |

Friday, August 31, 2007

Not All Christian Dating sites are What They Seem - Part 1

According to the Christian Dating WatchDog, a number of "Christian" dating sites are owned by secular companies and are not Christian at all. In fact, some of these companies are into things that Christians do not, and should not, support. The most heinous example of this is BigChurch.com, which apparently is owned by the same company which operates several x-rated dating sites such as AdultFriendFinder.com and GayFriendfinder and several others. What really gets me riled up is that they make BigChurch.com appear as if it is run by sincere Christians, including a searchable Bible and commentary on the site. I wonder if they were laughing when someone came up with the idea of putting Genesis 24 on the homepage ("A man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.").

I don't hate these people, but I definitely hate what they are doing in two major ways. First, I hate that they are promoting illicit sexual relationships and extramarital affairs and, second, I hate that they are trying to pass BigChurch.com off as a Christian site.

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Tree and Its Fruit. Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?" (Matthew 7:13-16)

 

Posted by godsman at 10:19:27 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Monday, August 20, 2007

For Christians dating online, it can be a varied experience.  Some Christian dating sites are good, and some are not so good.  Some of the Christian singles on these sites are godly peope, and some are not.  I'll share some of my experiences with you and we'll talk about how to get the most out of your online Christian dating experience.  My God bring His best into your life, and may He do it soon! :)
Posted by godsman at 09:29:51 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |