Feature by David Groom "Date. It is good to meet a lot of new people."

Back to Table of Contents | Back to Main Index Previous Features | Send mail to The Voice Multnomah students prefer dating to courting Multnomah Bible College students are divided on courting versus dating. In a poll asking, "What do you prefer: courting or dating?" a majority said they prefer to date rather than to court. Forty-two percent of poll participants said they would rather date, while 36 percent said they would rather court. When courting, the couple gets to know each other by spending time together in large groups. In dating, however, the couple spends more time alone with each other. Of men polled on campus, 50 per-cent prefer dating compared to 19 percent who believe courting is a better way to develop a relationship. Eleven percent prefer a combination. Women, however, carried a different perspective. Thirty-three percent said that dating "was more fun," although the majority, 54 percent, said courting "provides more of a commitment." Freshman Olatoye Komolafe said he prefers dating "because sometimes you want there to be more affection." "Dating is more fun," Charity Gibby, a 21-year-old senior, said. Freshman John Gallop said, "Date. It doesn't matter what you call it as long as you abide in godly principles." Nineteen-year-old Kenny Coble said, "Date. It is good to meet a lot of new people." In support of courtship, Daniel Fender said, "Courting is better; 'Lead me not into temptation.'" Abby Hamre said, "Court. It's more directed toward knowing a person [rather than] a romantic game." Elizabeth Morris agreed, saying, "Court. Both are precursors to marriage. Courtship is a more mature means." Ten percent said they felt that neither courting nor dating were suitable. Sophomore Jon Jones said, "Both are inherently flawed extremes. By seeking to have a God-glorifying relationship that aims to be above reproach, labels become irrelevant." Eight percent said dating should precede courting. Resident director Ryan Samples said, "Both have good parts; you should date before you court." Two percent said they prefer neither dating nor courting. "I prefer friends with benefits," one student said. Another said, "I don't want any labels on the relationship." Fifty Multnomah students, 26 male and 24 female, participated in this poll on Oct. 4. Back to Table of Contents | Back to Main Index Previous Features | Top Of Page Send mail to The Voice| Journalism department website © 2001 The Voice. No part of this publication may be reproduced in written or electronic form without prior written consent from the journalism adviser of Multnomah Bible College. All rights reserved.