Expert: Carl Fuglein - 8/10/2009

Question
Hello,
My name is Zach Harper, I'm 15 years old and a pretty strong Christian. I met my girlfriend about 8 months ago when she started coming to my youth group, but we started going out around 2 weeks ago and youth group is pretty much the only place we see eachother. While at a lock-in at my church 2 days ago we were playing sardines, and she was the first to find me, and she started leaning towards my face to kiss me and I pulled away. The reason for this is because I'm unsure if it's not, I don't know, against God to kiss the one you're dating in a church? Do you think you could help me out on this issue?

Thank you in advance,

Zach Harper

Answer
Zach-

Depends on your church - some would find it a real problem, others not so much. You'll have to check with with your youth leader to see what their opinion is.

If it were my church, here's what I say - in church on Sunday morning, a quick kiss hello or goodbye is okay, anything else would be a no-no.  If it was in youth group, it's a definite no-no all around.  The rule at youth group is simple - boys are blue, girls are pink, no purple is allowed.  Although the rule might be harsh, it's there for a reason.  You're there at youth group to learn more about God, to fellowship with EVERYONE, not just your gf/bf.  Youth group is meant to be a safe place for everyone, and some people who are NOT in a relationship could be very put off or have their feelings hurt when they see you in a lip lock with your girlfriend.  If you're making out with your gf, you're not paying much attention to the lesson.

Hope this helps,

Carl


PS.  The male teenager that lives within my body said you should have kissed her.  You were alone, no one would know.  But cool it after the first kiss, because it would be incredibly awkward if the next person found you two in a passionate embrace.