How do we have a healthy relationship? How far do we go sexually? How do we deal with mistakes, their wounds and shame?
Wholly Dating gives answers to these questions and more. Answers based on the grace and truth of Jesus, as worked out in people's experience today. Reference to William Shakespeare. Quotes from Louise Perry, Jordan Peterson, Josh Harris, Taylor Swift and more.
Wholly Dating comes alive through the story of Roger Harper's own dating with Sharon, leading to their Covidtime wedding.
Erogenous holding hands and washing each other's feet. Agreeing about toilet seats and new underpants. Getting tingles and gazing into eyes and choosing rings.
'Accessible and relatable.... upfront and honest.'
Joel Brown, Radio Presenter, United Christian Broadcasters
'A really captivating and encouraging read... a compulsively readable insight into a man's-eye view of dating.'
Katrina Robinson, Women's Lifestyle Writer and Creator of
Part 2 Of Your (Love?) Life
Buy with UK delivery £11.95
Buy with Worldwide delivery £14.95
A deep dive into godly dating that is meaningful and helpful
A wonderfully honest and biographical view of Christian relationships. It deals with the subject in a way that is unique and a breath of fresh air. It is a useful read for all daters, in particular the younger dater that may be unsure of how to date / court well in a Christ-honouring way. Definitely worth a read!
RS on Amazon UK
5 stars
Wholly Dating is a delightful and thoughtful romp through the world of relationship management.
Harper does not shy away from any topic - but always gives that topic a Christian twist. The foundations of a solid relationship are treated in a way that invites contemplation and an examination of today's fast paced life. While this book may have been written for Christians, the formula for success is the same, no matter your affiliation.
How does one lay the foundation stone for a successful relationship? How do you know he or she is the ONE? Looking for help? Read this.
Coffeeaddiction on Amazon US
5 stars
My questions answered about dating
I really enjoyed this book. It is very honest, frank and open about the big issues when dating. It helped me to answer important questions which I always had about dating. I would highly recommend this read.
Pete Hallam Amazon UK
5 stars
Wholly Dating is fun and instructive
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading Wholly Dating cover to cover. The author, Roger Harper, is a devout follower of Jesus and strongly endorses his interpretation of Jesus' words to outline how humans - especially Christian heterosexuals - should go about looking for companionship, love, and sex. The answer, Harper believes, is a respectful and intentional progression which starts with forming an acquaintance which may progress to dating, courting, engagement and marriage.
The book is remarkable for maintaining a very Christian perspective throughout, but in an inclusive rather than exclusive way. There are many many good tips for all comers on improving oneself, ordering one's priorities, dating apps, how to date, etc. Non-Christians and non-heterosexuals will likely find many productive suggestions.
Harper also shows a very positive attitude. For example, Harper repeatedly states that dating, even a few dates which never progress to more, allows one to meet many interesting and delightful people. He also strongly endorses equality between spouses in marriage, and even gives interesting suggestions how to approach one's anger ("God, YOU love them, because I can't.")
As an aside - for those readers who are interested in sex - there's plenty of it here.
Amazon Customer on Amazon US
5 stars
A compelling, personal exploration of Christian dating in later life
This book is an honest, compelling account of a love story in later life woven into a clearly argued guide to Christian dating between men and women in the 21st century, with guidance rooted in Christian teaching; particularly relevant to the “later Christian dater” and written from a personal perspective by a Prison Chaplain.
The author writes well; the focus is a love story touching on its beginnings, development and denouement within a strong Christian faith - celebrating and acknowledging challenges and discussing the ‘how.’ The style is easy to read , sometimes humorous, with often compelling imagery e.g. memory as a picture file which you can pop into the recycle bin. A reader looking for an honest and searching account of Christian dating and marriage and what it involves will be intrigued by this book.
The writer often includes psychological insights that are helpful and thought provoking- e.g. ”we may find that what we find annoying in other people is something of a habit of ours too…” Wise words.
AF on Amazon UK
5 stars
‘It is a truth universally acknowledged that most dating and relationship books are written by women.’
So how refreshing to read Wholly Dating by Roger Harper, a UK writer and business developer with plenty of real-life pastoral experience, including the nitty-gritty of having worked as a prison chaplain. The book was also written partly in partnership with his wife, Sharon. Wholly Dating is the result of wanting to pass on what they had learned together about building a healthy relationship.
As is not surprising for a former prison chaplain, the author is coming from a Christian perspective but you don’t have to be a signed-up churchgoer to find some valuable suggestions and talking-points in his approach, especially if you see yourself as a spiritual sort of person, though not necessarily religious.
Or you rate ethics extremely highly in life generally.
Or you find the idea of ‘Men and women loving each other as they love themselves’ is one beautiful framework to aspire to.
You’ll find sensible advice and personal stories shared, and the author doesn’t shy away from writing frankly when it comes to discussing the physical side and boundaries you might want to establish so that the sexual side doesn’t outrun the commitment side.
It’s delightful to read some of the early, tentative online messages exchanged by the couple as they connect initially online and move through to meeting face-to-face for the first time. I felt as thought I was holding my breath to see how it would develop, like a love-story where you’re mentally egging on two likeable characters to get together.
Wholly Dating is a realistic, readable guide.
Katrina Robinson
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