Pastor Gives Young Christians Wake-Up Call on Dating, Marriage: We've Traded the Bible for Disney, Taylor Swift
“You’ve been discipled by Disney from the time that you were 5 years old.”
Those are the words of Pastor David Marvin of Dallas’ Watermark Community Church. He is the director of the young adult-centered ministry The Porch.
The Christian Post reports on a sermon Pastor Marvin delivered last week warning young adults, among other things, to avoid being “dating delusional.”
Marvin described “dating delusional” as “believing the ‘myths’ that there is such a thing as the perfect ‘happily ever after’ and that a dating relationship will not require hard work.”
The passionate pastor admitted that he enjoys fairy tales but warned listeners that fairy tales can be deceptive and often feature someone who must be rescued. He cautions against entering rescue relationships seeking romance.
“In dating relationships and in love, you’re not looking for someone who needs to be rescued,” Marvin said. “You’re not looking to be the savior of somebody. You’re looking for a partner in life, not a project that you’re going to rescue.”
In this article on 5 Dating Mistakes to Avoid, by Kytia L’amour, that would fall under mistake number 3, “idolizing your relationship.” She cautions that “No one will be able to complete you.” That’s God’s job, not your dating interest’s role.
In addition to Disney fairy tales, Pastor Marvin also warned against the “discipling” that happens through the songs of pop artists like Taylor Swift.
“Taylor Swift has probably discipled more people on love in the world than anybody else. Just think about all the ways she has shaped [us]. I mean, ‘I knew you were trouble when you walked in.’ Then, why did you date him? … Every Taylor Swift song communicates the same thing, ‘He’s bad for me, but I still like it,'” Marvin said, referring to the song “I Knew You Were Trouble.”
He says the kind of game-playing and mysterious behavior that characterizes the relationships elevated in Swift’s song is misleading. “You know what mysterious is? It’s shady. … That’s not a quality to appreciate. But that’s Taylor’s discipling.”
Movieguide cited the pastor’s sermon stating, “Marvin said that lasting love that leads to marriage has to be built on God’s design, not movies and TV shows.”
They join the pastor’s warning that “What you listen to, watch, and read has power.”
One comment on the Youtube video of the sermon sums up many of the comments: “I really needed this podcast. Lately I’ve been crying multiple times a day over how scared I am about being forever alone. I’ve been so desperate in matching with guys on dating apps, but I never feel satisfied. I really need to stop making a relationship an idol and wait on the Lord’s timing. Thank you, The Porch.”
With God, you are not alone. You’re worth more than you imagine. That is God’s truth.
Don’t settle for a relationship designed by Disney. Hold out for God’s best.
