For a while I’ve wondered where is the content for saved Christian singles who aren’t having sex? I have watched enough of the Insecures, the She’s Gotta Have Its and Living Singles to see that there are women and men who look like us and have the same issues, but they choose sex before marriage. In society today that desires representation for everyone, I will cast my ballot for shows or films that showcase a modern view of Christian singles who are deciding to live God’s way.
Our lives are not corny and are far from boring, so stop limiting us in these categories when it comes to the entertainment we’re represented in or given. I also believe we need more options to have our stories told and voices heard. One reason why so many Millennials are not pursuing God is that the representation of authentic highs and lows of the young adult Christian experience is not shown enough or uplifted in our media while everything else is.
But thankfully in this day, we don’t need huge budgets or major studio backing to produce content for us by us. There are people creating these works behind the scenes right now, and I pray that we will give them a chance as much as many of us are willing to watch content that doesn’t feed us hope and encouragement.
Here’s a great example for your consideration: The Dating Project, which premieres on April 17th in theaters. The Dating Project (Paulist Productions) via Pure Flix Entertainment is a 70 minute documentary that follows the lives of a variety of unmarried people as they navigate the growing complex dating scene. The documentary seeks to find hope in the practice of dating.
“To find someone on the same page as you is really hard,” –Cecilia, a 20 something single in Chicago, shared in the documentary. I saw the film in a pre-screening and would recommend it for anyone to check out, especially singles and Christian singles. I definitely found myself relating to several of the individuals in the film, including Rasheeda, who’s a single woman in her 30s (seeee? Representation matters).
In Rasheeda’s clip she shares that she’s “extra single”:
“Working a lot means I have no social life. It’s just hard to find and meet somebody and connect with them because I’m always working.” –Rasheeda
The single media producer in NYC hasn’t dated in months. She is Christian and wants a man who is going to pursue her as a godly man and share the same values as her. Rasheeda shares her journey in deciding to be celibate or wait til marriage to have sex. “This topic of dating and womanhood needs to be discussed in church and on the pulpit…”
“I just want peace, content and joy at whatever stage; that’s what I want most.” -Rasheeda
From online dating to being challenged to rethink how we do dating, The Dating Project is recommended for college age and up. No matter our age, it’s important for us to unlearn unhealthy practices and learn new skills in how to interact with others, especially in platonic and romantic relationships. Can this be represented well on the big screen and TV in a positive way? The better question is, will it be given a chance?
If you’re interested in watching the premiere of The Dating Project, find your nearest theater showing here.
Where are you in this list? Share below!
