I have a really good friend (she's non-Christian by the way) and she reads romance novels all the time (the non-Christian ones with descriptive sex scenes in them) and I have read some of them before too. My mom doesn't like it 'cause of the sex in it (I'm allowed to read Christian romance novels though) and the books have caused me to do things like masturbate before (YES I admit I've done that before) 'cause of the contents in the book. I want to know where you all stand as far as reading romance novels go. Thanks! horsechic1990

Song of Soloman 8:4 says: "Daughters of Jerusalem," (daughters of God) " I charge you: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires." There are certain emotions and actions that we should not partake in before marriage. Once you start the process of preparing your heart for a relationship, you can never go back. The reason breaking-up with a guy hurts so bad, is because we really weren't built to go through it, and we are supposed to learn (through that pain) not to do it again. We are only ever supposed to be with one man, and our purity is supposed to belong to him (and his to us). The process of "becoming one" does not start with sex. it starts with the feelings you have and using your imagination. The Bible says: "if you have thought it, you have done it." so if you let your imagination or your thoughts wander, which most movies, music, and ROMANCE NOVELS, encourage you to do, you are giving away a part of your heart and your mind to someone (or something) that isn't the man who God intended.

i dont think that being a christian and reading a book with sex in it is showing your faith to this non-christian girl. if you want to be an example and still read romantic stories, tune into Song of Songs. that book is well written about how a man and woman love eachother, without getting into..well..the nasty stuff. and Robin Jones Gunn makes some awesome books. I've read all the Glenbrooke seires, Christy Miller series, Seirra Jensen series and Christy and Todd the colege years. try giving her the first book to one of those, i garauntee she'll love it and she might find the Lord in it too your sister in Christ, Chelsea

Thank you all so much for your advice! It all makes total sense and I will definately use it to prevent myself from reading those trashy secular romance novels. All your advice is awesome, so THANKS!!!

[b]horsechic1990 wrote:[/b] [quote]I have a really good friend (she's non-Christian by the way) and she reads romance novels all the time (the non-Christian ones with descriptive sex scenes in them) and I have read some of them before too. My mom doesn't like it 'cause of the sex in it (I'm allowed to read Christian romance novels though) and the books have caused me to do things like masturbate before (YES I admit I've done that before) 'cause of the contents in the book. I want to know where you all stand as far as reading romance novels go. Thanks! horsechic1990[/quote] Same thing happens to me too. I thought I was the only person. I'm starting to get over it though.

[size=1]I looove romance novels! :) But I agree, do try and find one without heavy love scenes in them. I've read a few, and they're just okay. I prefer the ones without them, though, so, stick with those. <3, Mary[/size]

I think that even though you make think some of that stuff is harmless, it will effect you,and especially if it makes you struggle in the area of sexual purity. It is best to keep the junk out to prevent yourself from struggling in that area.