If you thought that eHarmony was a faith-based dating service, think again. True many Christians have utilized the matchmaking service over the years and Christian organizations such as Focus on the Family have even endorsed the service when it was in its infancy.
However, eHarmony’s latest move should settle the fact once and for all that it is not a Christian-based service by any stretch of the imagination.
As a result of a settlement in a recent lawsuit alleging that eHarmony is discrimitory towards homosexuals, the online dating giant has agreed to create a new Web site — “Compatible Partners” — specifically for for gay and lesbian users.
eHarmony, which was founded by Dr. Neil Clark Warren in 2000, said the settlement was triggered by a Law Against Discrimination complaint filed by Eric McKinley, a gay man from New Jersey, against the online service on March 14, 2005. As part of the agreement, eHarmony will pay McKinley $5,000 and will provide him a one-year complimentary membership.
So in other words, rather than stand up for traditional family values, eHarmony has caved to the ongoing pressure of the gay movement.
eHarmony — which was not found in violation of the law — also agreed to ensure that same-sex users will be matched using the same or equivalent technology used for its heterosexual clients. It will also post photographs of same-sex couples in its “Diversity” section of its Web site and in advertising materials.
“Even though we believed that the complaint resulted from an unfair characterization of our business, we ultimately decided it was best to settle this case,” eHarmony legal counsel Theodore Olson said in a statement. “eHarmony looks forward to moving beyond this legal dispute, which has been a burden for the company, and continuing to advance its business model of serving individuals by helping them find successful, long-term relationships.”
What is rally sad about this situation and others like it is that homosexuals continue to use the “discrimination” defense to advance their cause. I can certainly see that argument as valid with regards to race and genders as a person cannot choose what race they are born into or even whether they will be born male or female. But to associate discrimination with regards to choice of sexual orientation is absurd. What’s next? Discrimination against drug addicts, thieves, pedophiles and other alternative life-style choices?
Even the recent gay marriage bans passed in Arizona and California are not discriminatory against homosexuals as individuals but rather seek to define what marriage is supposed to mean. A gay person still has every right as an individual that heterosexuals have – they simply cannot take part of the marriage process.
So, if you are looking for a good Christian dating service, you might want to look elsewhere. eHarmony is not it. You might try ChristianCafe or even Singles of Faith. (Hopefully I will not regret endorsing them here in the near future).
David Wallace is a search & social media marketer who lives in Ahwatukee, Arizona with his lovely wife. Interests & hobbies include Christianity, musicianship, all things Disney, and roller coasters to name a few.
What is “traditional family values”?
The only true American tradition is progression and change.
Marriage as it is today has changed a LOT over the past few generations. The concept of traditional family values as something that is opposed to same sex marriage is bogus.
Change is coming, whether you like it or not.
Amen.
Sam,
I understand your point about America being progressive and in constant change. But, I think most reasonable people would have to recognize that “traditional” families consist of father, mother and children (plus the dog and the white picket fence).
This does not mean that there are not exceptions to this. It just means that this is the “traditional” family. Any other configuration of family would be non-traditional simply by definition.
I believe the point Mr. Wallace is making is that eHarmony was marketed early on as a Christian-based company. Therefore, one would be reasonable to assume that they would adhere to a Christian standard of ethics.
Dave seems to be calling into question the fact that a “Christian” service is taking a non-Christian stance on a particular (and admittedly controversial) topic.
If you, personally, do not hold to the authority of the Bible or Christian teaching, then as a Christian it is not my place to hold you accountable to those moral standards. However, eHarmony, having presented itself as a Christian organization, can and should be held accountable to those standards.
Yes, change is, in fact coming. But that doesn’t always mean that things will be better.
I agree with Mr. Wallace. I thought eHarmony a Christian-based company. I am disappointed in their settlement.
The covenant of marriage is defined by the creator of the covenant. God is the creator of marriage Genesis 2:24. It is easy to see that man is now attempting to re-define Gods covenant.
The BIBLE defines gay and lesbian as sinners in need of a savior, sadly eHarmony should have had faith in God. Our God is able!
satan and his demons will soon feel at ease in a world like ours is becoming. Romans 1:18-32
That’s disappointing as this has been one of the best sites for Christians, due to the technology used for matching couples.