"Finds God's Match for You"

Online dating has become a booming phenomenon in the past decade, as countless websites have been developed to accommodate those searching for love through the Internet. Christian Mingle is unique in the cyber dating world for its focus on matching individuals with friends or lovers who share their Christian faith. One would normally not associate religion directly with dating, but this is the very concept off of which this website is based. The home page of the site before you log in features a glowing couple in front of an ocean scene clearly just married and still in their wedding attire. The background is a pale yellow color, which is conveniently supposed to be calming and arouse contentment. The slogan is “Find God’s Match For You”, pressing the idea of a higher power on its audience. These strategically placed words utter the notion that God is actually hand selecting a match for you himself, through Christian Mingle. This is presumably an attempt to establish credibility, because if someone believes they have God on their side in a relationship, they are far more likely to positively pursue it. In addition, this notion of being watched over while finding love may aid the websites popularity due to the comfort people find in religion.

            It is not to say that any type of religion lacks validity, but the questionability comes in when a website clearly states that its users will have the approval of God. This concept is pushed through direct bible quotes such as “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart- Psalms 37:4”. This choice of text in combination with the pleasant photograph and light hearted background color combine to accomplish a serene feeling immediately upon entering the website. Those interested in online dating through religious means may find these rhetorical strategies highly appealing. There is no better way to gain someone’s trust than appealing to the morals and values that they hold most dearly. Religion is a cornerstone in many peoples lives, and if they feel the need to justify something that feels questionably by deeming it God’s choice for them, they may willingly do so. Using God as an overseer for actions is the ultimate rhetorical device. Capitalizing on religion by charging people to utilize a dating website is not surprisingly highly effective and persuasive. Especially in a society where religious values are not as strictly enforced as they once were, websites such as this may serve as a method of self-validation for people.http://www.christianmingle.com/