FH I am not referring to 2 unbelievers being married and one of them getting saved, I am referring to a believer marrying an unbeliever.

I know plenty of Judeo-Christian unions that work better than same-sect unions. My father is a Candanian-American Catholic Jew (ever hear of such a thing?)

The secret to a happy union has less to do with sharing a religious belief than sharing a belief that a marriage must focus FIRST and FOREMOST on being and feeling safe and relaxed.

Happily married people (like my parents and my H and I) actually enjoy each other's differences--we are comfortable with each other's points of view on ANYTHING--not just religion!!!!

We feel UNDERSTOOD by the other because we are happily opinionated and actually EAGER to hear and learn each other's different opinions without arguing about who is right or wrong--be it religion or politics or whatever!

And the kids? They go to Catholic School where they learn about all religions and beliefs, the great religious leaders, codes of ethics throughout history etc.--something they do not teach in public school! What a shame!

Oh so you will be faithful to god if you are born again afther being married.

What if I was a believer and something happened where I became an unbeliever.

I decide not to follow chrisianity but to be agnostic.

Is my spouse still being faithful to god.

No offense Big K that was a crock.

I do not personally think two people with STRONG religious beliefs can make it.

If only one does that will probably work.

No idea how you thought I was saying that.

Yes your post most certainly is a crock. But you are of course entitled to your opinion.

Let's say you think there is nothing that tastes better than chocolate ice cream and you have to eat some every day.

Your spouse also is passionate about ice cream--but she likes vanilla.

Do you argue with her that chocolate is the one true ice cream? Do you tell her she is gonna rot in ****** because she has not chosen chocolate as her one true flavor? Do you question her intelligence because she cannot see the way, the truth and the light and convert to a chocolate lover?

No. You buy a quart of each and celebrate the fact that you both like hot fudge and whipped cream on top.

Thanks Pieta - I would agree about the icecream but only the icecream (with the hot fudge and whipped cream)

I defer you to Dr Harleys view on marriage though. Thanks.

It is possible to thrive with differing religions, My wife is jewish and I am catholic. We may differ on the Messiah part but we take comfort in the belief of the same god (except the trinity part of christianity). Its weird because we'll attend each others services and follow the practices of the different holidays.

Now one thing that IS a challenge ... is when you and your spouse are on different political parties (Eek!)

Election time is not a good time for us.
2008 is going to be a rough year I fear... <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

ForeverHers,


Yes. My response to frankly was Marriage Builder-to-Marriage Builder; your response was Christian-to-Christian. Neither is out of place in this context.


frankly,
I wish you and your lady friend the best as you work through this issue.

Pieta: No, I've never heard of a Canadian American Catholic Jew. It sounds marvelously human!

RMX: Good job on respecting each other's faith. You are on your own with politics!

Curious: Thank you!

<soapbox reflection>

The vast cultures of the world are full of differences in most every way. Some less subtle than others. This definitely includes politics and religion.

If democracy speaks to anything is says loudly: "Diversity is a good thing!"

There is a richness that comes in a household steeped with tradition and consistancy. Yet, there are also natural prejudices and tendencies that are bound to occur as well. Behavior often breeds like behavior.

Yet...

Wouldn't it portend to potentially erase some of our social obstacles by having more culturally rich and diverse families in society?

Could we perhaps be more compassionate toward one another and our differences (which will NOT EVER go away)?

Or am I just a left wing wacko? (Or is that what Pep means by a fruit?) <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />