Inter-faith marriages

[Green Gaia]

An inter-faith marriage is a union in which the two spouses follow different religious traditions. Can they work and be no big deal, or are they a diaster waiting to happen and should be discouraged?

"A [born-again conservative Christian] believer marrying or intending to marry an unbeliever is clearly going against the expressed commandment of God." J.J. Lim

"...unity within diversity adds a richness and beauty to marriage and to life." Rev. Tom Chulak, Unitarian-Universalist minister.

 

[Colin_Admin]

I think they can work as long as they fully understand their companions religious beliefs. I also think that if people marry someone from another religion that their own religion is probably close in beliefs.

 

[Runt]

I think it really depends on the individual. If you can get along with your spouse despite religious differences, then fine, go for it! But if you are going to argue constantly and disrupt your household and the lives of your future children, then it would be better (in my opinion) that you find someone else to marry.

 

[Alaric]

I doubt they would work unless they were both very secular; hormones and/or honest effort might keep harmony at first, but it wouldn't last. Surely you marry someone who largely thinks like you?

 

[Green Gaia]

I think it depends on if the individuals are the "my religion is right and all else is wrong" types or not. Of course, I would think that if they were like this, they wouldn't be together in the first place, but who knows, we do funny things for love lol. But seriously, I absolutely think they can work if they two are respectful of the other's chosen spiritual path.

Why do you think some religions have such a problem with this? I'm thinking specifically of Catholics, but I know they aren't the only one...