Should a Christian Marry a Non-Christian?

Should a Christian Marry a Non-Christian? 

Dear Sir: 
I'm just wondering whether a non-Christian can marry a Christian? If the answer is no, why is that so? Thank you, Chan (from India).

Dear Chan: 
Thanks for your question regarding Christians marrying non-Christians. We who follow Jesus feel obligated to order our lives according to his will as expressed in the New Testament. On this subject, Paul, the Apostle of Christ wrote to the Christians in Corinth the following instructions:

"Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers: for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? And what agreement hath a temple of God with idols for we are a temple of the living God...Wherefore Come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord" (II Corinthians 6:14-17).

A person's relationship with God is more important than his romantic relationships. The way this problem is resolved for those who love each other and desire to be married is for the Christian to share his or her faith with the unbeliever by studying God's Will for our lives. The likelihood is good that the unbeliever will understand and embrace the faith and thus they can be joined in marriage without any hesitation.

The reasons for this Biblical directive are clear. If a Hindu or a Buddhist marries a Christian they are divided at the very heart of their marriage. God wants us to marry for a lifetime. A common faith is a powerful bond to hold a man and wife together. When children come to a family, if they are of different faiths, there will be a desire on the part of each parent to raise the child in his or her faith. This provides a serious conflict for the child and often a source of conflict for the couple. Each religion has a different code of ethics and conduct. This too makes a conflict in a mixed marriage.

Not all who profess Christ honor and follow this instruction. Christians do not pass secular laws to forbid marriage with those not of the Faith. Nor do we seek to punish those who do so. But we do teach them that God's way is the best way.

Dave Hart.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

CHRISTIANS AND POLITICS.

Image
              CHRISTIANS AND POLITICS. By: Benson Omole. If there is anything that will spark a spontaneous debate, among believers, if not an outright argument, it is a discussion involving politics. As followers of Christ, how should we view politics, what should be our attitudes and our involvements with politics? In these contemporary times we live in today, it is increasingly becoming difficult to differentiate between an active Politician, and a faithful Christian! Small efforts shall be made to define what Christian life and values are. Why are we saved, and our responsibilities, now that we are saved? We shall also examine few classical definitions of politics, and its theories.  Readers must be able to decide whether to enter in “by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby. For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leads unto life, and few are they that find it.” –Jesu
Read more

The Origin of Israel.

Image
ORIGIN OF ISRAEL. The origin of Israel is rooted in ancient history and has complex historical, religious, and political dimensions. It's important to understand that the topic is multifaceted, but I can provide a brief overview: 1. Ancient History: The region that is now Israel has a long history dating back thousands of years, with various indigenous peoples and empires controlling the area. In ancient times, the land was inhabited by Hebrews, Canaanites, Philistines, and others. 2. Biblical History: The Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) contains accounts of the Israelites' conquest of the land under figures like Moses and Joshua. It describes the establishment of the Kingdom of Israel. 3. Roman Conquest: In 63 BCE, the Roman Empire conquered the region, leading to the dispersion of Jews and the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. 4. Modern Israel: After centuries of Jewish diaspora, the Zionist movement emerged in the late 19th century, advocating for the reest
Read more

The Truth About Christmas

Image
The Truth About Christmas                            George G. Pennock. As we enter the season of the year when many of our friends and neighbors are observing the birthday of Christ, it is appropriate that we give some time to a careful study of Christmas. In this article we will attempt to give you a comprehensive picture of the truth about Christmas. Some of the material presented has been adapted from James L. Dennison's booklet, "The History Of Christmas" and Eris B. Benson's work, "The Question Of Christmas." We lay no claim to originality. Have you ever stopped and thought about the origin and history of Christmas? We are prone to take so many things for granted! Where did Christmas come from? Who authorized it? Many of us will quickly answer that it was ordained by God, and originated when Christ was born. But are you sure of this? Could you prove it from the Bible? Permit us to deal with some of the traditions which most of us have taken
Read more