Buddhism and Catholicism

[Dulcinea]

I have a problem. I am a “cradle” Catholic reverting to my faith after many yrs., with the help of a traditional Catholic congregation/priest. I have been married to a Buddhist for 6 yrs., who is not interested in my “reversion” as he is a “cradle” Buddhist, and in fact is very hurt by my desire to return to Catholicism. He had in the past been in the military and had a very bad experience with a fellow-Catholic soldier who informed him that he was a “pagan” who worshipped idols, and would not be saved! When my husband and I married, I had been very interested in Buddhism for many yrs., and considered myself a practicing Zen Buddhist. I had never formally converted to Buddhism (as it’s really not possible to do), but I practiced Buddhism and we were married in a Buddhist temple. My husband thought of me as a fellow Buddhist, and now feels very betrayed. My question is: can a Buddhist and a Catholic stay married? I love my husband very much and do not want to end the marriage. Are there any suggestions anyone has for me, and/or any books I (or my husband) can read on this issue? Anyone that wants to respond may do so to: mirirod@attglobal.net. Thank you.

 

[ralphinal]

Yes, you can stay married, but it will take work and effort on both your parts. You will need to have your marriage validated, talk to your priest.

The odds are long against you, but that does not mean that it will not work.

Pray for your husband. It is not Buddhist teaching to hate an entire group for someone elses wrong doing. He should move past that.

I will pray for both of you.