Dating a non Catholic

[catholic2832]

Is it ok to date a non Catholic Christian?

The reason I am asking is because this girl and I have been friends for 3 1/2 years and latly we have been talking alot more and we have both said that we are interesting in being more then friends with each other. I do really like her. And we have always been pretty good friends. But the only problem I have is she is Baptist and I am Catholic. If she was Catholic I would be taking her out to eat this weekend lol. Heck I probably would have last weekend lol. Any advice? We have both said if we do become more then friends that we will take it slow.

 

[Belgarion]

go for it

but keep in mind that things may end up becoming problematic because of your religious differences. They may not show up, but just be cautious.

If you don’t try to pursue the relationship, you may end up wondering what could have happened.

Its a win-win situation. You either win because you found the right relationship, or you win because you explored the possibility and realized that it won’t work out.
The future is still open to you if the latter happens. You will still find the right one for you.

 

[PJM]

Is it ok to date a non Catholic Christian?

The reason I am asking is because this girl and I have been friends for 3 1/2 years and latly we have been talking alot more and we have both said that we are interesting in being more then friends with each other. I do really like her. And we have always been pretty good friends. But the only problem I have is she is Baptist and I am Catholic. If she was Catholic I would be taking her out to eat this weekend lol. Heck I probably would have last weekend lol. Any advice? We have both said if we do become more then friends that we will take it slow.

Reply:

My advice is, knowing that our Catholic Church insist that all children of a mixed marriage, be educated and permitted to actively practice the Catholic Faith. Both parents must pledge to do so.

Also, the Church will not permit a marriage where this is not agreed to prior to the marriage.

This being the case, talk about it. Explain that you might wish to become more than just friends, but there is an issue, that MIGHT be standing in the way.

If she agrees to discuss it, I would suggest you do so in the presence of a Catholic Priest, who is qualified to explain the “why’s”.

I’ll offer a prayer for your special needs.

GOd’s continued Blessings,
PJM m.c.

 

[stringbeanduck]

Is it ok to date a non Catholic Christian?

The reason I am asking is because this girl and I have been friends for 3 1/2 years and latly we have been talking alot more and we have both said that we are interesting in being more then friends with each other. I do really like her. And we have always been pretty good friends. But the only problem I have is she is Baptist and I am Catholic. If she was Catholic I would be taking her out to eat this weekend lol. Heck I probably would have last weekend lol. Any advice? We have both said if we do become more then friends that we will take it slow.

I agree go for it. There’s no doctrine that says you can’t date a non-Catholic. So long as she is open to the faith and learning more about it you’re fine.

 

[kage_ar]

Use the search function - there are a kajillion threads on this topic!

 

[jwashu]

Go for it but talk about religion from the very beginning. If you guys are already friends it shouldn’t be difficult.

There are a LOT of similarities between Catholic’s and Baptist. However most Baptists only have heard rumors and misinformation about the Catholic Church.

While I was in the process of Converting I was at the hospital with my youngest right after he was born. I was reading a book called Catholic Verses and the guy next to me asked what it was about. I told him it was about the differences between Catholic and Protestant beliefs. He said, well I’m a Baptist Reverend and I always wondered that what are the differences?

I said, well you know that some protestant say that Catholics believe can work your way to Heaven, but that’s not true, they believe that if you are in a state of Grace you will do those works through the Holy Spirit as a sign of your faith and relationship with God. He was like… well that’s no difference. I said well technically Baptist believe Once Saved Always Saved (OSAS) and he replied yes but James tells us that Faith without works is dead, that’s straight from the Bible… I was like well you are right, and actually that is pretty much the Catholic point.

Anyway, pretty much everything I said, he agreed with and no longer thought Catholics were strange, if I remember correctly he couldn’t wait to talk to his congregation about it, heh.

Now that being said there are some major difference but it can be worked out. I’ve almost converted my Baptist mom (who is 64) so there is hope

As I said, don’t make ALL of your date about religion but bring up your faith in God and talk about hers, every so often spend time reading and discussing the difference. To do this you are going to need to make sure you know yours well too

Good Luck, perhaps God is working through you to bring her to the Sacraments!

Joe