interfaith Wedding - Hindu - Catholic - Questions about future Faith

[Nine_Two]

I have said that I believe that all paths to God are acceptable to God and that the divisions people find are simply diversions. Therefore to receive a sacrament in a church that I have stated to be a valid path to God is not dishonest. In regards to being derisive, I was referring to your conclusion that I was dishonest. I believe that the intent of all religions is to bring people closer to God, therefore, I am not in conflict with the practice of any faith in particular. I accept them all. If you understood the religions of the east, you would understand that there are those of us who see Christianity fitting well into the broader scope of human experience with God, however, it is not the only experience of God. It is a fine one, but just a part of the whole. I show up where I will, worship where I will, and wherever that is, it is in the name of God. I am confident that God finds that to be good, I am also confident that God finds you to be good too.

Your friend,
Sufjon

It certainly is dishonest if you have to hide certain things in order to do it.

If you are open and honest with the priests giving the sacrament about what you believe, then no, it would be they who are at odds with the faith. However if you hold one thing back, if you make any untruthful statement, if you hide any aspect of your beliefs to those who administer sacraments, knowing how Catholic’s see the sacraments, then that is indeed sacrilege (and this seems to be the advice you gave to the OP - if this is mistaken, please clarify it).

I would also say that the priest notwithstanding, to do something you know is against the normative teachings of the faith, is in the least disrespectful.

If you understand anything about Christianity, it is that it believes Christ to be “the way, the truth, and the life”. Not “a way”, but “the way”. What eastern religion teaches about Christianity is irrelevant when it comes to actual Christian practices.

 

[kelcca]

Please show me where in the Bible and the writings of the Church fathers and saints where it say’s all beliefs and faiths lead to God/Jesus. There is no similarities between hinduism and Christianity, one is a false religion that will lead to to hell, the other is the word Of God made flesh. Do this poor woman a favor and leave her, don’t marry her. let her grow in her faith and Christian life with out the stress of a husband practicing a false religion.

 

[ebonykawai]

What is it about faith forums that draws out people who call other people names and pass judgements on them? Is that your Father’s business sir or madam? If not, then you should go and be about it then. Calling other people names and passing judgement on them is to diminish only oneself., and we should be careful not to display that sort of behavior. We are here to rationally discuss matters faith, not to draw lines between ourselves or to be derisive with one another.

My friend, this is why I had to take a ‘media fast’ from these forums. This, and a long stream of divisive chatter over at the Garlands of Grace shop on Facebook, has given me pause and made me seriously wonder why I thought I would find anything either loving or kind, anywhere online where faith is being discussed. It seems almost an impossibility to me now.

I find myself much happier when my computer is turned off.

 

[ebonykawai]

Please show me where in the Bible and the writings of the Church fathers and saints where it say’s all beliefs and faiths lead to God/Jesus. There is no similarities between hinduism and Christianity, one is a false religion that will lead to to hell, the other is the word Of God made flesh. Do this poor woman a favor and leave her, don’t marry her. let her grow in her faith and Christian life with out the stress of a husband practicing a false religion.

vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decl_19651028_nostra-aetate_en.html

You should tell the Pope that they are false religions. Maybe he will change his opinions.

 

[ebonykawai]

If you understand anything about Christianity, it is that it believes Christ to be “the way, the truth, and the life”. Not “a way”, but “the way”. What eastern religion teaches about Christianity is irrelevant when it comes to actual Christian practices.

Gee, the Vatican doesn’t believe that.

vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decl_19651028_nostra-aetate_en.html

 

[Corki]

I have said that I believe that all paths to God are acceptable to God and that the divisions people find are simply diversions. Therefore to receive a sacrament in a church that I have stated to be a valid path to God is not dishonest. In regards to being derisive, I was referring to your conclusion that I was dishonest. I believe that the intent of all religions is to bring people closer to God, therefore, I am not in conflict with the practice of any faith in particular. I accept them all. If you understood the religions of the east, you would understand that there are those of us who see Christianity fitting well into the broader scope of human experience with God, however, it is not the only experience of God. It is a fine one, but just a part of the whole. I show up where I will, worship where I will, and wherever that is, it is in the name of God. I am confident that God finds that to be good, I am also confident that God finds you to be good too.

Your friend,
Sufjon

Let’s back up a little bit.

First, in order to receive Sacraments in the Catholic Church, you must first be Baptized and become Catholic.

In order to become Catholic, you must make a profession of faith that the Church is the one. The profession is usually made in front of the congregation. How could you make that profession if you believe the Church to be one of many and not the one Church? You would either not be able to make such a profession or you would have to lie to do so.

If you tried to receive other Sacraments without first becoming Catholic, you would have to decieve someone in order to do so. You could present yourself for Communion, for example, and *pretend *to be Catholic or you could try to get Sacramentally married but would need forged documents. Those would involve various amounts of dishonest actions on your part.

Even if you got Baptized, as a Catholic you would not be free to “worship where you will” but will be bound to worship as a Catholic. You can visit other religion’s worship sites but you can’t worship there.

I did not say that you were dishonest. I said that your advice to the OP - to participate in the Sacramental life of the Church - could not be done unless one had a true conversion OR was dishonest.

And you ARE in conflict with the teaching of the Catholic Church if you think you can pariticpate in the Sacraments while still seeing the Chuch as just one of many ways you worship.

 

[Sufjon]

It certainly is dishonest if you have to hide certain things in order to do it.

I have been honest and open on this forum and anywhere I have been in regards to what I believe, although I have already said that about a dozen times.

f you are open and honest with the priests giving the sacrament about what you believe, then no, it would be they who are at odds with the faith.

In your opinion. In theirs, you would be wrong.

However if you hold one thing back, if you make any untruthful statement, if you hide any aspect of your beliefs to those who administer sacraments, knowing how Catholic’s see the sacraments, then that is indeed sacrilege (and this seems to be the advice you gave to the OP - if this is mistaken, please clarify it).

What is done out of genuine love for God and others is holy. I have also stated that there are many Catholics such as saints and mystics who have seen it the way I do. I simply told the OP that he would be at odds with people like you. That is the truth as I see it. He will not be at odds with some Popes and some saints. I can send you a few hundred more quotes from such people, however, you have not yet addressed the ones I sent already.

I would also say that the priest notwithstanding, to do something you know is against the normative teachings of the faith, is in the least disrespectful.

What I believe is what I believe. Normative does not make something correct, It was normative at one time to burn people at the stake if they didn’t believe this way or that, It was normative to launch murderous crusades against numerous creations of God because they believed something different. It was once normative to sell indulgences and relics. Normative is not always right. All religions have these normative issues, and Hinduism is no exception.

If you understand anything about Christianity, it is that it believes Christ to be “the way, the truth, and the life”. Not “a way”, but “the way”. What eastern religion teaches about Christianity is irrelevant when it comes to actual Christian practices

There is a deep intrinsic meaning to that passage that escapes most people even today. That’s a whole thread on it’s own. The fact that Jesus was able to quote Krishna verbatim by using that passage three thousand after Krishna and having never met Krishna means that Jesus too must have been God. Good stuff! It only illustrates that the Jesus experience was one of many such experiences. Do you have to believe that? No. But I do. And in fifty years time I will be in the majority.

Your friend
Sufjon

 

[Sufjon]

Let’s back up a little bit.

First, in order to receive Sacraments in the Catholic Church, you must first be Baptized and become Catholic.

In order to become Catholic, you must make a profession of faith that the Church is the one. The profession is usually made in front of the congregation. How could you make that profession if you believe the Church to be one of many and not the one Church? You would either not be able to make such a profession or you would have to lie to do so.

If you tried to receive other Sacraments without first becoming Catholic, you would have to decieve someone in order to do so. You could present yourself for Communion, for example, and *pretend *to be Catholic or you could try to get Sacramentally married but would need forged documents. Those would involve various amounts of dishonest actions on your part.

Even if you got Baptized, as a Catholic you would not be free to “worship where you will” but will be bound to worship as a Catholic. You can visit other religion’s worship sites but you can’t worship there.

I did not say that you were dishonest. I said that your advice to the OP - to participate in the Sacramental life of the Church - could not be done unless one had a true conversion OR was dishonest.

And you ARE in conflict with the teaching of the Catholic Church if you think you can pariticpate in the Sacraments while still seeing the Chuch as just one of many ways you worship.

While you have failed to grasp much of what I’ve said, you have artfully demonstrated the mindset that I warned the OP about. By the way, I will receive the Eucharist this weekend from one of five priests at my wife’s parish who know precisely what I am all about. Well, except for my cloven foot and my tail. I also wear a hat over my horns. Ooohh.

Your friend
Sufjon

 

[LaughingBoy1503]

What is done out of genuine love for God and others is holy. I have also stated that there are many Catholics such as saints and mystics who have seen it the way I do. I simply told the OP that he would be at odds with people like you. That is the truth as I see it. He will not be at odds with some Popes and some saints. I can send you a few hundred more quotes from such people, however, you have not yet addressed the ones I sent already.

I understand where you are comming from (I think). I obviously disagree or I would not be a christian. I believe you are receiving the Eucharist unworthily. If you dont think so, why dont you ask a apologist on this site?Tell him what you believe (what you just told us) and why you think It is ok for you to still receive the sacraments. I know that you belive what you believe and I respect your rights to believe whatever you want, but you are disrespecting our beliefs. We do not believe all religions lead to God. Ok, you do, fine. Why does your religious belief overide ours? Under religion by your name you say you are here to learn about Christianity. When did that shift to trying to teach us what Christians should believe? No disrespect at all intended in this post by the way. Just had to say somthing.

 

[Sufjon]

I understand where you are comming from (I think). I obviously disagree or I would not be a christian.

There are Christians who do agree with me, so are they not Christians?

I believe you are receiving the Eucharist unworthily.

I think you are most worthy. I think I am worthy too. Are you concerned about all the sins committed by people who go to the altar every week, or your own sins, or the horrendous crimes against nature committed by of some of the celebrants of the mass over the years, or is Sufjon special in some way, and in need of greater scrutiny than these I have just called to account? We are all God’s children. Get over it and be what God made you to be. Passing judgement in me is only passing judgement on yourself, and is not binding on me. I have no fears about such things. I am doing my best to do what I feel is right, and according to the words of St. Peter, that is acceptable to God. Trust me, I’ll be okay.

But let me assure you that it is a grave matter for anyone to tell another person that they are unworthy. You should think hard before you do that. Get your own house in order before you worry about mine.

If you dont think so, why dont you ask a apologist on this site?

I’m not looking for a dogma parrot. That has nothing to do with spirituality. Such people cling to rules, regulations, proclamations, bulls and the like as does a tax lawyer to a book of code. Kind of like the guys in the Temple who got on Jesus’ nerves, don’t you think?

We do not believe all religions lead to God. Ok, you do, fine.

I have provided numerous quotes in this very thread that show a Pope, a Cardinal and a few saints confirming what I have said, and refuting what you have said in regards to the veracity of all religions. Would you address those?

Why does your religious belief overide ours? Under religion by your name you say you are here to learn about Christianity. When did that shift to trying to teach us what Christians should believe? No disrespect at all intended in this post by the way. Just had to say somthing.

If I knew all there was to know about anything, then life as a human would be pointless. Therefore I am learning about Christianity like I am learning about anything else.

Your friend
Sufjon

 

[LaughingBoy1503]

There are Christians who do agree with me, so are they not Christians?

I think you are most worthy. I think I am worthy too. Are you concerned about all the sins committed by people who go to the altar every week, or your own sins, or the horrendous crimes against nature committed by of some of the celebrants of the mass over the years, or is Sufjon special in some way, and in need of greater scrutiny than these I have just called to account? We are all God’s children. Get over it and be what God made you to be. Passing judgement in me is only passing judgement on yourself, and is not binding on me. I have no fears about such things. I am doing my best to do what I feel is right, and according to the words of St. Peter, that is acceptable to God. Trust me, I’ll be okay.

But let me assure you that it is a grave matter for anyone to tell another person that they are unworthy. You should think hard before you do that. Get your own house in order before you worry about mine.

I’m not looking for a dogma parrot. That has nothing to do with spirituality. Such people cling to rules, regulations, proclamations, bulls and the like as does a tax lawyer to a book of code. Kind of like the guys in the Temple who got on Jesus’ nerves, don’t you think?

I have provided numerous quotes in this very thread that show a Pope, a Cardinal and a few saints confirming what I have said, and refuting what you have said in regards to the veracity of all religions. Would you address those?

If I knew all there was to know about anything, then life as a human would be pointless. Therefore I am learning about Christianity like I am learning about anything else.

Your friend
Sufjon

I would say any Christian who agrees that you are receiving the Eucharist worthily while you do not believe Christ is the only way to God is not a Christian. And not just you personally, but anyone.

Well it is nice you think I am worthy to Recieve my Gods body in the Eucharist, but that is not what Christs church teaches so I will not disrespect him and the Church by doing that. I am not even in The Catholic Church yet, but I will be next year (God willing). I notice you get really defensive here. Obviously you feel judged, sorry but I stand by what I say while I DO get my own house in order. It is a grave matter to tell anyone they are unworthy? Whos religion or what mix of religions are you quoting that from? Just curious. Maybe I choose not to believe what you believe so it does not effect me Maybe I am just doing what I believe is right, like you think you are.

I get it already, you will not listen to anyone who will just tell you what you do not want to hear. Even in regards to their own belief. You have it right and that is all there is to it. I just hoped you would atleast try to understand why Catholics would think what you are doing is being disrespectful to their religion and mine. Maybe you have already and just dont care though. Fine. Regardless I still love you as one of Gods children. Do you still feel Judged?

Just my opinion, I dont speak for anyone else on this. I will say no more than I think you are doing a lot mental gymnastics in order for you to say those quotes justify defying the Church to recieve her Sacraments. That is the nicest way I can express what my thoughts are on that matter.

I hear that. Good luck with that too. Sincerly
God bless.

 

[CopticChristian]

Hello all,

I’m a hindu man and I am engaged to a Catholic woman. We are currently planning our wedding and have run into many, many roadblocks. The main one is, having a church wedding.

Some background:
We are both scientists and when we begun dating I had asked her a very simple questions, “do you believe in Catholicism?” Her response was, “I’m not very catholic, I goto church sometimes to think, I don’t really know what to believe, I’m also not confirmed…” (almost a complete quote).

I took this as, well she believes in god and tenants of the christian faith but not all of what the church states as law, which is similar to me (I believe in god, but have a hard time believing in rituals (or dogma)). From my perspective, the tenants are very similar, it is the practice that differs.

We have been together for 3 years now, and got engaged last year… we have also been living together for 1.5 years. Prior to engagement, we had discussed infant baptism. I am against it, while she was for it. In the end, she said it would be okay to not baptize the children. It was after this that we decided to get married.

Originally she said she must get married in the church (in addition to a separate Hindu ceremony) to fulfill her marriage sacrament. I was okay with this, although my family was not. Needless to say, I had a lot of fights with my parents and siblings regarding the church ceremony to defend my fiance’s desire (need) to have a church ceremony.

After taking the preparation wedding classes, we were told the in church wedding was not a sacrament since I was not christian. From what the instructor had said (and what I later confirmed with her priest) was that the wedding was “good in the eyes of the church, but not a sacrament.” Due to this (and my family) I am having a hard time justifying a church wedding… which I know she REALLY wants.

As an aside on this topic, her and her family were not comfortable with most of the hindu ceremony. So we (my parents and I) modified the ceremony to the point that it was symbolic only…

It got to the point where so many traditions were modified that my parents stated (and I support) that we should have 1 non-denominational ceremony to finalize the marriage. There point was, we live together, don’t really follow either tradition, so why are we fighting over this.

Recently tragedy has struck her family (her mother had passed away). The burial ceremony was held on the day of our planned engagement party. Since then, my fiance has become more of a practising Catholic. She now wants to be confirmed… she has stated that no infant baptism will take place when we have kids.

I want to support her, but I have read many of the tenants (laws, rules, obligations) of the church. I know that it is a catholics duty to do what is in their power to raise their kids Catholic… With respect to kids, it is still not an issue, but I worry that it will be when we do have children, even though she doesn’t feel like any issue will arise.

I also feel, that if she does desire to practice her faith (fully), then I will be taking away from her by not baptizing our kids… and not fully supporting her (by going to church with her).

Any thoughts or advise? I’m truely at a loss…

BrownCanuck

This is confusing. You are Hindu. She is sort of Catholic> You took some classes and realize that it is not considered a sacramental marriage.

Infant Baptism was to be done and you opposed this when she was quasi-Catholic. She has become strong in her faith and opposes infant Baptism and you are for it.

You have decided to use a non-denominational ceremony or church.

So you are Hindu, your fiancee is Catholic and you want to use a Protestant service because of your confusion and want to baptize the babies that she now opposes as she is stronger in her faith. This is a tough one.

 

[kelcca]

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” 2 Corinthians 6:14

Who cares what a Pope say’s, the above is what the spirit of God say’s!

 

[CopticChristian]

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” 2 Corinthians 6:14

Who cares what a Pope say’s, the above is what the spirit of God say’s!

Help me understand the reason for interposing your disregard for the Pope and how it ties in with your understanding of a Bible passage?

 

[kelcca]

The Bible is above the Pope, why would I believe the pope and the CCC when it contradicts scripture. It is pretty simple, read the Bible verse I posted, believers should not be yoked to non believers, pretty hard to misinterpretation that. If your have friends, boy friend, wife who is a non believer they will eventually drag you away from Jesus.

 

[kelcca]

Who will the come first, Christ or your husband? And how will you explain—and help him understand—this?
Will your spouse’s indifference to God affect your own spiritual growth?
How will you explain to your spouse how God guides your decisions if he/she does not know Him?
What if you believe that God wants you to accomplish something together as a couple?
What if God leads you to stop practicing a particular habit? Will your mate understand?
Will she think you’re being unreasonable, especially since “everyone else is doing it”?
If you have children, will your mate agree to let you raise them to know Christ? Will he object when you want to take the kids to church and/or Christian functions?
Will your spouse’s unbelief hinder your children and grandchildren from trusting in Christ and, ultimately, affect their eternal destiny?
When you and your spouse have a disagreement, will your mate have the capacity to forgive?
Marriage based on a common faith is for our benefit, blessing and protection. God wants what is absolutely best for you. A couple who doesn’t share a Godly foundation will clash and experience conflict. There is no reason to believe that a non-Christian will change after marriage. The record shows that this rarely happens, and the Bible reminds us that God gives us no such assurance. Paul asks of mixed partners in 1 Corinthians 7:16, ” …how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will save your wife?” Remember, we are free to choose whom we marry, but we are also responsible for the possible lifelong consequences.

 

[Corki]

While you have failed to grasp much of what I’ve said, you have artfully demonstrated the mindset that I warned the OP about. By the way, I will receive the Eucharist this weekend from one of five priests at my wife’s parish who know precisely what I am all about. Well, except for my cloven foot and my tail. I also wear a hat over my horns. Ooohh.

Your friend
Sufjon

I grasped everything you said. And I wholeheartedly concur with your warning. What I don’t agree with is your recommendation to the OP that he participate in the Sacramental life of the Church in spite of the fact that he does not share in Her beliefs.

It really doesn’t matter in the scope of the OP’s situation that you have found a few priests who are willing to commit grave sin on your behalf. And it’s not a matter of opinon, it is objectively sinful for a priest to give Communion to a non-Christian.

Well, except for my cloven foot and my tail. I also wear a hat over my horns. Ooohh.

If you see yourself as some sort of demon, I sympathize. Just recall that no one here has called you evil, only disageed with your advice. However, mocking the Eucharist in this way is not likely to work in your favor.

 

[Sufjon]

My understanding of what the Eucharist is insofar as I am able to reason is precisely what Christ said it is. I simply see what He said as having an even deeper meaning. If that deeper meaning does not exist, then you are simply passing a body that the Lord inhabits through your digestive system, but my interpretation doesn’t deny you that either, because my interpretation declares that it is the Body of Christ. The problem is that if you are unable to fully experience the broader meaning, (not conceptualize, but experience it) then you are unable to extend it to it’s fullest fruition. Who then is mocking the Eucharist? The one who sees God in all things, or the one who thinks he is ingesting God for himself or his own salvation? Of course you can see that in my opinion that it is the latter who mocks the Eucharist and not the former, which means that it is you who mocks the Eucharist and then points to me saying that I mock the Eucharist. Very clever, that Satan that lives in the hearts of men. Until you can realize that God is in all things then you cannot love others or yourself properly, because it is in others and yourself that He is manifest. Therefore by failing to have this realization, you are not even loving God properly either. One then finds oneself clamoring for a wafer to save himself, when it is this very preservation of our sense of self that inhibits any chance of actually experiencing God. In such a condition one is not even approaching the precipice of fulfilling the one commandment that Jesus gave you. Therefore, I would I would very much like to have a well reasoned, non-emotional discussion on that with you at some point, but right now, I am just troubling your mind.

Your friend,
Sufjon

 

[Sufjon]

Hi (name removed by moderator): As I said, the disturbance in you is causing you to revert to jabs at me personally, which has nothing to do with the point. Call me what you will, perceive me however you will, but if you are going to have a discussion with me, then let’s stay on point. So, if I am an arrogant 17 year old pantheist, so be it, but let’s get to the business of discussion. Would you like to delve into some of the points I have outlined and cite scriptural support, or would you like to cool off first? All of this bantering is not helping anyone. Do you think ill feelings will bring us closer to one another or closer to God? This is why I ask that you calm down and get with me when you want to discuss the points in their particulars.

Your friend
Sufjon

 

[Sufjon]

On that we agree completely.

Your friend,
Sufjon