Marriage between two faiths

[emom]

There is so many references in the Old Testament not to marriage women not of the same faith, because the women will lead the men to worship false gods. The Lord has become so angry at this. Has this position changed since the Old Testament? Where in the New Testament can we marry other people of different faith or no faith?

This is a personal question because I did marry a man that does not believe in the Catholic faith and I am always questioning myselft that I went against Gods commands.

Also, it is my perception that this is ok with the Catholic Church. But doesn’t this put division in the family and the Church? Also, then why does the Church seem to want to incorporate pagan traditions and with the Church. I know they wanted to do this to spread Christianity. But it seems to go against the Old Testament where this is more like tainting the worship of God and that he is displeased with this? Can anyone offer me some scripture verses to support this?

 

[thistle]

emom:

There is so many references in the Old Testament not to marriage women not of the same faith, because the women will lead the men to worship false gods. The Lord has become so angry at this. Has this position changed since the Old Testament? Where in the New Testament can we marry other people of different faith or no faith?

This is a personal question because I did marry a man that does not believe in the Catholic faith and I am always questioning myselft that I went against Gods commands.

Also, it is my perception that this is ok with the Catholic Church. But doesn’t this put division in the family and the Church? Also, then why does the Church seem to want to incorporate pagan traditions and with the Church. I know they wanted to do this to spread Christianity. But it seems to go against the Old Testament where this is more like tainting the worship of God and that he is displeased with this? Can anyone offer me some scripture verses to support this?

My understanding is that you can marry a man of a different faith or no faith if you get a special dispensation from the Bishop and you and your husband agree that any children will be brought up in the Catholic Faith.

 

[puzzleannie]

marrying a person who is not Christian is different from marrying a baptized person of another denomination. both will create difficulties in the marriage, but the first is much worse because it starts the marriage off on a basis where Christian values are denied completely.

Marrying a pagan would be worse than marrying a Jew or Muslim, who at least believe in God and in the concept of obeying God’s laws. The trouble is their interpretation of God’s revelation of his law is so opposed to Christianity that it would seem nearly impossible to live and raise a family in such a way that full practice of the religion of either party could be possible. Orthodox Jews and Muslims forbid marriage outside their faiths and would not even consider it if the Christian party did not convert. This would be placing both parties in an impossible position.

 

[davethecatholic]

Interesting quote from St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 7:

14 “For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the believing wife; and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the believing husband: otherwise your children should be unclean; but now they are holy”.

Also, from The Catechism:

1633 In many countries the situation of a mixed marriage (marriage between a Catholic and a baptized non-Catholic) often arises. It requires particular attention on the part of couples and their pastors. A case of marriage with disparity of cult (between a Catholic and a nonbaptized person) requires even greater circumspection.

1634 Difference of confession between the spouses does not constitute an insurmountable obstacle for marriage, when they succeed in placing in common what they have received from their respective communities, and learn from each other the way in which each lives in fidelity to Christ. But the difficulties of mixed marriages must not be underestimated. They arise from the fact that the separation of Christians has not yet been overcome. The spouses risk experiencing the tragedy of Christian disunity even in the heart of their own home. Disparity of cult can further aggravate these difficulties. Differences about faith and the very notion of marriage, but also different religious mentalities, can become sources of tension in marriage, especially as regards the education of children. The temptation to religious indifference can then arise.

1635 According to the law in force in the Latin Church, a mixed marriage needs for liceity the express permission of ecclesiastical authority. 137 In case of disparity of cult an express dispensation from this impediment is required for the validity of the marriage. 138 This permission or dispensation presupposes that both parties know and do not exclude the essential ends and properties of marriage; and furthermore that the Catholic party confirms the obligations, which have been made known to the non-Catholic party, of preserving his or her own faith and ensuring the baptism and education of the children in the Catholic Church. 139

1636 Through ecumenical dialogue Christian communities in many regions have been able to put into effect a common pastoral practice for mixed marriages. Its task is to help such couples live out their particular situation in the light of faith, overcome the tensions between the couple’s obligations to each other and towards their ecclesial communities, and encourage the flowering of what is common to them in faith and respect for what separates them.

1637 In marriages with disparity of cult the Catholic spouse has a particular task: “For the unbelieving husband is consecrated through his wife, and the unbelieving wife is consecrated through her husband.” 140 It is a great joy for the Christian spouse and for the Church if this “consecration” should lead to the free conversion of the other spouse to the Christian faith. 141 Sincere married love, the humble and patient practice of the family virtues, and perseverance in prayer can prepare the non-believing spouse to accept the grace of conversion.

I hope this is helpful.