Marriage To Unbelievers

[Fragile]

I understand how the Church would allow a Catholic to marry Christians from other faith traditions, but I don’t understand how it can allow for them to marry pagans, atheists, agnostics, Muslims, JW’s, Mormons…?

 

[ProdglArchitect]

The Church would generally say that it’s a bad idea to marry a non-Catholic period, regardless of which particular flavor of non-Catholicism the other spouse represents.

That being said, so long as the couple agrees to raise the child in the Catholic Church they can usually get a dispensation. As to why the church allows those dispensations, it comes back to free will. So long as the marriage is of valid substance (man and woman physically able to consummate the union), she usually leaves it to the individuals to decide if the marriage is right for them.

My wife is not a catholic, but she has agreed that the children will be, and has even begun considering RCIA.

 

[Fragile]

Yea, I get the idea that it’s a bad idea period, but a really bad idea to marry one who does not even share faith in Christ.

 

[HoldingGodsHand]

When two non practicing Catholics marry and then one decides to “come home” down the road, alone, it is extremely hard even if the other spouse is Catholic. As being the one who reverted, it is so hard to do this alone. The kids received their sacraments (youngest one isn’t finished) but they didn’t grow up in a home where the faith was lived. Trying to do it now and to learn the faith alone, it’s really hard when you have no real support.

 

[Prayer_Warrior]

When two non practicing Catholics marry and then one decides to “come home” down the road, alone, it is extremely hard even if the other spouse is Catholic. As being the one who reverted, it is so hard to do this alone. The kids received their sacraments (youngest one isn’t finished) but they didn’t grow up in a home where the faith was lived. Trying to do it now and to learn the faith alone, it’s really hard when you have no real support.

You are not alone, I have almost the exact same situation. Being active on these boards have helped me to know my faith better. I also joined a Bible study at Church and do a lot of spiritual reading. It is difficult being unevenly yoked. I feel terrible that I came to my conversion after my kids most formative years, but I am comforted that the Scriptures say “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you and your household will be saved.” Acts 16:31 I don’t know how the Lord will fulfill that promise but I’m holding Him to it.

My post-marital conversion really made my husband angry and instead of just “no support” I have a real opposition. He “allows” me to go to Church and a Bible study once a week. That’s at least something that gets me into the community. But I long for holy living with the whole family. However, it comforts me that the Lord might be using me to bring my husband home to the Church. I may win him by my conduct. "Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives’ 1 Pet 3:21 But it is a battle, that’s for sure.

 

[Fragile]

Thought I had scripture that outright forbade it, but it appears there is none, must be an evangelical…tradition!

 

[maryjk]

I am so sorry that “Coming Home” was hard for you, Prayer_Warrior and HoldingGodsHand.

I was blessed to have a spouse that fully supports my journey.