Which Marriage is Easier: Catholic-Secular or Catholic-Protestant, and Why

[FairyMagdelaine]

I have the Catholic-Secular kind. I think it’s easier I don’t have to get into the nitty-gritty with him, instead we just talk about faith, morals, and spirituality.

Your thoughts?

 

[ridesawhitehors]

I think I have to agree with you Mag…
I am in the same situation ~ husband is secular, but is open to ideas, comes to mass sometimes, and is respectful and supportive of me being a catholic and all the things that go with that in a marraige. THAT is a biggy. Not sure I would get that in any other mixed marraige.

 

[pittsburghjeff]

I was just wondering…How do people in mixed marriages deal with the issue of contraception?

That is not a religious difference you can just “ignore” if you understand what I mean…

 

[Redeemed]

The question was how do people in mixed marriages get around the issue of contraception.

Well, I am married to a very strong Protestant and contraception was forced upon me. Whenever I tried to explain why it was hurting me and our marriage, the ridicule started.

He said that not using birth control was as dangerous as not wearing a seat belt. Hmmm…one gives life and the other death.

Yes, we had 5 pregnancies. But for all the in between times…

If my parents had taught the Catholic faith to me, maybe I wouldn’t have been so foolish in my choices.

 

[FairyMagdelaine]

My husband agrees that the Pill is dangerous and unnatural and doesn’t want me on it. He is VERY concerned over the overpopulation of the world and thinks the Church’s teaching against condoms is utterly irresponsible. “It’s like wearing a hat,” he says about condoms. I’m fortunate that he respects me and we rely on NFP.

We’re together 3.5 years and no pregnancies.

 

[ktm]

FairyMagdelaine:

My husband agrees that the Pill is dangerous and unnatural and doesn’t want me on it. He is VERY concerned over the overpopulation of the world and thinks the Church’s teaching against condoms is utterly irresponsible. “It’s like wearing a hat,” he says. I’m fortunate that he respects me and we rely on NFP.

We’re together 3.5 years and no pregnancies.

Overpopulation? Really, how interesting. There is plenty of food to go around the world many times over. The problem is not too many people or a lack of resources, but rather a lack of freedom. Have you noticed that the countries with starving people are almost always run by dictators? The notion that the world is overpopulated is a ridiculous myth. Our Lord said, “Go forth and multiply” not “Go forth and contracept”.

Incidentally, one must be careful with NFP. NFP is not merely “Catholic birth control”. It must be used with the proper mindset and for a serious reason: bad financial situation, mother’s poor health, etc. Using NFP not to have children for selfish reasons is just as serious a sin as using birth control pills. Fr. Serpa has addressed this issue in the Ask an Apologist forum.

 

[FairyMagdelaine]

ktm:

Incidentally, one must be careful with NFP. NFP is not merely “Catholic birth control”. It must be used with the proper mindset and for a serious reason: bad financial situation, mother’s poor health, etc. Using NFP not to have children for selfish reasons is just as serious a sin as using birth control pills. Fr. Serpa has addressed this issue in the Ask an Apologist forum.

Whether or not I’m mortally sinning I’ll have to deal with between me, God, and my husband. In the meantime, please tell me that Catholics are not judging other Catholics over the size of their family.

Incidentally, it’s nunya.

 

[dream_wanderer]

I have a Protestant evangelical husband and we are fine. He respects me and what I believe in. He has come to mass with me. I’ve explained Cathlic teachings to him and he listens.

I’m a adult convert btw…just confirmed this past Easter.

Birth Control is not an issue with us as I was made sterile as a result of chemotherapy.

dream wanderer

 

[MelaneeT]

ktm:

Incidentally, one must be careful with NFP. NFP is not merely “Catholic birth control”. It must be used with the proper mindset and for a serious reason: bad financial situation, mother’s poor health, etc. Using NFP not to have children for selfish reasons is just as serious a sin as using birth control pills. Fr. Serpa has addressed this issue in the Ask an Apologist forum.

I would certainly think that her spouse’s opposition to conceiving at this time would be a “serious reason” at least for the moment. This is definitely one of those issues that is unique to couples in mixed marriages. A secular or even a Protestant spouse often has little understanding of what it means to be open to life.

You’re right about the importance of having a proper understanding of NFP and how it can be abused, but I think the poster you’re responding to is clearly aware of the teaching and is abiding by it.

 

[ktm]

FairyMagdelaine:

Whether or not I’m mortally sinning I’ll have to deal with between me, God, and my husband. In the meantime, please tell me that Catholics are not judging other Catholics over the size of their family.

Incidentally, it’s nunya.

If it’s none of my business, why are you posting the sordid details of your sex life on a public forum where anyone can read it?

If you don’t want anyone to respond to your behavior, then don’t talk about it.

 

[ktm]

MelaneeT:

I would certainly think that her spouse’s opposition to conceiving at this time would be a “serious reason” at least for the moment. This is definitely one of those issues that is unique to couples in mixed marriages. A secular or even a Protestant spouse often has little understanding of what it means to be open to life.

“I don’t want kids” is not a serious reason, it’s a selfish reason, and grounds for annulment for that matter. Call a spade a spade, at least. This is not to say I don’t sympathize with her situation, I do.