Should A Christian Marry a Muslim
64Religious Views On Marriage
This article is more of a debate on this platform.
One of the strongest forces that is shaping today’s world is religion. Religion is such a powerful tool, as it finds vital role in relationship, politics, inter and intra national relationships and agreement.
Christianity and Islam stands as the most diverse, popular and highly embraced religion the world over. The 21st century however, coupled with technological and social advancement is stirring a revolution on these trend.
The question is: Should a Christian marry a Muslim?
From a personal school of thought, I’d quite want to say that the decision on the above for any individual should be on the quality basis of CHOICE. But from a fundamental perspective of the following, I would want us to dialogue and debate on this crucial revolutionary tool
1) Cultural Inclination
2) Historical Facts
3) Faith And Beliefs
Faith and Beliefs
The Christians are of the firm belief that its only a Christian fellow that should marry a Christian fellow. Their other counterpart, the Muslims, according to the Quran made emphasis on only a Muslim marrying a Muslim. But take a look at this, so many Christians married each other and they divorced. Also, most Muslims marry each other and they later divorced. Or what have you to say, in the case of Christian and Muslims, in which their partner engages in extra marital affairs.
Cultural Inclinations
This is most pronounced in Africa. The African continent cherishes its culture so much. No matter the civilization, they still adhere to quality standard of integrity on this niche. From this, only a Muslim could marry fellow Muslim, the same thing applies for a Christian
Historical Facts
From the African perspective, history reveals that the past still directs the affairs of the moment. In essence, Africans stick to people of the same faith.
Now, with all this disparity, what has it done to the global World? Is it working?
A time is coming and is fast approaching when the walls of religion, cultural inclination and historical facts will be pulled down and totally annihilated.
A “flat world” of love encrypted in patience, trust, loyalty, care and “infinite bond” will henceforth be “de factor” of marriage.
Cultural inclinations, torrents of historical mirage and cloned deception of “beliefs” will be no more.
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Comments
kazeemjames01 -
This is a very good question. I'm inclined to say "no". This is why:
Around 1820, the same question could have been asked (and maybe it was) regarding "should a Seneca female (Native American tribe of the Iroquois--The Five Nation) marry a white Parisian-born Frenchman?" But whether or not the question was asked (or should be asked) didn't matter for one such couple, who were to become (one of) my great-great grandparents.
One aspect of life they shared in common was Catholicism. Both of them had been Catholic before they met. In fact, the Seneca's family converted to Catholicism in the 1600s.
Sharing the same faith is one of the cornerstones of a strong marriage. Being united in beliefs that, of course, carry customs, helps families to stay together (or at least, keep in touch). Shared customs create memories for a lifetime and such memories are psychologically good to one degree or another. Shared memories in customs, or social events, satisfy our common human need for one another and therefore, add to our human growth and awareness.
Contrary to this, because of belief and cultural differences, mixed-faith marriages are difficult to hold together. They are less united to one degree or another. I'm not saying "impossible to hold together"; I merely saying "more difficult". Even between Christians of different "persuasions", it's more difficult.
As far as same-faith marriages go: the divorce rate isn't any higher for that group than it is for mixed-faith group. Therefore, it's not a question of "which group" but instead, it's a question of the level of psychological dysfunction within any given "general society", or "nation".
The USA has a great deal of such dysfunction. Most, if not all, of this dysfunction is rooted in and promoted by SECULARISM, for example, "Hollywood" and many secular Cable TV programs.
Therefore, faith isn't at fault but wrong (human) behavior IS when a human chooses the "religion" of secularism over faith. Nevertheless, faith will continue; in fact, it will always be because it is infused into the awareness of the overwhelming majority of humans.
Good hub, by the way!
If the Muslim is a "true" Muslim, i.e., sticks to the Quran, then that Muslim sees all who do not 'convert", as "infidels, who are subject to being killed, or taxed. Sharia law needs to be considered, since if there will be offspring, the children will have to be Muslims, and, if they decide to adopt modern ways, then they can be subject to an "honor killing."
"Real nice 'religion'": kill and tax those who aren't of that "religion". God doesn't approved, for sure.
I'm neither Christian nor Muslim but do know of several interfaith marriages that have been holding strong for some years as of this writing. One of them does include a Muslim husband who clearly has no intention of killing his beloved wife for failing to convert.
You state that, "...the walls of religion, cultural inclination, and historical facts will be pulled down and totally annihilated...." That seems more than puzzling. Let me know when that has actually happened, just in case I miss it.
No, because I am female, I like beer, I don't like bowing 5x a day (no matter how gracious that looks); I want to continue living in the 21st century; I am not steep in to any kind of fanaticism; and I would not wish to have daughters who will have to cover their faces or not wear a bikini. Oh and I am extremely hedonistic. That woudl personally be a problem in my case..
Two individual souls should not marry for anything less than true love. Bringing different faith's together is surely the right step towards a religous peace in all societies.
First I would like to say a lot of people do not have open minds and it is not the religion you marry it is the person. I am a Christian but I am one of the lucky one who wore raised with the golden rule, witch I feel most have forgotten on both sides. The one thing you have to remember is you have to learn about and respect each others beliefs, and if you do that everything will work out, I know this because I am married to a Muslim, You see here in the states we only hear about the radical Muslims, These are the ones who are the cause of so much trouble.
I am married to Muslim man and we have a great marriage we learn form each other and understand each other, He is not a radical, he dose not insist that I dress a certain way, or pray 5 times a day. To tell you the truth I have even read parts of the Quran and it is not much different then the Bible, as with any Holy book you can make it say what every you want it to, it is all in how your own mind works, how you see the world. Muslims do not believe in killing any more then Christian do, it condemns killings just like the Bible they do believe in the Ten Commandments. I can see just as many Christians that take what the Bible says to make it work for them. Think about the KKK and other such groups that preach heat even hear I see people who say they are Christian but still judge others and preach heat.
I am sorry I get carried away I see and hear so much about this on the news and every where but not from people who know any one who is a Muslim and have really talked with anyone who is.
Let me preface my comment with the following statement: Religion's role, in my view, is to divide and conquer. Love's, on the other hand, is to unite and prosper.
If two souls (woman and man) are madly in love, multilevel compatibility explored and reached, the path to amorous blissfulness should not be encumbered with religious heterogeneity. To the contrary, religious differences should be welcomed and cherished, for religious diversity would be the spice of an otherwise monotonous love life.In which case, religion should be viewed in the context of cultural curiosity.
Spirituality, on the other hand, would be more than happy to fill the void and bridge the gap left by religious vacuousness.
Engaging in intrafaith relationship is not an insurance policy against friction, disagreement and dissension. Conversely, interfaith relationship and harmony, compatibility and congruity are not mutually exclusive.
At the end of the day, sperms and eggs are agnostic. They just want to fall in love, have fun, live happily ever before and after, and procreate for the glory of God/Allah, regardless of religious faith, orientation or affiliation.
Long live love!
Hello Kazeem:
I will respond honestly with no disrespect intended.
If you are a well educated man. A man who considers himself to be given to study, reflection and speculation, why would you consider the "title" of your "hub" to be of value? Why would you ask such a question? It exudes an aura of primitive thought and ignorance!
We are human animals. Regardless of our training, our skin color, our looks, etc., our DNA originated from the same pair of Homo/sapiens!
Why should imagined supernatural divinities be involved in determining the result of a powerful natural attraction for one another? That is inane!
When people of varying cultures, colors, thought and experiential differences come together with "love" as a basis, it would be contrary to the fundamental laws of nature for them to remain seperated because of an evolved anomaly which makes the human animal unique amongst all extant life:..."consciousness."
Our chromosomes carry the DNA that has incorporated within it, close to 4 million years of evolutionary experiences..too complex to imagine. Blending the DNA of people from all facets of life and living on this planet can only result in a more dynamic and viable human being!
Monotheism is a fad created by an infant, conscious creature which still suffers the pain, agony, fear and superstition that any child feels as it meanders toward maturity.
Christianity, islam, judaism can be compared to the flu which can be eradicated and controlled if properly medicated.
Currently, "they" fragment humanity to the point of jeopardizing it! "They" too can be eradicated and replaced by the use of universal education, logic, reason and progressive action.
Jews, muslims and christians should not marry each other because they wallow pointlessly in beliefs which can only provide hope. They are much to "primitive" in mind to be able to seperate truth from fiction and their ingrained culture and traditions would drive them apart. They might even kill each other.
Monotheism is and has been the bane of human progress...
I detest the concept.
Hahaha...after reading this you may not remain my "fan." I hope you do...:-)
Qwark
Hi Kazeem--First of all, thanks for being a fan.
Interesting question. I've actually discussed this with a few people. Two people ALMOST made it as a couple, but were blocked by one thing: she's a very devout Christian and he's an agnostic who cannot "just believe." That one thing made them incompatible.
Personally, I consider myself to be highly SPIRITUAL (vs. "religious"). As such, I believe that all faiths have some validity if they all bring us closer to "Creator" (any and all incarnations of "God" believed in by multiple faiths/cultures worldwide since humanity came into existence).
My boyfriend is also agnostic, so he's fine with what I do/believe because I do not believe in proselytizing, nor do I think that there is only "one way" to "salvation."
The biggest problem with an interfaith marriage, IMO, is how to raise the kids. We plan to raise them with a strong set of morals and ethics (independent of religion or spirituality) and teach them (in an "academic" sense at first) about different faiths. Hopefully, they will come to choose for themselves later when they are old enough to make a truly informed decision.
And, if they all become "born-again" Christians, as long as they are good people who create happy lives for themselves, I will be one very proud parent. :-)
I hope that you are right about the divisions of religion "coming down" someday. People who love each other in every way should not be blocked by different views of a "Supreme Being" (who may or may not actually exist....).
Good Hub!
Hello Kazeem:
Do you respond to responses to your "hubs?"
If you don't pls let us know and I, for one, will not respond. TY.
Qwark
I believe Christianity has been watered down so much that many forget the true salvation message all too simply. In being Christian, your duty is not to live a good and happy life but rather, to bring others to Christ for eternal salvation, for that is the life that really matters. If a Christian marries someone not of the same faith, they will have a difficult time leading their own children to the faith, nevertheless anyone. In other words, they are saying that all faiths and all messages are the same. And, as you have written Kazeem, this will become a 'flat world' of love. But that was not the purpose of Christianity.
You are right, there are so many Christian marriages that end in divorce but that is a symptom of trying to make a happy life rather than both party's being committed to their faith, yoked to a common purpose in Christ. Marriage is taken too lightly, the commitment and responsibility are not truly examined. If we, as Christians, cannot be patient, longsuffering and merciful in our marriages, what does that say about our relationship with Christ? Are we only with Him when times are good, when things are prosperous, when there is no pain or injury? Or are we ready to go the distance, for better or worst, in sickness and health, as long as we live?
@qwark........I do respond to comments on my hubs. I appreciate every comments and responses. This hub is created to serve as a platform for discussion. I want to read about people's opinion on the subject matter. The answer herein goes a long way to shape people's belief, culture and principles governing life and one's choices
@A M Werner...........I quite belief your opinion here. We should uphold the virtues and principles of Christianity. We should not allow the 21st century societal virus to wash away our belief, value and worth.
Marriage requires a uniformity of purpose and a willingness to compromise for the benefit of the union. I believe that inter-faith marriages are doomed UNLESS both parties agree that that their individual religious beliefs are not as important as their relationship OR one party is willing to subordinate their belief system in favor of the other’s.
Q.
It is very hard to respond to statement or questions in a balanced way when they contain the word should. The world dows not run on should... it runs on is and does.
@Quilligrapher......................I subscribe to your opinion here.
@ rosewater....................nice comment
kazeem:
We also think of "hubs" as being ones thoughts on varying subjects.
When we respond, we respond with the idea in mind that the "hubber" appreciates, detests or "couldn't-care-less" about our response and either accepts of rejects it.
When I read a "hub" and take time to respond in depth, I can't speak for all, but just as a matter coutesy, I think the "hubber" should recognize the responder and offer a retort.
After all in your own words, you say: "This hub is created to serve as a platform for discussion."
Some of us would like discussion, pro and con.
Qwark
@qwark.............................................all your comments are well appreciated. I belief that the subject matter will have a positive impact to the readers, hence this platform for discussion.
this is really good and true. I think people should just go with there heart because your right if it ends in divorce then its not working, it shouldnt matter the religion if someone is happy and they can make it work then do it. However everyone is different they should go with what makes them happy in life, we only live once : ). x
Everybody's opinion and comments are well appreciated. This is a great place to dialogue on the subject matter
anglnwu says:
5 weeks ago
The question can best be answered by the parties concerned. If their opposing views are going to affect their relationship, then it's set up for failure.
Thanks for sharing.