is it ok if i marry my girlfriend who is catholic, but im a christian??

Question

i knw the bible says to not marry any non-christian, but she is christian since she believes in Jesus Christ, right?, i dont like this diversity of religions and id rather have all the christians as one. My GF wants me to convert to catholic when we plan to get married, but idk if thats a good thing to do, i will always be loyal to God no matter wat religion im in, i disagree with many things in cathlocism, I NEED SOME ADVICE ON THIS........

Answer 1

Catholicism is just a denomination of Christianity.

In fact Catholicism was the original well organized Christian church dating back to the Roman Empire.

Also where does the bible say not to Marry non-Christians?

I'm admittedly not very religious but if I recall correctly, I thought the bible encouraged marrying non-Christians in an attempt to convert them.

Answer 2

First of all, don't convert just because someone told you too. This is the stupidest mistake you can make. You have to evaluate each set of believes on its own merit using the Bible (which does make up most of the Catholic Bible). Also, Catholisism is a branch of Christianity (Even though it's the harlot of the Bible; see source) so you are refering to yourself as a protestant. The queston therefore goes beyond basic beliefs such as light and darkness (Refers to the what does light have in common with darkness verse in the Bible) and to a question of dim and bright light. Since you have a better understanding of the truth, you will be an overpowering light, which will not be great for a relationship. Youir beliefs are what shape you and thus are more important than any aspect you look for in a mate. I would never merry someone who's beliefs were too far away from mine for comfort, so I suggest that you don't either. It will be even worse for your kids since daddy and mommy will tell them conflicting views of the world and debate things like baptism for example. Is this the kind of relationship you want when 1/3 of marriages end up in divorce? I don't think so. Don't be in a hurry to marry. Trust that God will send the right person into your life and don't take fate into your own hand, which I have a feeling your doing.
P.S. The Catholic Church may seem like it was founded by Jesus Christ but the true church is the one that follow His teachings as written in the Bible. Though small at times the true church can be seen as being started by the Apostles like Thomas in India (According to convention).

Answer 3

Catholics are christians. In fact, the Catholic Church is the original christian Church.
If this relationship is the one to which God is calling you, waiting a little bit won't hurt, as you take time to sort prayerfully through these issues.
Investigate the issues you have with the Catholic Church. Talk not only with your pastor, but with hers. Find some good Catholic apologetics materials (you might start at Catholic.com), and explore your issues from an orthodox Catholic perspective. I say this because it has been my experience that there is a great deal of dis- and mis-information out there about the Catholic faith.

(For example, one response you received mentioned that you would have to convert to marry her, which is definitely not true--her parish priest would request and receive a dispensation for you known as a "disparity of cult" dispensation).

Take your time and place your trust in God. Don't be afraid to explore your options about conversion, either. You may find that objections and questions are answered as you prayerfully explore the possibilities. Even if you don't don't convert, it is still a marriage between 2 christians.

Also, I wouldn't be too hard on her for desiring this. It is a natural longing to be able to worship together, and together to feast at the Lord's table.

God bless and lead you!

Answer 4

Perhaps I can help you out with a story of my own. A few generations back, it would have had to have been my great grandfather I suppose, my great grandfather had married a protestant, despite the fact that he was Catholic. Now, the priest on the farm where they lived had kept telling him to get her to convert, condemning their relationship. Ultimately, rather that her converting to catholism, my great grandfather instead got angry, threw the priest off the farm, and converted to protestantism, and that's why I'm not Irish Catholic!

I'm ... not sure how that story helps you, but the point is, your relationship together is a lot more important than the individual interpretations of how to worship god: as long as you both accept Christianity, it doesn't matter if she follows a hiearchy (which is really what a lot of catholicism is when you think about it) and you don't, it's the love you have between the two of you that's important. As you live your lives together, you'll inevitably have difficulties and disagreements about things, but that's normal: you'll resolve them with time. And in the end, maybe one of the two of you will convert, or maybe you'll both convert to something entirely different. But no matter what happens, as long as you keep your chin up and resolve to handle each issue individually, you should be able to get through things.

But then again, what the heck do I know, I'm agnostic.

Answer 5

Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? Or do you call yourself a Christian because you go to church? I would deal with that question first. If you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, you will want to marry someone who loves Jesus as much as you do. I have met many a Catholic, and predominately, they have a personal relationship with the church and not with Jesus Himself (not always true, but predominately that is what I find). I once asked a Catholic, "If the Pope said one thing, and the Bible said another, which would you believe?" Without hesitation, she said, "Oh, the Pope of course!" That, in a nutshell, is what is wrong with the Catholic church, it is founded on the sand of man, and not the Rock, which is the Word of God.

Work on your priorities with God first. A proper relationship is one where you both help each other grow closer to Christ, not compromise to keep the other comfortable and free from argument.

For those who say that Catholics ARE Christians, this may or may NOT be true. Do they hold to the Catholic doctrine? Many of these are absolutely unbiblical. Do they trust in Christ, Mary, the Pope or the Sacrements? All of them? Some of them? Or Christ alone?
http://schnebin.blogspot.com/2006/06/unbiblical-catholic-doctrine.html

Answer 6

Ok, so it actually says to marry "in the lord." Just because you are christian (which by the way just means that you believe in Jesus Christ as the savior) does not mean you have the truth. Marrying someone who is of a different religion than you is where the biggest threat to the marriage comes in ( not to mention displeasing God by either practicing false religion and/or marrying not "in the lord"). Being in a marriage where the partners are different religions can be very hard (i'm in one). So take my advice, don't marry someone who is not a religion you agree with. Focus on God and find truth and then maybe when have, it will be a good time to settle with someone who has the same views as you.

Answer 7

yes, Catholicism *IS* a form of Christianity. The earliest, actually.

*YOU* need to talk to your pastor and ask him what the differences are between your form of Christianity and hers. I could explain to you, but I think you should discuss it with someone from your own church.

The big issue is whether you and she can still live compatibly despite your differences in dogma. Do you want to convert to Catholicism? Are their morals, beliefs and practices something you agree with enough to follow? How will you raise the kids? Which church will you attend? Where are you getting married?

Of course, if you don't like "diversity" of religion, something tells me that this issue will be a deal breaker. There is a reason for denominations: everyone else has the idea that they are right and they are the one true path, so in the midst of your politicking, quibbling and squabbling, you just break off and form new churches. Happens all the time: read about the Protestant reformation and find out how YOUR church broke from the Catholic church.

Answer 8

Catholics are Christian... you both believe in Christ and his divinity.. There are simply different methods of teaching. The advice you need should not be coming from us anyway... Pray and ask God for advice. You should not have to become catholic to marry her though, if that's something you don't agree with.

My experience with Catholic church was less than enjoyable. I loathed church and as such walked away from God... I have recently started attending a non-denominational church, of which the majority of the congregation are prior catholics, lutherans, etc.. Since attending it was the first time ever than I actually enjoyed church and found myself looking forward to attending.. I have also accepted Christ into my heart and my life, and am finally on the right spiritual path. It definitely has nothing to do with being raised catholic, if anything that stunted my spiritual growth!

Answer 9

You do not have to convert to marry your fiance in the Catholic Church.

The Catholic Church allows marriage between Catholics and non-Catholics.

Because the Church recognizes the tremendous challenge that the couple will face may have to get permission from the bishop.

If you are interested in joining or just learning more about the Catholic Church, contact your local parish and ask about information about their RCIA Inquiry group.

You can go and ask any questions you want.

This is the first step in RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) but you can stop at any time.

There is no obligation to become a Catholic.

With love and prayers in Christ.

Answer 10

Don't convert to make her happy. She loves you now, right? So what the hell difference should it make if you're lutheran, protestant, born again, or any other non-catholic christian religions. As a christian you believe you're going to heaven right? You both believe in Jesus right? Do you really think ST. Peter is going to be standing at the pearly gates to cast you away because you're a non-catholic christian? No way. Keep on carrying on with you're beliefs, and if she truly loves you she'll respect that. If not, she's not the one for you!