He doesn't really go to church that often but I do. What should we do as far as the dominant religion in our household for us and our future family?
2007-02-21 06:33:43 · 29 answers · asked by alexbeauty333 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Pastor Billy says: since you are the Baptist I direct the answer to you and not your husband to be, learn about what Catholicism actually is. Look for books by a man named Steven Ray or David Currie both converts to Catholicism from the Baptist community.
David Currie wrote a book called Born Fundamentalist born again Catholic.
Another book you might try is Fundamentalism and Catholicism by Karl Keating.
You really need to educate yourself as to what the Catholic Church actually teaches not what others only think it to teach.
I strongly suggest you do this for the sake of your future relationship. The question is not about what you are comfortable with or what your husband is comfortable with or which one of you is more devout. The question is about seeking truth.
Finally in seeking truth we find ..............God and he wants us to be one. Remember the words of Jesus Christ, "Father that they be one as you and I are one, so the world will know"
The biggest scandal today is are the divisions of Christianity it is time for us to heal them.
Read those books if you find the courage.
2007-02-22 02:03:35 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Why are so many people answering saying like Catholics are not Christians? Catholics ARE Christians, but they are not PROTESTANTS. I agree that you two need to talk it out. I know that the Catholic Church is pretty serious about Catholics only marrying other Catholics, but I have friends who have a Catholic and a Presbyterian as parents. It can work fine; you both believe in the same God and the same Christ, so what is the problem? Although you won't be able to marry in a Catholic church without becoming Catholic, your family at home should not be a problem. Unless your fiance has a problem with you not being Catholic, you and your future family will be fine and should just give your children the opportunity to experience both Catholicism and Protestantism. If he is demanding that you convert, you probably shouldn't do it. You should be able to live together without going to the same building for worship on Sunday. Besides, you're in the same religion so your beliefs should overlap pretty well.
2007-02-21 14:52:36 · answer #2 · answered by K 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Why should you convert if you are more steadfast in your denomination than he is--and he doesn't even really attend church? You should only convert to Catholicism if you agree with their doctrines more so than Baptist.
How important are your beliefs to you? How important is it that he share your same beliefs? Are you sure that you want there to be a "dominant" religion in your household with your kids?
My advice would be to discuss this in-depth with your fiance--it's actually required if you don't want this to be a massive problem in your marriage. It sounds like you're avoiding confrontation on the issue with him--I can't blame you because it is so sensitive.
If you're very into church and he's not--don't you think that will become a problem when he's the father to your children? I don't mean to sound pessimistic, but think long and hard about whether this is the man you want to marry. He may down the road try to make you choose between him and your faith. Finally, DO NOT marry him until you two have worked this out. There's nothing wrong with the fact he's not into church--but if that is important to you in a spouse, search your heart for the right answer.
2007-02-21 14:50:19 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
You are both Christian. You should not convert unless you want to. If you do convert it would still be ok for you to also attend Baptist services. Your churches teachings are not radically different from ours even if our services are. I myself would baptize your children in the Catholic church to satisfy his side. It signifies that they will be raised as Christians and you surely intend to do that. Give them exposure to both churches and let them choose on their own when they are old enough. Confirmation , when they become full members of the church, is a personal choice even for people that are raised 100% Catholic. The only thing you really should not do without converting is receive Holy Communion in the Catholic church. He also should not receive it at the Baptist church unless he converts. For now, just realize you really are both Christians. That is a good start.
2007-02-21 14:46:49 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you go against your own personal convictions, you are making a bad choice. There are quite a few differences in belief between Catholic and Baptist. You must stay true to your own convictions. He doesn't sound convicted at all, so why would his "religion" be a factor?? This is a huge issue. If your beliefs conflict with those of your husband, you could be in for a rocky marriage. You may want to really consider if this is a good choice. Throw emotion out and consider the possibilities that there will be conflict over major decisions.
2007-02-21 14:58:47 · answer #5 · answered by BaseballGrrl 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Discuss how are you going to raise your children. Are you going to expose them to both denominations and then let them pick? Or is one of you willing to give up your religion and let the children be taught by the other parent? This are questions that need answering and a serious discussion. If you don't want to convert, then don't. There is no obligation to convert if you're marrying a Catholic person. Also, where are you going to get married? In your church or in his church? Talk about this with him.
2007-02-21 14:59:58 · answer #6 · answered by cynical 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In the end it has to be one that you both can agree upon. Converting for someone else is not a true conversion. Personally, I would never join a Church unless I was absolutely convinced that it was the right way to go. That is was the path the God desired for me. Choosing a church, a religion, has far reaching consequences, even beyond this life. Think about it carefully, pray earnestly about it, and I am sure that God will lead you in the direction you should go if only you open your heart to Him.
2007-02-21 14:39:33 · answer #7 · answered by rbarc 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Why should either of you convert? You can co-exist peacefully if you love each other. As for the dominant religion, expose your children to both and let them choose or wait until they are old enough to decide themselves. Peace.
EDIT: I cannot I believe there are people who would suggest that these people end their relationship or are "unequally yoked" because of religion! They are "equally yoked" in love and that is what really matters. I am Buddhist, my husband was raised Baptist and we have lived and loved together for over 10 happy years!
2007-02-21 14:37:35 · answer #8 · answered by alessa_sunderland 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Catholics who marry in the church must vow to raise Catholic children. You literally sign a document. Much of Catholicism comes from Apostolic tradition, as opposed to the Scripture, which forms the basis of Baptist and other Protestant faiths. I was a Catholic for over 50 years before this difference became a problem for me, and I became a Methodist. But in my opinion, this is the decision you are making now. My siblings and children are still Catholics, and in spite of the immoralities that have been exposed of late, I think the Church is a good thing. So do what you want, but know why you want it.
2007-02-21 15:06:13 · answer #9 · answered by The man in the back 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
If he's Catholic by name only (i.e. observes certain traditions only) and his beliefs aren't that strong, you two still need to agree on how to raise the kids. I, for one, go to church once in a while and I would never allow anyone to teach my kids the fear of an imaginary hell, or to shut down their brain when it comes to discussing dogma or the content of a book.
Wow Terrence, way to make friends... A Baptist about to marry a Catholic is not a Christian???!?
2007-02-21 14:39:04 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋