why must jehovahs wtinesse marry thier own and not of another religion?

Answer 1

The JW answers given here contain a lot of sense. Undoubtedly there's a far higher chance of marital harmony if both spouses share the same beliefs and hopes. They sincerely try to carry out the Bible's instructions to "marry only in the Lord". However, I know one couple who were both brought up as JWs, married, convinced they were marrying only in the Lord, then years down the line one of them left the religion. Fortunately the other one wasn't too happy with the JWs and sort of slid out the back door over a period of time. I say 'fortunately' because if one spouse had remained a zealous JW, that marriage would have gone onto the rocks. There is dreadful pressure brought on a JW partner who can be told the one who leaves (or objects to the JW faith) is a spiritual threat to them. The spouse who left the JWs joined a Christian church, which JWs consider to be part of "Babylon the Great" (i.e. satanic). The spouse who slid out the back door gave up on religion altogether but still believed in, and respected God and the Bible. The other spouse then discovered what it was to be unevenly yolked because of the other's lack of interest in practicing faith. Ironically, the backslider was as happy as the day was long - being free of religion - whilst the believer found this new lack of interest in spiritual matters very trying. But there we are... it just goes to show that peoples' beliefs can change over the years, so there's no guarantee that spiritual agreement will not evaporate.

Answer 2

The Bible has always discouraged God's people from marrying someone outside of the congregation. (Deut. 7:2-4; Ex. 34:14-16) In the case of King Solomon, his failure to stick to this principle resulted in him practicing false worship and displeasing Jehovah. (1Ki 11:1-13) It's especially important that we stick to Jehovah's principles on this issue because it involves loyalty to God. (1 Cor 7:39; 2 Cor 6:14)

In addition, it'll make married life easier. Think this way: it's hard enough just to get along with one's siblings, people who have been raised like you were and grew up in the same neighborhood and culture that you have. Imagine how much more difficult it'll be to get along with someone who didn't grow up with you, someone who has had different life experiences and has a different personality and temperament that you do. Imagine it being even more difficult if you two can't agree on a matter as important as faith.

Some have married outside of our faith and although a few unbelieving marriage mates do become Jehovah's Witnesses, a lot of times the union proves to be disastrous. I know of someone who married a non-believer and ever since there has been trouble in the household.

I personally would rather be unmarried for the rest of my life than to take lightly the command to marry "only in the lord".

Answer 3

Well we try to follow the Bible principle commonly known as "Marry only in the Lord". There are some Witnesses who choose to marry those not of the same beliefs, and at times, it does work out ok.

The way I see it, marraige is HARD, even when the couples see eye to eye on most things. Even if the couple were exactly the same, and felt the same on everything, there would still be strains.

Being Christian is VERY important to us. It seems hardly fair on either person, to be bonded to someone who views are diometricly opposed.

As I said before, some couples make it work, others don't. It really varies from couple to couple.

Melissa's answer is really sad. I am sooo sorry somehow she was given this impression as it is not true. It is true we mostly use our houses of worship for just that, worship, does not mean we don't socalise. Honestly, I have never seen a statistic stating whether or not most who become Witnesses are already married, but based on what I have seen, I doubt it. At times it can be hard to find a mate within the congregation a person attends. But this is one of the beautiful things about being united in our worship. I can go to another city/state/country/continent and find people with the same beliefs. Sometimes, it takes some extra searching to find that special someone, just as it does even when not looking for someone of the same religion.

Answer 4

In response to Melissa, let me just say, as someone who has been one of Jehovah's Witnesses for over 15 years and who has moved around a lot in California, Michigan and now Ontario, Canada, and been associated intimately with 10 different congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses along with knowing people in probably 30 different congregations, we have social gatherings and outings together frequently. There may not be "official church" singles groups or what have you. But we're all friends and we put together social things regularly. So don't worry. Those who become Jehovah's Witnesses while they're single have ample opportunity to meet other single Witnesses and, if they so desire, to marry them. I just want to make sure there's no misunderstanding there. :)

Answer 5

Jehovah's Witnesses note that the Scriptures clearly instruct a true worshipper to marry only another true worshipper.

(Exodus 23:32) You are not to conclude a [marriage or other] covenant with them or their gods.

(Deuteronomy 7:3) And you must form no marriage alliance with [unbelievers]. Your daughter you must not give to his son, and his daughter you must not take for your son.

(1 Corinthians 7:39) She is free to be married to whom she wants, only in the Lord.

(Nehemiah 13:25) You should not give your daughters to [the unbeliever's] sons, and you should not accept any of their daughters for your sons or yourselves.

(2 Corinthians 6:14) Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers.


The Scriptures also warn against elevating human desires above godly teachings.

(2 Thessalonians 2:1-3) We request of you not to be quickly shaken from your reason... Let no one seduce you in any manner

(Romans 16:17-18) Keep your eye on those who cause ... stumbling contrary to the teaching that you have learned, and avoid them. ...by smooth talk and complimentary speech they seduce the hearts of guileless ones.

(2 Timothy 4:3-5) For there will be a period of time when they will not put up with the healthful teaching, but, in accord with their own desires, they will accumulate teachers for themselves to have their ears tickled... You, though, keep your senses in all things, suffer evil, do the work of an evangelizer, fully accomplish your ministry.

Learn more:
http://watchtower.org/e/19990215/article_01.htm

Answer 6

Solomon was urged not to marry foreign women who did not worship the One True God Jehovah and they swayed him to false worship of idols.

Jehovah's Witnesses are doing what it says in the bible to marry only in the lord. Only of your own religion . It matters because there will be disputes as to how to raise the children. And a husband and wife should be one flesh. If he goes to one church and she to another it breaks down the family.

The young adults are not forbidden to marry people of other faiths. They may choose who they want to marry. But we suggest they do it Jehovah's way and they will be happier.

Answer 7

Jehovah's Witnesses usually marry in their faith because it makes life easier for them when they share beliefs in common. It avoids conflicts about how to raise their children, holidays and many other things. it is just easier when a couple has the same beliefs, many religions encourage the same thing such as Catholics, and Jewish people to name just two.

Answer 8

To not be yoked with a non-believer. But since the J.W.'s forbid social activities at church, I don't see how they're suppose to meet others in their faith that are single. It's depressing if you ask me. Most J.W.'s were already married when they converted to J.W. Sucks for the kids who will have no luck finding a J.W. to marry. The Mormons have single groups. Makes alot more sense. I think more Mormons marry inside they're faith than any other denomination. They believe they have to or they won't attain the highest level of Heaven.

Answer 9

Most religions are the same. Ask a baptist if he would be willing to marry a catholic in a catholic church and promise to raise his children as catholics.

Answer 10

Because the Bible says you must marry "into the lord"