Just wondering.
2007-09-09 07:39:54 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I "bonded" with an atheist and married him.
2007-09-09 07:45:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
While Christians are called to be "salt and light" in this world which requires having some sort of relationship with unbelievers we are also told not to be "unequally yoked" with unbelievers.
So when you ask if a Christian should "bond" only with Christians you have to define what you mean by "bond". A Christian should only marry or become a business partner or get locked into some kind of formal agreement with other Christians not counting things like taking a job where as an employee you are free to quit.
A Christian can certainly have non-Christian friends but only if they are mature enough in their faith to where they influence their friends towards Christ and their friends don't influence them into becoming more worldly minded. A Christian can "bond" with other non-Christians that they work together with as a team to the extent that they support one another and work towards a common goal. But they have to draw the line when that bond would mean compromising their Christian values.
2007-09-09 07:49:17 · answer #2 · answered by Martin S 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The Bible says, what does light have to do with darkness? In my opinion, we should try to bond with people who have the same hope as we do. People who build us up! One does not want to be claiming to be a Christian and then hanging out with people who have no reverence for God. There would be a danger of them dragging us into that lifestyle. My grandmother used to say, "bad association spoils good habits."
Does this mean you should not extend a helping hand to those in need and try to reach them? Not at all! We need to show love and kindness to those that are in darkness so that they may learn from our good examples as Christians. We never want to loose a chance to point the way to the Lord! As far as helping people, we should never close our doors on anyone in need. But we do need to watch our associations because we will be judged by the company we keep. Our lives need to be a good reflection on our belief in God!
2007-09-09 07:56:18 · answer #3 · answered by Marie 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Christians have to constantly face temptations and the attacks of the world around us. Everything we see, read, do, put in our bodies, etc. affects us somehow. That's why to maintain a close relationship with God, we have to put aside our old ways of doing things; the things we watch on TV, old bad habits (excessive drinking, smoking, etc.), the activities we participate in, and the people we spend our time with. People are divided really only two ways; belonging to the world (Satan), or belonging to God (Acts 26:18).
The book of Proverbs has a few wise verses on believers befriending non-believers: "The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray" (v12:26). We should stay away from foolish people (vs. 13:20, 14:7) and people who lose their temper easily (22:24), and keep away from the rebellious (24:21). All these things represent those who have not been saved. "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness" (2 Corinthians 6:14)? 1 Corinthians 15:33 tells us that bad company corrupts good character. Unbelievers are slaves to sin (John 8:34), and Christians are slaves to God (1 Corinthians 7:22). If we become deeply involved (either by friendship or a romantic relationship) as Christians with non-Christians, we are setting ourselves up for turmoil. It can (and does often) cause the Christian to stumble in their walk, fall back into a sinful life, and also turn others away from God (by misrepresenting God and Christianity).
Although these close relationships are not recommended, it does not mean we turn our noses up and ignore unbelievers either. 2 Timothy 2:24-26 tells us that as servants of the Lord, we are to be kind to and not quarrel with anyone. We should gently teach those who oppose the truth, and be patient with difficult people. Matthew 5:16 tells us “...let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly father.” We should serve unbelievers so that they may see God through us and turn to Him in praise. James 5:16 says that there is great power in the prayer of a righteous person, so bring your concerns for unbelievers before God and He will listen.
Many people have been saved because of the prayers and service of Christians, so don't turn your back on unbelievers. Having any kind of intimate relationship with an unbeliever can quickly and easily turn into something that is a hindrance to your walk with Christ. We are called to evangelize the lost, not be intimate with them. There is nothing wrong with building quality friendships with unbelievers – but the primary focus of such a relationship should be to win them to Christ, by sharing the Gospel with them and demonstrating salvation in your life.
2007-09-09 07:47:48 · answer #4 · answered by Delightful 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would say no. I think the point of any religion is not to say your a 'christian' but act like one. all religions are trying to describe the same mysterious force. we cant let cultural and linguistic difference divide us.
2007-09-09 08:55:30 · answer #5 · answered by Nate F 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course NOT...I have MANY dear friends here of different Religions & Faiths...just because they believe differently than I do, doesn't mean anything here...Please get to know the other people here...some of them have become like another family to me...I have learned so much about these people and we really do care for each other...
This experience I will NEVER forget.
2007-09-09 07:49:30 · answer #6 · answered by Kerilyn 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
As phrased:yes.We have to interface with people of all stripes in life,but as for interpersonal realtionships it is detrimental to one's faith to have close personal friends that adhere to another religion.Though exceptions arise[i.e.,bonding with a lost soul seeking the truth.Rejecting a person in that case would be sheer hypocrisy].
2007-09-09 07:47:07 · answer #7 · answered by Trish 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No... If you based yourself looking for friends based solely on religion you'd miss out on so many good people as far as a marriage... It is harder when two people have different religions but it's doable don't let someones religion stop you...
2007-09-09 07:46:56 · answer #8 · answered by Crystal 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have heard argements on it both ways. I think it just boils down to the Christian.
2007-09-09 07:43:50 · answer #9 · answered by ~Heathen Princess~ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. The Bible tells us to spread the Gospel to all the world and to every creature. How is that possible by preaching to the choir?
2007-09-09 07:51:53 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋