my girlfriend believes her family will not approve of her marrying me unless i change my religion from christian to
catholic
2007-12-14 22:39:00 · 24 answers · asked by goody 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
If you're the type of Christian who thinks that Catholics aren't Christians, then do this girl a favor and break up with her before she becomes a miserable wretch whose husband can't see that we Catholics are VERY much devoted to Christ. That's who died for our sins, and that's what the Catholic mass is all about.
Or, you could take some time to learn how Catholics are Christians by reading a book like, "What Catholics REALLY Believe." Who knows? Maybe you'll find yourself so in agreement with Catholic teaching, you'll want to convert.
You don't have to, though. Catholics recognize YOU as our brother in Christ so we're okay with her marrying you. Her parents must be opposed because of your attitude that Catholics aren't Christian.
2007-12-16 05:23:57 · answer #1 · answered by sparki777 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In most cases, it is acceptable for a Catholic to marry a non-Catholic Christian.
I will say that her family is probably concerned about the "weirdness" that may occur with two spouses (raising a family?) with competing theologies under one roof.
Because of this, I am not a fan of interfaith marriages. That's not to say they can't work, but the such a couple WILL have to work twice as hard keeping it together, than they would if they both hailed from the same Christian denomination. This is probably what's on the mind of your other-half's family.
Whether or not you convert is entirely your call.
2007-12-17 14:35:43 · answer #2 · answered by Daver 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off, a quick note: Catholics ARE Christians. The difference you are asking is whether it is acceptable for a Catholic to marry a Protestant. 9 times out of 10, the answer is yes. According to the Catholic Catechism, sections 1633-1636, marriage between Catholics and baptized non-Catholics is acceptable with the express permission of ecclesiastical authority. So your best bet is to go speak with her priest. But I can almost assure you, the chances of him saying no are slim to none. And those sections are the same for every Catechism (a book that covers all catholic beliefs) so feel free to grab one at a local book store and take a look for yourself.
2007-12-18 14:04:18 · answer #3 · answered by Vegeta S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a sticky situation. It can be done, but you should not have to change your "religion". Catholics tend to branch any other denomination as "Protestant" - ie protesting against the Catholic church, which of course they are not.
Marriages between denominations can work, but need some compromise on both parts, but that is the same with all marriages.
Some very close friends of mine are Catholic, the older daughter had a baby on the wrong side of marriage, but eventually married the father who has no denominational attachments. They have been married for 14 years.
2007-12-15 08:23:32 · answer #4 · answered by zakiit 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Both partners do not have to be a Catholic in order to be sacramentally married in the Catholic Church, BUT both must be baptized Christians (and at least one must be a Catholic). Non-Christians cannot receive the sacraments. For a Catholic to marry a non-Catholic Christian, express permission is required from his or her bishop. A Catholic can marry an unbaptized person, but such marriages are natural marriages only; they are not sacramental marriages. The Church, therefore, discourages them and requires a Catholic who wishes to marry an unbaptized person to receive a special dispensation from his or her bishop. Still, if the dispensation is granted, a non-sacramental marriage is valid and can take place inside of a Catholic church.
2007-12-15 06:46:25 · answer #5 · answered by Sam 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Being a Catholic is Christian. Read up on some stuff, regardless of all the crap you hear about them worshiping statues and stuff, it's not true. All of that is people in ignorance who don't bother knowing what they believe, they just hear it and think "okay it must be true" I have nothing against you, I am simply saying it is Christianity, and the first denomination.
2007-12-18 17:55:27 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Catholic Church allows marriage between Catholics and non-Catholics. You do not have to convert.
Because the Church recognizes the tremendous challenge that the interfaith couple will face, they may have to get permission from the bishop.
For more information, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, sections 1633-1637: http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt2sect2chpt3art7.htm#1633
With love in Christ.
2007-12-18 01:40:08 · answer #7 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is why religious intolerance is so prevalent in today's world. Its acceptable for any couple to get married of any religion. Stick to your convictions and beliefs. Why would you want to marry into a situation where you are already being judged as a second class citizen because of your religion? If your girlfriend really loved you, she would respect your beliefs and not make such a ridiculous request just to pacify what her family may or may not feel.
2007-12-15 06:45:33 · answer #8 · answered by S B 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Catholic is a Christian religion.
2007-12-15 06:43:17 · answer #9 · answered by Dalebert 2 · 8⤊ 1⤋
Many catholics marry Christians but it can cause some conflicts and tensions particularly when children are involved. Of course Catholicism is derived from Christianity but it has become so corrupt and distorted over the years often by church leaders seeking to maintain their power that it has become a separate religion and you are right to be concerned
2007-12-15 08:16:28 · answer #10 · answered by Maid Angela 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋