is it possible for non-christians to be with christians?
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as in, getting into a relationship n stuff..izzit allowed in chrisitianity?
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grey area... depends on how closely u wanna follow Jesus' teachingsOriginally posted by heavenscloud:as in, getting into a relationship n stuff..izzit allowed in chrisitianity?
personally i wouldn't. because the difference in religions = different thinking and probably value system... may cause conflicts in future.
nevertheless do have a good talk with ur partner and see his/her viewpoints -
even with different religion, what matter most is both are understanding towards each other...
no use even having same religion but quarrel all the time....
But what I know is for Catholics(?) and Muslims, their spouses must be strictly of the same faith. -
"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness "
Second Corinthians 6:14
The bible did not say that you can or cannot marry a non-christian. But if you wish to have a closer relationship with God and want to avoid the pains of an unequally yoked relationship, then don't. If you think you can bite the bullet, go ahead but be ready to suffer possible pain in the future.
In all, think with your head and not your dick head. -
The Bible has made plain several viewpoints. The famous 'do not yoke' passage does not apply to marital relationships but also to relationships whereby both parties need a certain common ground of understanding. For instance, Business partners.
One cannot see this biblical teaching as Isolation from the world, infact the Bible promotes holy worldliness. That is to say, be IN the world but not OF the world. Jesus, being the sinless Son of God did not shun Himself away from sinners. On the contrary, the fact that He often mingles with tax collectors and harlots caused the religious leaders of His days to see Him as being revoluntionary. Christians are called to be the salt and light in the world living in darkness and not to light up a lamp and place it under a bowl as the gospel parable described.
However, as much as Christians should mingle with people of different faith. there must be a clear distinction between those of God and those who are otherwise. The Bible often provides us with examples whereby consecration to God and being owned by God is one important identity in Christ. not denominations, sectarian differences. Salvation through Christ by grace and through faith alone is what mark a believer from a non-believer. Because of this tremendous change in spiritual status of a person, there must also be physical adjustments being made. Water Baptism and Lord's supper are two main outward signs of an inward grace.
Marriage has a special place in the heart of God. Adam and Eve was a classic example where God for the first time ordain marriage. And part of this covenant is the physical union between a male and a female which results in offsprings being produced which populates the entire world. Which God said be fruitful and multiply. Sexual union is not merely the fusion of a sperm and an egg, in the biblical context, sexual union involves spiritual union as well. And it is because of this aspect particularly the bible forbades uniting things of God with things of the devil (that is to say, of the world). These 2 are not the same, they do not agree with each other and infact are in perpetual conflict.
More than religious differences between a Christian and a non-Christian, some people say that even in such circumstances, true love exists..which is in every way possible. But as a Christian, we are not just called to love our spouses and produce children and start a family under the context of marriage but more importantly, for any Bible-believing and God-loving individual to serve God and honour Him in every manner of his/her life. That require total surrender of one's life to God Most High and with that deny everything that obstruct him/her from pursuing this greatest call in the christian journey. Such a thing cannot be made fully possible unless both parties share the same spiritual heritage and call upon the same God. If not, very often the Christian party will be influenced and eventually give up in his/her spiritual pursuits. There is no such thing as 'evangelistic marriage'
On the other hand, having said about the above. In 1 Peter 3:1-7, we see an example of a non-believing man and a believer wife. However, in this context it is because the wives came to know the Lord after their marriage. And we should take good notice that the Scripture never in any way suggest a divorce. Therefore, this whole issue of unequally yoked relationship should be understood and appreciate in the context of the God's Word which always seeks the common good of all who read it and intend to build up things that are pure and good, while demolishing all that are guilty and full of evil intents. -
so its okay for two non believers to get married, and one of em convert while it is not okay for a believer to marry a non believer?
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Catholics very strict? Err my hubby is Catholic but I'm not required to convert coz he respects my decision to be a free thinker
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Contrary to the popular belief. RC do not promote such enforcement. dun ask me why. But a RC can marry a non-RC (eg. Zoe Tay) on the condition that their offsprings produce in this marriage will grow up to be RCs.
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Its ok for the above because believing in God is a personal decision and not some family affair. In this epistle, Peter is saying that such a conversion doesnt mean the wives must leave thier husbands but rather to treat them in love so that pne day, they might come to know the Lord too.Originally posted by Ito_^:so its okay for two non believers to get married, and one of em convert while it is not okay for a believer to marry a non believer? -
Ultimately, everything the Bible says can become thrash unless the person who reads it is convicted by God and desire to obey Him. If u r not convinced to obey..in areas like baptism, tithing and preaching etc...then dont do them. Bible is not a 'wat to do' book, its a book that results in life transforming observed by the carrying out of wat are mentioned therein.
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Same for my sister. She married a Catholic and is not require to convert.Originally posted by elindra:Catholics very strict? Err my hubby is Catholic but I'm not required to convert coz he respects my decision to be a free thinker
Also, in the west, there are many born Christians who are not exactly believers. -
true, but it is also common knowledge that the cellgroups teaching (for my case) is strongly repeatedly advised against getting involved with non christians.Originally posted by NeonTetra:Its ok for the above because believing in God is a personal decision and not some family affair. In this epistle, Peter is saying that such a conversion doesnt mean the wives must leave thier husbands but rather to treat them in love so that pne day, they might come to know the Lord too.
but it is also true that alot of my friends and closest friends, etc, are downright anti-christian at heart. -
hhaa...God has no grandchildren and salvation is not present as a gene in the human chromosome to be inherited.Originally posted by Qitai:Same for my sister. She married a Catholic and is not require to convert.
Also, in the west, there are many born Christians who are not exactly believers.
Each person has to individually decide for him/herself. Born a christian? no way....but rather Born-again Christian
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read my comment above. u will understand y the Bible say 'no' to such relationships. it is not meant to 'deprive' youOriginally posted by Ito_^:true, but it is also common knowledge that the cellgroups teaching (for my case) is strongly repeatedly advised against getting involved with non christians.
but it is also true that alot of my friends and closest friends, etc, are downright anti-christian at heart.
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I meant baptize as a baby lah!Originally posted by NeonTetra:hhaa...God has no grandchildren and salvation is not present as a gene in the human chromosome to be inherited.
Each person has to individually decide for him/herself. Born a christian? no way....but rather Born-again Christian -
Religion is just one of the facets in life.Love is another facet, as long your religious duties do not clash with your commitment to that love of your life and vice-versa, I see no reason why not. If being a Christian has made you a better person, then show it by example.Many a time, religion has come in between two people because their love has become secondary to one party's obligations.It's up to each person to determine which to give priority to.I'm a Methodist by the way, not too sure how RC's think.
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haha...Originally posted by Qitai:I meant baptize as a baby lah!
even then, Baptism itself DOES NOT save a person. -
yes, but i dun see it as a reason not to get involved with non Christians. imagine yr boss dun wan u becuz u're a Christian, i see it as personal freedom to choose, if u love a person den u will wait patiently so dat someday he or she will see the light, but not pushing that person. just like God will rather offer u freedom to choose but not abandoning u, and formating the entire universe.Originally posted by NeonTetra:read my comment above. u will understand y the Bible say 'no' to such relationships. it is not meant to 'deprive' you
i'm not relating to the word "deprive" at all, nor its subtle meanings or whatsoever, its personal freedom dat we are all blessed with. -
can be quite tricky ..... unless non-christians are prepared to embrace christ .....
just hippo's personal opinion on this matter
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Relationship matters are complex issues. But ultimately it boils down to accountability. I can't tell you what to do, you have to make the choice.
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Whatever advice given, couples should always sort out the matter carefully and by themselves. Talk it over...
both may end up be happy christians, both happy non christians, or they are just happy with what each other is..
Sigh, sg divorce rate on the increase..this sorta thing requires a lot of understanding.. -
Kind of ironic isn't it? Considering Christianity discourages (or may I say forbids) divorce.Originally posted by laurence82:Sigh, sg divorce rate on the increase..this sorta thing requires a lot of understanding.. -
For Catholic, yes i am sure.Originally posted by SingaporeMacross:Kind of ironic isn't it? Considering Christianity discourages (or may I say forbids) divorce.
I am not sure for Protestants. -
I think it should be both ways.Originally posted by InnoHippo:can be quite tricky ..... unless non-christians are prepared to embrace christ .....
just hippo's personal opinion on this matter
The non Christian has to be prepared to embrace Christ one day while the Christian must not force it on the non Christian partner. Forcing will cost the non believer to be more resistent to the religion.
Never say "If you love me, you should convert to Christianity". That will be very selfish and does not demonstrate Christ's love. What if the other person turns around and says "If you love me, you should renounce your religion"
Instead we should display Christ's patience and generosity by letting the person know that you are giving him/her time to be ready (to convert to Christian). I'm sure he/she will appreciate your understanding and be more receptive to Christ eventually. -
this expectation that non-Christian will eventually convert is also quite tricky .....Originally posted by Honeybunz:I think it should be both ways.
The non Christian has to be prepared to embrace Christ one day while the Christian must not force it on the non Christian partner. Forcing will cost the non believer to be more resistent to the religion.
Never say "If you love me, you should convert to Christianity". That will be very selfish and does not demonstrate Christ's love. What if the other person turns around and says "If you love me, you should renounce your religion"
Instead we should display Christ's patience and generosity by letting the person know that you are giving him/her time to be ready (to convert to Christian). I'm sure he/she will appreciate your understanding and be more receptive to Christ eventually.
it like assuming Christian partner will eventually renounce faith for love