View on Interracial Marriage in EO?

[Osmotik]

Hey all, I just wanted to get some opinions from Orthodox members. I also don't want this becoming or sounding politically charged.

America is in a weird place culturally and spiritually right now, and I question whether marrying a girl nonwhite is justified at this point. If America falls, cultural and racial lines could become more solid. Do you all think I should focus on this, avoid this, or just accept whatever risks come about? Should I worry more about cultural (and obviously religious, I plan to have a Christian family) than racial? Would you consider it child abuse to put your children in a confusing spot like this? Should I just forget about it and trust in God's plan? I know there are many ethnic-oriented EO churches (excuse if I put it in the wrong way), and as someone who just started attending, I didn't know how much importance was placed on these matters. Thanks.

 

[AMM]

racism is a sin, and interracial marriage is perfectly fine and good and glorifying to God (at least insofar as any other marriage)

 

[Osmotik]

racism is a sin, and interracial marriage is perfectly fine and good and glorifying to God (at least insofar as any other marriage)

I agree, and the reason I ask is because most of the girls I attract or have dated are non white. It is not coming from a place of dislike, I just don't want my family ripped apart. I didn't have a sound family growing up and one of my biggest fears since childhood was having the same happen to my children.

 

[HTacianas]

Hey all, I just wanted to get some opinions from Orthodox members. I also don't want this becoming or sounding politically charged.

America is in a weird place culturally and spiritually right now, and I question whether marrying a girl nonwhite is justified at this point. If America falls, cultural and racial lines could become more solid. Do you all think I should focus on this, avoid this, or just accept whatever risks come about? Should I worry more about cultural (and obviously religious, I plan to have a Christian family) than racial? Would you consider it child abuse to put your children in a confusing spot like this? Should I just forget about it and trust in God's plan? I know there are many ethnic-oriented EO churches (excuse if I put it in the wrong way), and as someone who just started attending, I didn't know how much importance was placed on these matters. Thanks.

Don't let religion, family, or fear of global societal collapse weigh too much on your decision on who you should marry.

 

[Lucille0]

Oh my goodness, I don’t live in America but has it really become so divided that you need to ask this ??? That’s so sad and I will pray for you and your country, God will provide someone for you if it’s what he wishes and the colour of their skin won’t matter a bit

 

[bèlla]

I began dating exclusively outside my race in my early twenties. I'm speaking from the perspective of a woman of color engaging with Caucasian men. It wasn't difficult due to my upbringing. My parents emphasized qualities and experiences that resonated with my companions. I didn't have a learning curve or the sense I wasn't welcome in other circles. I was integrated through my life.

You need to gauge your comfort zone and willingness to be in a setting that isn't diverse. Can you handle it? Do the common denominators outweigh the differences? Apples and oranges works for some but not most. How important is harmony in your union? If her loved ones disagree will you continue? Receptivity matters and warring relatives are unpleasant.

I look for similarities in suitors. In matters of faith, upbringing, lifestyle and goals. We have to be on the same page in key areas and possess a similar ethos. Character is a big deal to me. I look at their family. If we tie the knot they aren't going anywhere. I need peace in my relationships.

While I'm deeply attracted to Caucasian men; color isn't a factor. What drives me is fit and a connectedness I haven't experienced with others. They get me and that's reassuring and exciting too. Do you mesh? Can you see yourself in her world and she in yours? That's the bottom line.

My family weighs in on my prospects and I value their feedback. They know me better me than anyone else. There's wisdom in a multitude of counsel. I don't date as a lone wolf or go to war with my loved ones over a man. If they're not on board there's a reason. I pursue it in prayer.

Some people have diverse friendships. Some do not. When you answer the environment question you'll have a clearer idea who's better suited for you and who isn't. It may be helpful to befriend interracial couples or consider someone who has.

Don't overlook your loved ones. How would they feel about this? Ask them. Every one wants to be welcomed and treated well. Make sure that's the case.

Yours in His Service,

~Bella

 

[Lukaris]

The view of marriage in the Church is that is something sacred according to God: Genesis 1:26-28, Mark 10:1-12 etc.

 

[ArmyMatt]

there is only one race, the human race.

 

[tapi]

According to Cannon, marriage is allowed unless the lady is from the Bahamas and the male from Canada. Other than that, just go for whatever feels right.

 

[Hermit76]

According to Cannon, marriage is allowed unless the lady is from the Bahamas and the male from Canada. Other than that, just go for whatever feels right.

You know someone is going to take you seriously

 

[E.C.]

Where's the Orthodox Church stand on interracial marriage? Basically, who cares? Only the Greek Archdiocese gets in a twist about Greeks marrying non-Greeks, at least here in the US - I was once asked to stop attending a Greek parish because of the Greek girls and I got a little too serious for her racist family and social circle. Everyone else can get behind it as long as both parts of the couple are Orthodox.

 

[prodromos]

I was a white anglo saxon Protestant (quarter Swedish) when I met the Greek Orthodox woman who is now my wife. She goes extremely dark if she spends too much time in the sun whereas I simply go red, peel and go back to being white.
I was welcomed with open arms into the Church when I eventually found I could no longer remain a Protestant in good conscience.

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

Interracial marriage is awesome. Just don’t marry Raiders or Dodgers fans, Chevy truck owners, people who havent read at least the first three Dune novels, or people that prefer Phil Collins over Peter Gabriel.

We must remember the important disqualifiers

 

[SamanthaAnastasia]

I am a product of multiple interracial marriages. 1/2 German, 1/8 Japanese, 1/8 Korean, and 1/4 Cherokee. Interracial marriages are beautiful and amazing. There also a great way for society to heal and understand each other. Don’t let society decide your family. God doesn’t care about race.

 

[AMM]

I agree, and the reason I ask is because most of the girls I attract or have dated are non white. It is not coming from a place of dislike, I just don't want my family ripped apart. I didn't have a sound family growing up and one of my biggest fears since childhood was having the same happen to my children.

Like others said, I wouldn’t make this decision out of fear. Pray, be the saint God meant you to be, and love the woman you’re with regardless of your or her ethnicity, skin color, etc

 

[Justin-H.S.]

I'm a product of interracial marriage, and I'm interracially married now.

 

[Not David]

Hey all, I just wanted to get some opinions from Orthodox members. I also don't want this becoming or sounding politically charged.

America is in a weird place culturally and spiritually right now, and I question whether marrying a girl nonwhite is justified at this point. If America falls, cultural and racial lines could become more solid. Do you all think I should focus on this, avoid this, or just accept whatever risks come about? Should I worry more about cultural (and obviously religious, I plan to have a Christian family) than racial? Would you consider it child abuse to put your children in a confusing spot like this? Should I just forget about it and trust in God's plan? I know there are many ethnic-oriented EO churches (excuse if I put it in the wrong way), and as someone who just started attending, I didn't know how much importance was placed on these matters. Thanks.

Well, you have to decide how cultures might affect your family in general and children. There is the struggle of mixed-race children not knowing with whom to identify. Just be cautious and pray about everything.

 

[Hermit76]

Well, you have to decide how cultures might affect your family in general and children. There is the struggle of mixed-race children not knowing with whom to identify. Just be cautious and pray about everything.

They will identify with Orthodox culture

 

[abacabb3]

My wife and I are an interracial couple. I have seen others.

 

[Hermit76]

Well, you have to decide how cultures might affect your family in general and children. There is the struggle of mixed-race children not knowing with whom to identify. Just be cautious and pray about everything.

They will identify with Orthodox culture

I've thought a lot about my response to this. You are correct in that culture plays a huge part in today's marriages. Since we live in a "melting pot" it is quite easy to find a willing spouse-to-be that lives out tremendously different worldviews, cultures, and general dispositions. This can be problematic to couples when they start out life together. It isn't racial, although different races often present these challenges. My wife's parents were from out west. Although she was raised in the south, the differences were there. Many of the early tensions in our marriage came from these differences. Eventually as we became more and more one body they tended to go away. I could see how a greater difference could have negative consequences on a marriage. Again, these aren't deal breakers, but you must be willing to grow together. I imagine that when the world was composed of more cloistered groups that these issues weren't as magnified. Yet there have always been enemies present in marriages. The way media portrays relationships as some kind of "soul mate" endeavor is a disservice to marriage. Marriage should never be entered upon with the idea that conflict is a sign of doom. It takes work even if you are perfectly matched in culture, religion, and everything else. These things should be considered though as they will have an impact on your future. And yes, race is one of the considerations. That being said, I don't see anything Biblically or in Church Tradition that excludes interracial marriage. Some have the opinion that it is there somewhere but I haven't found it.