Being in Relationship with a Non-Christian

[azzuracapri]

It think it is important enough that u are both happy together, not what each person's faith is

 

[DeaneRenata]

Coming Home from a Youth Conference me and a few others on the bus started having a religious conversation on different aspects of denominations and some ethics.

Well there was one remark that really surprised/confused me.

A friend brought up the idea that being in a relationship with a Non-Christian is a sin and shouldn't be done. the other 2 we were talking to quickly agreed to that statement.

To me this doesn't make complete sense and came to these forums in search of answers from a variety of people.

I also have a story directly about this issue that i will tell if others are interested.

Hi, hon. I am jealous. I want to know how you got this person.

 

[DeaneRenata]

Hi, homo sapiens (that is peoples by the way) quite naturally would like to live life in a safe environment, as war is not wanted and is inhumane. I know cops think they are doing their job but at the same time they disturb society. Everybody would like peace nobody would likes war, or roughness, or bad times. I know I would not.

 

[lemon-aid stand]

Coming Home from a Youth Conference me and a few others on the bus started having a religious conversation on different aspects of denominations and some ethics.

Well there was one remark that really surprised/confused me.

A friend brought up the idea that being in a relationship with a Non-Christian is a sin and shouldn't be done. the other 2 we were talking to quickly agreed to that statement.

To me this doesn't make complete sense and came to these forums in search of answers from a variety of people.

I also have a story directly about this issue that i will tell if others are interested.

hi jay217.. the truth is that it is not a sin for you to have a relationship with one that is not a christian.. and for the sake of arguement with others on here that might say it is.. we are all sinners.. yes, even us that are in Christ.. the reason we shouldn't is because we are not equally yoked, with the non-believer. and the bible uses this term so that we have an image of two oxen tredging along pulling the plow through a field.. will not the oxen that is stronger lead the plow.. actually the answer is nope.. the one with the least strength will always lead the plow.. but, not in any direction of its will. so the stronger ox now has the handicap of the weaker one. just as when a car blows a front tire. the one that blows out leads the car.. the believer has enough struggle in following their own faith in Christ.. we are ever learning walking in the spirit with our Lord.. but, the one that we share a relationship with, whom does not walk in the spirit. they are carnal.. they are easily falling to sins of the flesh and the wants of this world.. we as believers are not of this world. we are only in the world.. our focus is on eternity.. theirs is right now.. in the end. you would be struggling with your faith.. the relationship might work. but, it would definitely hinder your
christian walk.. if you do decide to do this thing, against all that you know the bible has taught us.. then it is the sin of pride that you would be ultimately committing.. you see. the act in itself isn't a sin.. but the fact that you are going to be defiant against the teachings of the apostles. this is pride.. you are basically saying that you are the exception to the rule. and will go it alone.. will prove the teachers wrong.. this is the sin.. this is why i said in the beginning that for the sake of argument.... why not wait on the Lord.. His plan for your life is the ideal life in Christ.. i can't promise that He has a special "christian" someone picked out for you.. but i am certain that if you wait on the Lord. you will never be disappointed.. but, again sin is rebellion against God. and it always causes everyone involved pain and regret.. i hope that trust in the Lord here.. just so that you know.. i also am waiting on the Lord. and i really don't mind if he keeps me fighting the good fight on my own, without a wife.. honestly.... it really is easy once you totally submit to Him and separate yourself from the world.. it is easy and rewarding.. it's when we break off fellowship with Him that we start to crave the sinful pleasures that lead to death.. in Christ... dale

 

[captaincarr]

I had a relative who got involved with someone of a different faith and it turned out really bad.

 

[amandatea]

Coming Home from a Youth Conference me and a few others on the bus started having a religious conversation on different aspects of denominations and some ethics.

Well there was one remark that really surprised/confused me.

A friend brought up the idea that being in a relationship with a Non-Christian is a sin and shouldn't be done. the other 2 we were talking to quickly agreed to that statement.

To me this doesn't make complete sense and came to these forums in search of answers from a variety of people.

I also have a story directly about this issue that i will tell if others are interested.

I know from first-hand experience, it is VERY difficult. If others can do it, that's good for them but I don't understand how. I became christian while in a relationship and my boyfriend - even while claiming to be a christian - constantly contradicted everything I learned. He thought it was fine to keep having sex even though we weren't married, because he took it upon himself to decide that we were married. I couldn't do that anymore. He decided that he had no interest in ever reading the bible in this lifetime. Everything I learned in bible study or at church, he immediately told me was wrong and that I could do whatever I want. I couldn't be with someone who I felt was actively trying to manipulate me and tear apart my faith - which was not helpful because I was a very new christian (still am - 6 months in). I had to call it quits because it was like living in quicksand.

I suppose if two people are respectful of each other, then the relationship is their decision and it can work (but I'm hesitant to encourage it). However, God specifically warns against it because it is dangerous for us. He knows what's best for us and his warnings are not to make life miserable but to help us to be happy and "safe" in our faith in Jesus.

 

[FtcdatSAPoD]

btw please move this post to relationship forum er something not business

I think though that this is an important business matter. Thanks for bringing it up in this thread.

 

[acarrollfan]

I think it is not a sin being in a relationship with a non-Christian.

Just that I believe God will never give you something that will make Him unnecessary in the future.

For example, if He gives you a profitable business.. He wouldn't want you to forget Him and put Him aside.

In the same way, if He gives you a girlfriend or boyfriend, He wouldn't want you to make Him unnecessary in the future.

It is not that Christians are not allowed to date non-Christians, it is just not encouraged.

Some of you talking about unequally yoked.

I've seen even both Christians being in a relationship and they are still unequally yoked.

For example, one thinks making a lot of money is okay but the partner thinks it is a sin to make lots of money. They are both Christians but still unequally yoked.

 

[Jay217]

I think it is not a sin being in a relationship with a non-Christian.

Just that I believe God will never give you something that will make Him unnecessary in the future.

For example, if He gives you a profitable business.. He wouldn't want you to forget Him and put Him aside.

In the same way, if He gives you a girlfriend or boyfriend, He wouldn't want you to make Him unnecessary in the future.

It is not that Christians are not allowed to date non-Christians, it is just not encouraged.

Some of you talking about unequally yoked.

I've seen even both Christians being in a relationship and they are still unequally yoked.

For example, one thinks making a lot of money is okay but the partner thinks it is a sin to make lots of money. They are both Christians but still unequally yoked.

I can't believe there have still been replies so long after i made my OP. but for me I've dealt with relations with those who believe in a different Christian Denomination and those who are atheist and agnostic. (Still to far off the beaten path to interact much with other religions)

But surprisingly while none did become serious the cleanest was with a non-practicing christian, followed by agnostic, with the strong believer in a different denomination being the messiest.

I've came to a conclusion it depends how high both you and your partner value religion, and then how far tolerant are you of any difference. and I've come to think that difference of denomination have alot more things that can turn into powder kegs.

 

[Mochi]

The unequally yoked passage being quoted has always bothered me. I found Christ while in a long term relationship(4 years at the time) with a deist. While I was called to move out of our shared apartment, I was not called to break up with him because he was not a Christian. My small group would often quote this passage at me in order to persuade me to break up with him or distance myself from him, and then turn around and talk about their struggles with non-christian co-workers, close friends and family.
I understand that a romantic relationship is one of the closest relationships that a person could have, however, I feel that it is hypocritical to only use this passage for romantic relationships.

My conclusion is that interfaith situations IN GENERAL are difficult. My best friend is mormon, and I sometimes feel like I'm walking on eggshells talking to her, but that doesn't mean I distance myself from her because she shares a different faith. I eat with her, I love her, and I try to understand where she is in her faith.
There are relationships that are difficult to keep when it comes to people who do not share the faith. An outspoken atheist and a fundamentalist christian are not going to have a good time together, since they will be pulling in opposite directions and it will cause conflict. But what about a relationship where both parties meet each other where they are at and work together no matter what their differences? If they both are able to hold the load of the yoke and walk together in love and patience? These are all questions that come to mind.

I'd be interested to research the historical situation the Corinthians were in, and why exactly Paul urged that they are not yoked to the unbelievers around them.

 

[BloodBoughtChad]

A sin? That's up for debate. A good idea? Absolutely not!

 

[TheyCallMeDave]

Coming Home from a Youth Conference me and a few others on the bus started having a religious conversation on different aspects of denominations and some ethics.

Well there was one remark that really surprised/confused me.

A friend brought up the idea that being in a relationship with a Non-Christian is a sin and shouldn't be done. the other 2 we were talking to quickly agreed to that statement.

To me this doesn't make complete sense and came to these forums in search of answers from a variety of people.

I also have a story directly about this issue that i will tell if others are interested.

Hello. Your Friends are totally correct because God says Dont be yoked with Unbelievers..that is...dont get emotionally deep with the opposite sex who isnt a Follower of Christ and is still in the World. The reason God gives us this stern warning is because such a Person will influence us in a bad way with very liberal, immoral, or possible unethical philosophies they hold to. It will tend to wear away our commitment to God . Further, THE most important thing in yuour life as a genuine Christian , is Christ and living according to his principles...that is not had with an Unbeliever and in fact, it is common for such a person to actually come against, mock, or defame such Godly philosophies because its seen as threatening to an Unbeliever .

Lastly, we cant expect Gods blessings in our lives if we are going to violate his written commands which are for our own good. It grieves God when Christian act as they want to, instead of living for him in obedience because you love The Lord.