This article, Interfaith Marriages Stir Mixed Feelings, tells the story of Bill Clinton's daughter, Chelsea Clinton, and her marriage to Marc Mezvinsky. This marriage caused a bit of controversy because Chelsea Clinton is a Methodist and her husband is Jewish. According to the article, Jews believe that when society is open and accepting of interfaith marriage between Jews and other religions that it could "threaten the vitality of a group that represents no more than 2 percent of the American population." According to the article, Jews have a "clannish pride" that excludes any non-Jews from marrying into their religion. The article also stated that Medvinsky's Rabbi hoped that any children that Chelsea and Marc would have would be raised with a "stable religious tradition." And because the Rabbi was Jewish, he hoped the tradition would be Jewish.
2 Corinthians 6:14-15 says, "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?" While this verse does not say anything about different religions, it does state that anyone who believes in Jesus Christ as their Savior is not to marry a person who does not also have a relationship with Jesus. The article stated that Jews have a "clannish pride" which excludes all other religions. Many people may think that this statement seems harsh, but in reality, it's completely true. A person should not marry another person from a different religion. It causes strife within the marriage, and causes even more problems if the couple were to have children.
This article struck a nerve in me when I read it. I grew up with a Christian mother and a father who could not have cared less about God or church. My mother was/is the spiritual leader of my family and has struggled with this role for the past 20 years. Being raised in a family with parents who are "unequally yoked" takes a toll on children. Not only does interfaith marriage affect children, but it affects the couple as well. My mother stopped going to church within the past few years because she was tired of going to church alone and people asking her where her husband was.
Interfaith marriage might not seem like a "big deal" to some people, but in reality, it can cause multiple problems within a marriage and family.
I agree with you completely. Although I did grow up with two Christian parents I have seen the affects of someone having parent with differing beliefs. It's not only stressful for the children but confusing as well because they don't know which to believe and some end up choosing one or the other causing an even bigger rift between the parents, or they don;t choose at all and live a life not believing in anything or they pick and choose from each and form their own 'religion". It's important that we give our children the best examples that we can and being equally yoked is a great start!
ReplyDeleteI totally Agree!!! My mom is also the spiritual leader in my household, and has been true struggle for her in raising me and my brother in the spirit without my Dad's support. Now my dad is still the best dad I could ever ask for, but he was never really the leader that my family needed, and I can see how it has effect us to this day. I know for me this is something I am definitely going to be aware of when looking for a future spouse.
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