Marrying Non-Christians: A Sin Or Personal Choice?

is it a sin to marry non christian

The Bible contains several verses that are often interpreted as advising Christians against marrying non-believers. One such verse is 2 Corinthians 6:14, which says, Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. However, the interpretation of this verse is disputed, with some arguing that it is not a commandment specifically about marriage but rather a broader warning against unequal partnerships with non-believers. Another relevant verse is 1 Corinthians 7:12-16, where Paul advises that believers married to non-believers should not divorce them. Ultimately, the decision to marry someone of a different faith is a personal one, and while it may present challenges, it is not necessarily a sin.

Characteristics Values
Marrying a non-Christian is a sin Yes
Marrying a non-Christian is not a sin No
The Bible forbids marriage to non-Christians 2 Corinthians 6:14, Malachi 2:10-11, Genesis 2:15-17, Deuteronomy 7:3-4, Joshua 23:12, 1 Corinthians 7:39
The Bible does not forbid marriage to non-Christians 1 Corinthians 7:12-16, 1 Peter 3:1-2
Christians should not marry non-believers "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers"
Christians can marry non-believers "It's also my painful experience that when the weak foundation of such a conviction is removed at the beginning of a potential relationship, it will not be a time when someone is in a good position to examine more carefully the Bible’s teaching and build a stronger biblical foundation."
Christians marrying non-Christians can lead to a lack of spiritual intimacy "Praying together, being one in the Spirit, growing closer to and maturing in Jesus together, being able to perceive and intercede for what the other is going through spiritually, study and apply scripture together and for their household, hold them accountable and encourage them spiritually, and meet spiritual goals and create a legacy of believing together."
Christians marrying non-Christians can lead to conflict "There’s more to choose from, and you can still have some things in common."
Christians marrying non-Christians can lead to a lack of shared values "Marriage is about sharing our lives, and about the "oneness" that emerges from that shared culture."

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The Bible does not explicitly forbid marrying non-Christians

The Bible also does not suggest that a believer should divorce a non-believer. In 1 Corinthians 7:12-16, Paul writes that a non-believer is sanctified when married to a Christian and that they should not divorce. However, if the unbelieving spouse decides on a divorce, it will not be considered adultery.

While the Bible does not explicitly forbid marrying non-Christians, it is not considered ideal due to the difficulties that may arise. Decisions may need to be made based on different criteria, and there may be a lack of spiritual intimacy. If children are involved, the complications and heartaches in these marriages may be even greater. For example, one partner may not want their children to be taught about religion.

Some Christians who believe that marrying a non-Christian is a sin refer to Malachi 2:10-11, which states that marrying an unbeliever means marrying someone who is godless. They also refer to 2 Corinthians 6:14-8 and 1 Corinthians 7:39 to reinforce this teaching. However, others interpret these scriptures differently and do not believe they refer specifically to marriage.

Ultimately, the decision to marry a non-Christian is a personal one, and there is no clear-cut answer in the Bible.

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Marrying a non-Christian may lead to conflict in values and morals

Additionally, a Christian spouse may want to incorporate their faith into their daily lives, such as by reading the Bible, praying, or going to church together. A non-Christian spouse may not be supportive of these activities and may even actively discourage them. This can create a sense of spiritual isolation for the Christian spouse, who may feel that they cannot fully share this important part of their life with their partner.

Furthermore, a non-Christian spouse may not understand or appreciate the Christian concept of submission to God's will. This can cause conflict if the Christian spouse feels called to make decisions that are aligned with their faith but may not make sense from a non-religious perspective. Ultimately, a marriage between a Christian and a non-Christian may struggle to find a shared sense of purpose and direction, as their fundamental values and morals may be misaligned.

It is worth noting that some people believe that it is not a sin to marry a non-Christian and that it is possible for people of different faiths to find compromise and mutual understanding. However, it is generally acknowledged that such marriages can be more challenging and may require extra effort to ensure that both spouses feel respected and valued.

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A non-Christian spouse may not support your faith

In addition, a non-Christian spouse may not want to attend church or participate in other religious activities with their Christian partner. This can create a sense of isolation and loneliness for the Christian spouse, who may feel like they are missing out on an important part of their faith journey. It can also be challenging for the Christian spouse to maintain their relationship with God if their partner does not share their beliefs. They may find themselves compromising their values or not living out their faith as fully as they would like.

Furthermore, a non-Christian spouse may not understand the unique challenges and sacrifices that come with being a Christian. For example, a Christian may feel called to give generously to those in need or to serve in their community, which can be difficult for a non-Christian spouse to understand or support. This can create tension and conflict in the marriage, especially if the non-Christian spouse feels like their partner is putting their faith before the family.

Ultimately, a non-Christian spouse may not be able to provide the spiritual intimacy, support, and encouragement that a Christian spouse needs to grow in their faith and live out their calling. This can lead to a sense of discord and misalignment in the marriage, as the Christian spouse may feel like they are pulling in a different direction than their partner. While it is possible for a Christian to have a loving and respectful marriage with a non-believer, it is important to recognise that there may be unique challenges and sacrifices involved.

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A non-Christian spouse may not support your desire to raise your children as Christians

The Bible is clear that marriage is a partnership, and when God says "don't" and we do, that's a sin. In 2 Corinthians 6:14, the apostle Paul says, "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers." Eugene Peterson, author of a paraphrase of the Bible titled "The Message", puts it this way: "Don't become partners with those who reject God."

Marriage is a place where a "culture of two" is created, and it becomes the central situation in which we grow to become what God intends us to be. It is the context in which we also lovingly raise our children to know him. A non-Christian spouse may not support this vision for marriage and family, and this can lead to conflict and heartache.

While it is not a sin that is tallied every day, choosing to marry a non-Christian is settling for less than God's best. It is a matter of faith, of not settling, and of trusting God to sustain you, with or without a spouse.

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A Christian marriage is a partnership in the gospel

Marriage is a partnership in the gospel. This means that a Christian marriage is centred on Christ and the Bible.

Genesis 2:15–17 shows how Adam, the first man, was created to be a prophet, priest, and king in the garden kingdom where God put him to rule. However, Genesis 2 also shows that Adam could not fulfil his calling alone. He needed a suitable helper, so God created Eve, and together, they were to fulfil God's calling to bring glory to His name under His rule.

Therefore, marriage is a partnership. A Christian marriage is a partnership in the gospel, where two people work together to fulfil God's calling for their lives. This involves making decisions about their career, where to live, how to spend money, and how to raise children, among other things.

In a Christian marriage, spouses have the opportunity to call one another to submit their wills to God's perfect will. They can pray together, read the Bible together, and serve together. They can also support each other in their faith and encourage each other to dig deeper into the Bible and their relationship with God.

However, marrying a non-Christian means that the marriage is no longer centred on Christ. A non-Christian spouse may not be interested in submitting their will to Christ or growing in their faith. They may even ask their partner not to read Bible stories to their children or pray with them. This can cause conflict and heartache in the marriage, especially if the Christian spouse feels they are missing out on what God intended their marriage to be.

Ultimately, a Christian marriage is a partnership in the gospel, where two people work together to follow God and fulfil His calling for their lives. Marrying a non-Christian can make this difficult and may cause pain and conflict in the marriage.

Frequently asked questions

According to 2 Corinthians 6:14, "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers." However, some people interpret this passage as advice rather than a commandment, and it is not explicitly about marriage. Ultimately, it is up to individual interpretation whether marrying a non-Christian is considered a sin.

Marrying someone with different beliefs and values can lead to conflict, especially when it comes to raising children and making decisions about religious practices and attendance at church. It may also result in judgement and pity from other Christians and the loss of some friends.

Marrying a non-Christian can broaden your perspective, help you think for yourself, and allow you to form new, diverse friendships. It can also lead to a more loving and accepting relationship, where both partners respect each other's differences.

Yes, a Christian and a non-Christian can have a successful and loving marriage if they share the same values, communicate effectively, and respect each other's beliefs. However, it may require more work and compromise than a marriage between two Christians.

If you are considering marrying a non-Christian, it is important to have honest conversations about how you will live out your faith, raise children, and handle religious practices and attendance at church. It is also crucial to ensure that you are not expecting or trying to change your partner's beliefs.

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