Baptists/Marriage to non-Christian

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Expert: - 5/29/2011


Question
Hi Pastor,

I am a non-Christian who is in a relationship with a member of the Baptist Church. He is a strong believer and actively practices his religion. I am of no religion but am very understanding of his beliefs. We have not had a problem in our relationship as yet, as we are both very understanding and cooperative with our beliefs. He has said on more than one occassion that my religion does not matter to him as my morals are the same as his anyway.

My concern is that recently we have been talking about marriage. Whilst he says that my religion does not matter, I do not want him to stray from his beliefs and the word of God just so that he may marry me. I understand that his religion is of great importance to him, and for that reason it is of great importance to me.

My question is whether it would be considered a sin for him to marry me, or whether it would be harmful to his soul. I would appreciate an honest answer in this matter from a completely independent source.

I thank you for your time and effort in a response.
Yours kindly,
Nicole

Answer
Hi Nicole,

A question I have heard before as quite often this is the case.

I do not feel at all that your boy friend is committing any sin, nor harmful to his soul. You understand his beliefs and you see how important they are to him although you are not a christian you are not trying to change him or ask him to deny his beliefs.
Also many people and you are obviously one of them, actually have christian values and live a christian orientated life with out realising it, basically because they are nice people.

Now, if you were against his beliefs, then it would be different, because then he would have to decide.

If the Lord thought he was doing wrong in wanting to marry you the the Lord would tell him, cleearly He has not,He likes and wants to see happiness so I feel sure in my heart that you have his blessing in this, as you have mine.

Hope this helps.

Regards, God Bless and I hope you both have a great life together.

Clive Heath

Baptists

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Clive Heath

Expertise

I can answer most questions on the subject of the Baptist/Christian faith. I am an active member of a Baptist Church Fellowship. I study the Bible and the Scriptures every day and have no problem talking to people about this. I am more than happy to answer the Lord's calling and help and support all people that are in need. I believe that is now my role in life.

Experience

Some times people go the wrong way in life because they have been let down by those that are close to them. It is all about trust, compassion and support. I carry out a lot of outreach work, so I know how important these things are to be able to reach people. I have worked with drug addicts and the homeless, as well as young people who have lost their way in life or are in prison.

Organizations
Baptist Fellowship.

Publications
My articles and letters have appeared many times in the local paper.

Education/Credentials
I am am a Deacon and secretary of my church, and also spend lots of time now also ministering to people in old folks homes as well as other outreach work.

Awards and Honors
I have won a National award for working with and supporting sick people.

Past/Present Clients
I do not call them clients, they are people in need of the love of God and of people. I have mentored many young people, including those that are in our local prison, to hopefully live an honest and Christian life.

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