Expert: Carl Fuglein - 12/6/2008

Question
Hello, my name is Faith, I meet this guy who is Muslim, I have found myself drawn to this guy. I was raised Christian, I have not be strong in my religion. So I have left this door open, and I really like this guy. I have dated Christian men and they have hurt me and disrespected me. This guy talks to me and treats me the way I have always wanted,like a Queen. My flesh wants to say its okay and I will practice my belief and he can practice his. I will never convert and I will believe in Jesus Christ. He is very much into into his religion and strong in his practice. My mother would have a fit and be disappointed, if I bought him home to meet her. He is pursuing me so much and chasing me, I want to give in too him. When I see him I get happy and giddy. He is about 9 or 10 years older than me. He knows exactly what to say to me, he speaks so well and so charming. I know the Bible say don't be unequally yoke. He's okay with being Christian, but I can't say the same thing.A part of me is scared  and the other part wants to love him. Flesh verses spirit, what to do? I work with him for 3 days at a time, for 72 hours almost a week. What to do. I am 25 years old, please advice.

Answer
Hi Faith-

I would go very, very, slowly.  A muslim lifestyle and culture is WAY different than western, American, culture.  If he is very strong in his faith, it's hard for him to let go of that, and in a Muslim culture, women do not have the same standing as a man.  Even if he says he doesn't mind you being Christian, I'm not sure he really means that - if both of you actively practice your faith in a marriage relationship, I have a feeling that your religion is going to suffer, or your relationship will suffer, as each of you will resent the amount of time you spend with your religion.  This is exactly the type of thing that the Bible is warning about when it talks about unevenly yoked.  I'm not sure that this relationship should be pursued.  I know that's probably not what you want to hear, but that's my opinion.

Praying that you can figure this out,

Carl