Expert: Onaga Thomas - 2/6/2012

Question
I have been dating a wonderful God fearing guy for awhile now and we are serious.   The only thing that we need to come to agreement is on our religion....  I'm Church of Christ and he is Catholic.

I've read past questions/comments on the differences such as baptism, communion, the head of church, & who we pray to.  

In my heart of hearts I do not believe that there is one religion that is superior to the other and that only one religion will enter the kingdom of heaven.  I understand that there are some significant differences in our religion but I really believe that we can make it work.  It might not always be easy but I believe its possible.    

I'd like your opinion on what to do so we can better understand each others religion better and 'decide' what is best for our relationship together in regards to our differences in religion.   

We have visited each others church then talked about what we liked and disliked which was helpful.  I'm just wondering what else you might suggest...
I'm willing to give anything a shot.  I'd just like help from a outside source It's always great to get a second opinion.  


Thank you for your time and help.

Answer
Thankyou for your question LeighAnn


  Differences in religions whether it be beliefs, churches, or practices are sometimes a dicey situation in serious relationships.  As a member of the Church of Christ, I believe that people who obey the Lord's Word and are saved according to it will are the saved.  The name outside of the church building does not matter if that church is not obeying God.  The closest idea to this situation is when Paul touched on it in 1. Corinthians 7:13-16 in a husband and wife situation.  Paul states that in this case if a wife has an unbelieving husband ( that unbelieving could be someone who does not believe in God at all or someone who does not believe in God according to His Word)if He is pleased to be with her (so one believer and one not) let her not leave him.  But if the unbelieving one departs, let them depart.  It is really an individual decision.  If you can co-exist with and unbeliever ( in your case someone who is Catholic, someone who is not a Christian biblically, according to God's Word) there is not mandate in scripture that you have to leave them because of it, the example above was those you took the ultimate step (marriage).  It would be up to you LeighAnn, I pray you make the right decision.

Onaga Thomas