There is a gentleman that I've gone out with a few times. We've talked quite a bit via email as well.
We seem to get along well and I find him smart and funny and I like that he seems to alternate between bashful and calmly confident of his abilities.
He's a practicing Catholic and as far as I can tell his faith is real.
However, I'm not a Catholic and I have very different views on evangelism, how knowable God is, and Heaven/Hell.
I've begun to get the feeling that he would like to pursue a relationship with me and I find myself concerned. Not that there's anything wrong with him, but that it might simply not be viable to allow myself to be pursued by him.
I'm certainly not about to convert to Catholicism. While the church I attend does hold to some tradition, I just disagree with several of the Catholic teachings.
We've not yet had a dtr conversation yet but I feel the time has come to know what I'll say when we do.
I also feel that he is unlikely to become a protestant of any kind.
Previously I'd been saying "well, if he's clearly saved, what's the problem?" but obviously I'd been speaking hypothetically. Now I'm wondering if I was too liberal in my assessment of what was neccessary in a boyfriend/potential husband.
Sadly, I have only recently begun to seek God's will in this. I'd also like to know what the general Christian community thinks.
My family the Grime's are cathilic and some have changed.
My uncle met a lutheren lady who had kids.They agreed to continue to go to their own churches.It was never a problem in the relationship.If Jesus is his savior do not make this an issue for you and him.
My dad and mother agreed to become luthern because it was close to catholic.My mother was mennenite, my dad catholic.
See if he will be flexiable in a friendly discussion.The peacemaker is blessed.
Where did you meet him?On this site?If not have his his priest over for supper.Get to know his priest.Also, do the same with your pastor.
Please you both can email me.
If you need to change your age range for private advice do so.
Your love life is something you need to work out with him 1st.
Well...I think that if this has the possibility to be a serious relationship then you should just be careful that neither of you do anything that would cause you to sacrifice your beliefs. If you can coexist and just agree to disagree that's fine, you're both Christians so...it's not too much a problem. But...Catholics and protestants differ on their belief systems in a massive way, so it might be difficult later....just be careful. You shouldn't give in on your beliefs just to be in a relationship, and he shouldn't either. My family is mostly Catholic(or a close facsimile thereof), so I know how "staunch"(stubborn) and unyielding they can be...even with the bible on your side, so it'd probably be a pretty major battle on anything religious. Anyway...that's what I think...possible, but extremely difficult. If it was me? I'd run away, but I don't have a high opinion of the catholic belief system, unfortunately. Many good, godly, dear christian brothers and sisters...but mislead, in my opinion.:prayingm: They probably would say the same about me, lol...oh well, fair's fair.
I was raised Catholic and most of my family is still practicing in that faith.
My suggestion is to have an honest discussion with him about your beliefs. Treat him as you would an unbeliever that you were explaining your beliefs and pesonal faith walk to.
See what his reaction is. I think God will lead you from there. If you need more help or guidance feel free to post. And keep praying!
You've received some good advice. Especially the part about children, and how they would be taught.
I know that personally I'd have a very hard time dating/marrying a Catholic. I know a great number of them are fine Christians, but the Catholic church is very different from the Baptist church! I'll consider some other protestant denominations when it comes to dating and marrying, but Catholic is just TOO different.
I would suggest an honest, kind discussion with this guy in the near future. You don't want to lead him on if this is an issue that the two of you can't deal with.
You have to cut it before it gets more serious or you get to attached.
With him being the head of household it would be up to you to convert and attend his church. If you dont have the same beliefs, it wont work. The two of you will not be equally yoked and yes, the children is an issue as well.
Thank you for the wise advice. I also got wise counsel from some women in my prayer group.
I will be clear about my beliefs and cautious.
However, I don't believe that anything has actually happened between us, I think we're still in the 'friends but interested' stage, there has certainly been absolutely nothing physical.
Thus, there is no need to break anything off.
I also wanted to point out that 2 Corinthians 6:14 tells us "don't be yoked together with unbelievers." or "do no be unequally yoked with unbelievers."
While there are verses that talk about what you should look for in a believing spouse (leadership, searching out the word, gentleness, self control, a good reputation within the community...) this verse is not talking about that. It's saying "don't marry pagans." Now, some people claim Christ and do not know him. I believe I've seen evidence in this gentleman's life that he is, in fact, a believer. A relationship with him might not be wise, but I don't believe it would directly defy any Biblical mandates, such as the one in 2 Corinthians.
Glad you are getting good advice. Sounds like you are keeping your eyes open and your heart guarded, which is essential in starting out any relationship.
Keep up the seeking advice and praying to God about it. I think you'll make the right choice in the end.
You have to ask yourself why God created The Catholic Church and promised that the gates of hades would not prevail against Her and then abandon Her,
When people say that Catholics will not listeb to Scripture I find it ironic because The Catholic Church was the one that decided which books or letters went into The Bible. You accept Her Authority in deciding which Books or Letters were Inspired by God...yet you refused to accept Her Authority on anything else.
She has been the Church Christ Started and has prevailed since (dispite what man has tried to do -- Her own priests especially). She has needed to be reformed and has done so several times and is still not perfect.
My suggestion to you is investigate Her. If you think your Faith too weak...don't and tell this gentleman to walk away. If you feel your Faith is strong than investigate The Catholic Church. Start with what was written by the Early Church. Read the parts of The Bible that your Pastor won't read because they are Too Catholic. I will give you Scripture to read that points to The Catholioc Church as being the Church Christ started.
Investigate and allow The Holy Spirit to show you The Truths.
In the interest of "true compromise" in a relationship.... is it possible for both of you to consider 'non denominational'??
The only reason I suggest this is because the non denominational church I attend is comprised literally of sixty percent former Catholics. The rest are a mixture of formers from other religions as well as newcomers to Christ.
