I have followed many different blogs over the past several months of those who are involved in intercultural relationships, especially with South Asian partners. I have found a lot of support and advice from many who are so willing to answer all questions and share their very personal stories. The one thing that I feel has lacked, however, is the prevalence of blogs about Muslim-Christian relationships. Most of these blogs deal with Hindu-Christian relationships or with former Christians (or atheists) who have converted to their partners religion. I have no intention of ever converting nor does A. In fact we discussed expectations in terms of our faiths on our third date and agreed that neither of us would ever pressure the other to convert. I do have a lot of questions though and we are working, daily with if and how we could truly spend our lives together. When I seek out advice over the internet its mostly a crapshoot, lots of articles warning nice Christian women of the dangers of marrying Muslim men, who will undoubtedly move them to the Middle East and kidnap their children or force them to submit through physical force. I am not doubting these things happen but I also think they happen between two Christians, two Jews, two Muslims, two Jains and so on….
So part of what I would like to provide, here, is a place where people who are in interfaith relationships (especially between Christians and Muslims) can discuss issues or look at this as a resource that is a non-judgmental and fair to all parties. I will be scouring the internet for unbiased articles that provide actual information and advice and this is my first installment.
The first article is from America Magazine, which is a Catholic publication, When Muslims and Catholics Marry. It gives me a great deal of hope and if A decide to spend our lives together, I would love to be able to attend an interfaith marriage retreat like the one in the article.
