Posted by J [J] on April 05, 1999 at 08:29:12 {6.uz.4vynMehU3MO1aSEeFQE7AtTPE}:
In Reply to: marriage to unbeliever posted by timmy on April 05, 1999 at 06:19:58:
This is a serious decision and it is good you are considering the possible ramifications.
Any marriage between individuals of differing beliefs is challenging. There have been many successful (couldn't guess percentages)marriages between Jews & Christians, Christians and Moslems etc.
It takes two mature people to handle religious diversity and open frank communication about how each of the couple's religious beliefs are going to factored into the marriage. What are the expectations of the other spouse? Is there any agenda to convert the non-believing spouse? How are kids going to be raised, etc?
Jehovah's Witnesses are a very strict religious organization. First it is frowned upon to marry outside the church. While one may not get kicked out (unless advocating this approach to others in the Cong) an individual can lose privileges within the church. Such an individual would probably be marked by some (for a while) as bad association.
The non-believing spouse will also be subject to many attempts (as well-intentioned as they may be) to convert to the JW beliefs.
If your spouse decides to remain an active Witnes count on him/her being absent for about 10 hours per week for religious activities. (5 - one hour meetings, plus 2 hours in field ministry plus travel time). This can be a burden on a dual income marriage.
I am not saying that it should never happen. Simply put, it can be a success but it is a more difficult road than if you share the same belief system.
J
Feel free to email me if you want to discuss this further.