Interracial dating & marriage

[Ddavid from NC]

It is my stance that interracial dating and marriage is amoral, meaning it is not right or wrong but personal choice. You may argue that point if you want to, but my personal question is this...Is it wise? As difficult as relationships are, is this making it more difficult than it has to be. I know we have Worthy Board members from Europe, it would be great to get a worldwide perspective and not just the southern boy from NC.

[David of Derby]

I don't think anyone that isn't a racist bigot could have a problem with dating someone of another race. Personally I'm only attracted to European/white women, and the occasional Indian or Oriental woman, but everyone's different in that respect.

The only time I'd say it's unwise is if one partner has certain cultural expectations/standards not shared by the other, for instance conversion to another religion (in the case of Jews, for example), cultural dress or standards of behaviour (as in certain middle eastern cultures). That sort of thing could lead to all sorts of complications if one partner isn't willing to go along with the expected behaviour.

[EricH]

I have no issue with it. People are people. God loves us all

[Guest Biblicist]

God specifically told certain people in the Bible not to marry from other races?

Did that have to do with worship of the one true God or race? Consider Solomon. He married women from another race and look where that got him, idol worship....I think we need to follow God's direction when choosing a lifemate.

[David of Derby]

I will admit that I don't personally like the idea of interracial dating, but there is no Biblical grounds to oppose it, so I agree with David that it is a matter of choice. The only thing the Bible forbids is a believer to marry an unbeliever.

Plenty of people do that. One of my closest friends is married to an atheist, and perfectly happy with him.

[Ddavid from NC]

God specifically told certain people in the Bible not to marry from other races?

Did that have to do with worship of the one true God or race? Consider Solomon. He married women from another race and look where that got him, idol worship....I think we need to follow God's direction when choosing a lifemate.

I would say, that was for protection of their purity of their worship of Jehovah. Solomon's downfall was his introduction of pagan wives to his household, who brought their idols. The Song of Solomon the object of his affection is a dark skinned woman (nubian). There is no negative statement in Scripture about the relationship. Moses married a nubian woman and it angered Miriam. It is unique in that he is known as the lawgiver, yet interrracially married. But the decision was not free of conflict, but God stepped in an corrected her ignorance.

[Guest Biblicist]

Shouldn't every marriage be a union dedicated to the protection of the purity of our worship of Jehovah?

[Ddavid from NC]

Shouldn't every marriage be a union dedicated to the protection of the purity of our worship of Jehovah?

Sure, no argument there. I guess the question would be first, are they a Christian? But, should race or culture be a question?

[Guest Biblicist]

Shouldn't every marriage be a union dedicated to the protection of the purity of our worship of Jehovah?

Sure, no argument there. I guess the question would be first, are they a Christian? But, should race or culture be a question?

I've said it before..."I'd rather have my daughter, or son, marry a Christian who is "outside their race" than marry someone of the same color skin that is not a Christian." Skin color is not as important as spiritual walk.

Some info from AiG about "races"....Answers in Genesis full article here

There is really only one race

[Guest LadyC]

we aren't to be unequally yoked. in the Bible when people were not to marry outside their race, it had nothing to do with the colour of their skin, and everything to do with faith. people of other nations served little gods, not the one true God.

there is no reason why a christian shouldn't date or even marry a person of another race, provided that other person also knows OUR God.