Quote:
Originally posted by Marie
Hmmm, see I interpret this a little differently than you do. I don't think that choosing not to marry someone of a different religion is the same as not tolerating other religions all together. I think that there is a difference btwn tolerating another religion and 'celebrating' it, which (for me) is the best description of practcing my religion. For instance:
1. Unwilling to tolerate differences in opinions, practices, or beliefs, especially religious beliefs.
- I am more than willing to learn about and discuss other religions. Furthermore, I encourage others to practice any and every religion that they feel is right for them. I don't think that anyone here is suggesting that any other religion is wrong for anyone who believes in it, or that any other religion should cease and desist so that their can become the prominent religion du jour.
2. Opposed to the inclusion or participation of those different from oneself, especially those of a different racial, ethnic, or social background.
- I have participated in several religious ceremonies with friends that are other religions than my own. I encourage anyone who is willing to attend my church, and I would be more than willing to attend their's in turn. Again no one here has said that they are not willing to acknowledge or learn more about other religions. It's just that for some religion in marriage is about more than merely attending the ceremonies.
3. Unable or unwilling to endure or support: intolerant of interruptions; a community intolerant of crime.
- I am quite supportive of those around me who are of other religions. If I'm spending the day w/a friend who is Muslim and they need to take time out to pray, then I encourage them to do so, and I'll help them to find a quite place to make it happen. Again, I've participated in religious ceremonies of other religions, and I've had in-depth discussions (not hostile, just informative) w/friends of other religions, so I'm not seeing where there is a lack of support or endurance.
I don't think that this stance/position speaks to intolerance of other religions. Perhaps, folks are intolerant of that living arrangement or marriage situation, but not of the religions themselves.
It seems that there is just 1 basic fundamental difference of opinion here. For some people practicing religion together (as one) is a part of marriage. For others it is not. I'm not sure why this seems to be so offensive to some. I don't think anyone is saying that it cannot be done. However, for some their expectation/belief/preference is that the husband is the spiritual leader of the household. His beliefs directly coorelate to how he runs the household. A Christian man should be taking his cues on fidelity, child-rearing, finances, the role of a good husband, the role of a good wife and many other issues from the Bible. Now if this is your expectation/belief/preference, then it only make sense that you would find a partner whose beliefs and guides are the same as yours. Otherwise your definition of the role of a good wife (etc.) and his definition may differ causing conflict. If this isn't your believe then great, marry who you will. However if it is, then its only logical that you want someone who is on the same page with you. Again no one is debating how anyone else's marriage works. Folks are just answering the original question, which is "What would YOU do?"
Marie
|
You missed my point entirely - I was simply saying that these folks are, indeed, being intolerant of other religions IN THEIR POTENTIAL SPOUSES. I did not extend this to a higher level, or anything like that - in fact, I express that in the caveat at the end. r->c->p
My goal was to make a larger point here: the term 'intolerant' has become almost jargon at this point, and the defensiveness over it is sickening. You can be open to other religions all you want, but the reality is that you are perfectly intolerant of other religions in a potential spouse. Now, everyone has eloquently explained rationale behind this, and that's fine - I can respect that, because there's nothing wrong with making that kind of choice for yourself (as long as it doesn't extend past that - like I said before).
But let's not pretend like it's not being intolerant - because in that limited sense, it is implicitly intolerant. It does not limit you from being tolerant or open in other fashions or scenarios - and your post spent about 1000 too many words making that point, although I specifically excluded it before.
Let's remove the defensiveness and negative connotation, and simply look at it in isolation.
Threaded Mode