My friend is a STRICT baptist christian, but she just found out yesterday that her boyfriend is Jahovahs Witness. she knows that in church they talk about how Jahovahs witness is not a true religion. she knows that her boyfriends religion is important to him though. she is not going to break up with him but she is scared he will ask her to change her religion and she wont. she is in love with him and she doesnt want it to end over religion.
211607
i say end it. religion from strong religious families causes a whole bunch of problems that extend all the way to grandma.
589965
HI Derek,\nGood question. Obviously I do not know what your friend's church background is. Although what she is doing is appropriate from a Biblical standpoint, she might be legalistic in her approach (Overly stiff, following a rule as though its the ONLY way to do something). But let's assume that she is a Christian that simply desires to walk with God in a close manner. There's a "fancy" word called sanctification. It means to be set apart. Both the Old Testament and the New are full of stories and commands that depict that God expects his people to NOT look like the non-believing people. So that alone could cause your friend to choose Christian music over secular. Have you listened to the words in secular music lately Derek? They've always talked about love, but they are now often filled with a lot of profanity, sex even violence. Christians are called to not purposely fill their minds with those things (Romans 12:1-2) because as a man thinks so he acts...(Proverbs 23:7) so if we fill our minds with negative thoughts, we tend to be very pessimistic. The same is true with any thoughts - garbage in - garbage out!\n\nWhen a person becomes a Christian they are set apart by Christ - He calls them to change, to leave what was behind and press ahead to what God has called them to do- He provides the power (Ephesians 5) but as a Christian we are under new ownership (2 Corinthians 5:17-21). If you are not a Christian, that may seem very odd, but it makes sense that if you have a new "boss" at work, you do things his way - especially if that boss is smart, loving and giving like God. Why wouldn't you want to follow him? \n\nAnyway, you asked, where in the Bible does it say....the problem in answering is: where does it not say that. I could quote passage after passage, but I think you see my point. \n\nFrankly, Christians SHOULD be involved as engineers, scientists, musicians, doctors and everything else. Christians are called to be salt and light to a world (Matthew %:13-14) which Jesus says is corrupted and is dying (He died to save people who recognize that and turn to Him). Perhaps your friend is overdoing it a bit - but perhaps this is her way of saying, enough is enough, and she's trying to run form her junky past and begin living more consistently for God. I hope you will be patient and supportive. \n\nHope that helps.\n\nMy best,\nProf Mark\nhttp://prof-mark.com
176027
since there probably are, would you not be their friend because they were? \nwhat does it matter what they are? \nyou should only worry about yourself. how would you feel that somebody was more wrapped up in your religion and your hertatige than the fact that you may be pretty, for example, and you may have very good relationship ethics.\nim not trying to be mean, by any means. i would just like you to know by singeling out someone (BTW im not saying you are, ok?) because of their religion or race may limit you on a very good friend or more.\ntake a step back and look at how they portray themselvs as an individual not a black, gay, jew.\ni am currently dating a guy that i have been dating for a year~ he has had a problem with homophobia in the past~ he would have never started dating me if he ever knew i had a 3some once, now he loves me and has asked me to marry him. the moral of that was that he had a revelation that i was not bad or a bad person because i was open to it or that i had done it. if he would have judged me before knowing me we would never have the relationship we have now.\nBTW im streight, white, female and 25 years old and i dont hold anything anybody else does against them. im the one that makes the choices in my life, what others do with their life is up to them. \ni was just trying to enlighten anybody else who might read this also, that just try to be as open minded as possible you never know what you might miss out on in your life.
83426
I would say that she should be happy he is going to church, and shouldn 't worry about it too much unless he starts harassing her or talking about getting back together.  \n\nAlthough the church is out of his way, maybe he just feels more comfortable there.\n\nIs this girl SURE that she's the reason he's going there?  If not, it's not fair to read more into it.\n\nWhy is it stressing her out?  If the relationship ended mututally and on good terms, there shouldn't be a problem.\n\nLet the boy go to church in peace unless he starts causing problems.
269622
we are going through same situation.  my boyfriend is scheduled to ride a ship this next week and be a seafarer.  we won't see each other for about nine months.  the worst thing is there are a lot of temptations in a seafarer's life.  I know that's why it's really hard for me to take the reality everyday.  I have no choice.  All we can do is to trust the guy we love and believe them with what they are saying.  We have no choice anyway.  Just think possitively and remember that it's part of God's plan.  And whatever they will do, whether they remain faithful or not, it's their choice.  They must just be ready for the thing called "karma".
439190
My husband and I are atheists. He told me about his position before we married and I accepted it. I was an atheist in every way but by name, and just decided that I am what I am; I've been happy with the decision ever since.\n\nThat said, the argument they give about dating outside of their faith is almost the same one used by those who oppose gay marriage. They somehow believe that gay marriage is a threat to heterosexual marriage. My husband and I have discussed this before; our feeling is, if our marriage is somehow threatened by Bob and Dave's marriage, then we have other problems. Our marriage is our marriage; the only threat to our marriage would be a lack of love, respect or communication with the other. That's our problem, not something Bob and Dave created.\n\nIf you are strong in your beliefs, whatever they are, you rise to the challenge to defend them. Your faith (whether in God or in yourself) should not be shaken by association with those who believe differently than you. If anything, it should bolster your confidence to go out into the world. \n\nYour friend believes that all she does is based on faith at its very foundation. Frankly, she may be feeling very conflicted because you are a decent, trusting, and honorable person on your own - without having the guilt of religion as a motivator to be these things. In her mind, and that of her friends, you can't have those qualities without faith. Your relationship with her proves that you can; it's a threat to what she believes, and on some level she may be questioning her faith. You are not asking her to give up her faith. You are treating her with kindness, respect and are offering the prospect of being in a loving relationship. You have not shunned her friends because they are Christians, you embrace them as cool people who just happen to believe differently. \n\nI don't know what to tell you other than you seize opportunities when they're presented to you. I hope she at least considers how wonderful dating could be for the both of you. The only way you're going to know is to jump in and see what happens. If it goes well, you will approach any hurdles your differences present from a standpoint of love and respect. If it doesn't work, you will have given it an effort, and time will heal whatever heartbreak occurs.\n\nYou can't know how it's going to work without giving it a chance.
243048
there is always a thin line and a very weak one actually that could be badly broken when we do intimate encounters with people that at first failed to be honest with us in terms of how his or her personal life is....for the start that Jesus didn't told you that he was with someone at first makes him someone "hard to trust" since hey he might do this same situation with another girl if he is with you...but, that is a point that you have to discuss with him that you might, maybe, perhaps could be with him if he can be trust worthy enough in his actions with you as "friends" FIRST....if there is people making you feel like you were the cause of the broken relationship of Jesus with his girlfriend, be sure that that is FALSE, since it was Jesus and Jesus's actions that put off tracks his relationship, so don't feel guilty and too much worried about it, of course always keep your self steem high and up front, because well people loves to talk to much.....in the case for Daniel, you might then to look ways without been to pushy into showing him that you are trust worthy and a good intentioned girl, look for small moments where you can ask him looking into his eyes "how are you doing?" and give him a warm smile so he can see that you care for his wellbeing, don't panic if he is not so sweet responding, it will take a while until he can see that you are a really good girl for him to be with, just be clear that if he is not then responding as you hope, don't feel let out, guys are quite complicated when they are studying a girl...the important thing here is that you know yourself best and your actions, be wise and loving to you first that the rest will come along... Good Luck
140599
Oh my, no you won't. And I am sure there are those that could quote verse upon verse, usually out of context, to persuade you it is so.  From a christian stand point, which is what your friend is supposedly espousing, are these not the very people you should showing God's love to?\nIs this Wiccan person forcing you to her company, her beliefs, her spirituality?  My guess is no. If you want to be a christian be one, but ask yourself not what a host of disjointed verses can be construed to mean, but simply if Christ  met this woman, what would he do, how would he treat her. Christ's message is love. If you do not believe in the christian teachings, this should be of noconsequence to you. It seems the offensive party here is the "friend" that deems you should Judge others based on her beliefs.
447051
If God loves you, he wont let you stop the relationship. God isnt against love, he promotes it! Dont hear a man words, hear God words of love, friendship and sincerity. If your Rev, mother or someone else told you that people of the same religion cant mix, that person dont follow that they say and "belive". God is love and kindness, think in that.
14291
We as humans were designed to interlock with the opposite sex. Thats the way God made us. The relational differences between a female/male relationship and a female/felmale relationship can be confusing. Jesus offers us a way out of our sinful lifestyles. I was involved in what you are now involved in. It is no doubt hard. I felt so bad and was so unsure of everything. But once we recognize that we are not perfect then we can go to Christ and He will forgive us and lay upon us the will to change and do better in His sight. All sins are equal and they all demand repentance. You need to get out of this situation for your spiritual well being. You should pray and ask what God wants for you. Tell her that your friendship means a lot and that is why it developed into what it is. Tell her you overstepped some important boundaries apologize and ask her to forgive you. I will pray for you. Just remember Jesus saves the broken hearted. No sin is too great to be pardoned as long as you come willing to yield to Him.
146294
I was raised Baptist, but I no longer go to a Baptist church. I notice that you say nothing about being saved, only about "believing in God." Remember that the devil believes in God, too. Maybe by that, you meant that you were saved, I don't know - just a thought. \n\nLet's put this into perspective. Christians have two commandments - that we love God above all else, and that we love each other. The Bible teaches that we should have fellowship with other Christians - because it encourages us and lets us grow in our relationship with God, which keeps us close to Him. It also strengthens every member that they might better avoid poor choices and sinful decisions. \n\nAnother aspect to this is that to be saved and to love God means that you have a personal relationship with Him. He wants you to worship Him and have fellowship with other Christians. When you do not, I think it hurts Him. When you avoid the chance to do what his word taught that you should for your own reasons (staying out on Sat. night), I think that also hurts Him. In human to human relationships, we try to not hurt each other because of our love for each other. In a human to God relationship, that should apply even more so. \n\nYou can pray anywhere, and going to a church building is not going to church. The church is not the building - it is the people. \n\nI think that you can be a Christian and not go to church, most definitely. But I don't think you can reach your potential as a Christian without actively seeking God's will instead of your own.
497837
Jehovah's Witnesses tend to be very good. Single, widowed, and properly divorced persons among them decide for themselves if and whome they will date. \n\nGenerally, a Jehovah's Witness will only date a member of his faith, since dating is viewed as a path to marriage. The Scriptures clearly instruct a true worshipper to marry only another true worshipper.\n\n(Exodus 23:32) You are not to conclude a [marriage or other] covenant with them or their gods.\n\n(Deuteronomy 7:3) And you must form no marriage alliance with [unbelievers]. Your daughter you must not give to his son, and his daughter you must not take for your son.\n\n(1 Corinthians 7:39) She is free to be married to whom she wants, only in the Lord.\n\n(Nehemiah 13:25) You should not give your daughters to [the unbeliever's] sons, and you should not accept any of their daughters for your sons or yourselves.\n\n(2 Corinthians 6:14) Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers.\n\n\nThe Scriptures also warn against elevating human desires above godly teachings.\n\n(2 Thessalonians 2:1-3) We request of you not to be quickly shaken from your reason... Let no one seduce you in any manner\n\n(Romans 16:17-18) Keep your eye on those who cause ... stumbling contrary to the teaching that you have learned, and avoid them. ...by smooth talk and complimentary speech they seduce the hearts of guileless ones. \n\n(2 Timothy 4:3-5) For there will be a period of time when they will not put up with the healthful teaching, but, in accord with their own desires, they will accumulate teachers for themselves to have their ears tickled... You, though, keep your senses in all things, suffer evil, do the work of an evangelizer, fully accomplish your ministry.\n\nLearn more:\nhttp://watchtower.org/e/19990215/article_01.htm
268506
I have a similar situation. I think you are doing the right thing so far.\nI suggest that you pray (don't underestimate the power of prayer) and that you ask God to show you how to show this person His love.\nI am finding it helpful to keep open non-threatening discussion about both of our beliefs (she used to think all Christians were unreasonable and couldn't think for themselves). And I am trying to show her (through actions, more than words) the positive effect God has on my life - like how I treat people, and that I can rely on God.\nI really hope that you can get some where with your friend. I'll pray for you, and your friend. God Bless.
514284
My little sister please hear me out.\n\nMatthew 6:33 says "But seek you first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things will be added unto you."\n\nThere is nothing like just spending time with Jesus, in His word, in prayer, and in worship, all at our masters feet. Yes there is a bit of pleasure in kissing or in the other drives that God has made us with, though all in His time, it is like a beautiful flower that blooms. Love is patient and it is kind. If you and your boyfriend are meant to be together then in God's perfect time, by His perfect will, then you both will be together. If it is not God's will then know this that God has someone so much better for you then you could have ever imagined. Please don't just read God's Word, the Bible as just another book, for it is 66 love letters from God to you, and for you to grow and mature by. The love of Jesus for you can't be compared to by anything else, no human relationship or even what we have, for all will seem dim when I am with Him. Seek to really know God first, and in His proper time, You will see that the love that waits will be rewarded. \nTrust God and obey your mom and dad. \nYour in my prayers. God Bless You<>< + ><>
562700
Girl, if you're a Christian, you know the Bible tells us not to be unequally yoked (in marriage).  And the reason a Christian dates is for the sole purpose of getting married.  He sounds manic.  He needs medication.  You should pray for him, but like the other woman said, get away from him.  You won't be deserting him.  He'll live.  And perhaps his aunt and uncle do have it good, but it's not about what we have here on earth.  It's about what we get after death, and the saved individual gets eternal life in heaven with Christ.  Tell your boyfriend to stick his foot in a burning fire, and then ask him if he wants to spend eternity with his whole body in there.  Yes, it does seem like nonbelievers are just as blessed as Christians.  But just think about what comes after you die.  Remember, you're a stranger here.  You don't belong here.  You're just passing through.
327626
No it shouldn't affect your friendship. We all have different beliefs and faith, but God said love one another as you love yourselves. There's no need to be affected by different religions after all aren't we all worshiping one God, only in different ways and in different name? If they're dropping you because of their religion then I guess they are not mature people and their faith in God is not that strong. Just pray for them and try to understand them, I think you're more mature than them. Don't drop them as your friends and don't even consider dropping your church for them. Just let things be as they are, no need to change. Just be sure to be there for them when they need you, then they will know that you are a true friend. God bless.
589599
GIRL I CAN FEEL YOU ON THIS ONE...LET ME LET YOU IN ON A LITTLE SECRET HE IS UNHAPPY IN HIS LIFE AND  HAS NO LIFE OF HIS ON HIS OWN.. AND SINCE HE IS  NOT H-A-P-P-Y... HE  DO NOT WANT TO SEE Y-O-U.. HAPPY...SO THIS WHAT YOU SHOULD DO ACT LIKE  THIS DOESN'T BOTHER YOU KEEP YOUR CHRIST AND THAT GOOD BOOK  IN YOUR  LIFE AND I PROMIS YOU..HE'LL (GOD) WILL SEND THAT GOD FEARING MAN..LET SAY THIS AGAIN..A GOD FEARING NOT MAN FEARING MAN..,.SMILE BECAUSE BEEN THERE  GOT OVER THAT ........ OYA THAT SO CALL FRIEND THAT STOP TALKING TO YOU CAUSE DUDE SAID SO.. WAS NOT YOUR FRIEND FROM WHAT I'VE READ....TAKE A  STEP BACK A LOOK FOR YOURSELF GIRL..TRUST ME HE (GOD FEARING MAN )IS ON HIS WAY.