Originally Posted By davewasbaloo No, I didn't think you woud convert. I figured you might be exploring and wanted to chat about some of the themes and issues.
Originally Posted By piratebrittany Ann, Mr PB is Muslim. We've been dating for about two years and his family is still not totally accepting of me and my non-religious ways. His mother is the only acception. She seems to really like me alot. BUT she was raised Christian and converted to marry his father because she loved him very much and knew that he had strong values and took pride in his religion. His father is heavily religious and takes every detail to heart. He's warming up to me as a friend and person, but definitely not as someone who his son should date. Mr PB is not the same though. He jokingly calls himself the worst Muslim in the world. He doesn't believe in a majority of their ideals, doesn't regularly practice the religion itself and doesn't follow the dietary guidelines. But he was raised Muslim and didn't begin to form his current beliefs until he was older. Since he was raised Muslim he has been the best source for information. I know you want to learn on your own as well as just constantly asking him things, but if you ever feel there is a question you'd rather not ask him and you can't seem to find the answer, let me know and Mr PB will tell you.
Originally Posted By Labuda Thanks, PB! And, wow, yeah, while Imran does pray 5x a day and attend Mosque if he's out of work on time on Fridays, he so far is not meeting my expectations in other ways. And, btw, when I met Mr PB last year, I was quite impressed - he's a very nice young man. Here's hoping things work out for you two. And, yeah, me being Christian makes me wonder if Imran's family would ever accept me... especially since I've seen a picture of one of his daughters in prayer garb. And she (and her sister) will be 3 in a few months.
Originally Posted By SFH (Going back and reading this... you have probably though about these things, Labuda, so this is more of a general observation about interfaith dating...) Dominant/orthodox (small "o") Christian theologians say that Christianity is primarily about who Jesus Christ is (G-d and man) and what he did/does (provide salvation through his death on the cross). From what I understand, dominant/orthodox Muslim theologians maintain that Jesus Christ is "merely" a prophet, lesser to Mohammad, and that he didn't die on the cross, and that a person gains salvation if their good deeds outweigh their bad deeds. Now, that's theology that conflicts - but maybe your personal beliefs don't conflict or maybe those issues aren't important to either of you. It is just one of those things interfaith couples have to discuss... along with how much, if any of your money will be given to which churches, mosques, or other religious organizations; which holidays to celebrate and how, etc. And the in-law thing DOES matter. If your in-laws reject you, then your partner has to choose either his family of origin or you, unless you both enjoy constant tension, fighting, drama, and slights.
Originally Posted By Labuda Funny you bring that up about Jesus. That's actually something Imran already told me about then explained. His belief is that someone else took Jesus' place on the cross and Jesus did not die, but simply somehow left. He does believe that someday Jesus will return, but you're right - he looks at Jesus as just another prophet. And, truth be told, I'm ok with that line of thinking. *shrug* As for holidays - well, I'd be bummed if we didn't do the holidays I'm used to - the big ones, I mean - Christmas, Thanksgiving, 4th of July, Halloween, and my birthday. hehe But other stuff (even Easter) I'm ok with not celebrating. I mean, I get why Easter is celebrated (the resurrection of Jesus), but it's still kind of celebrating murder in my book, so ugh. No me gusta! (Though I do love chocolate bunnies! nom nom nom!)
Originally Posted By KCCHIEF the year that my mother-in-law visited (for 6 months)....she loved the Christmas lights but hated everything about Halloween. I had the front porch all decorated (as I always do) and she would not even walk past the stuff.....she said she was scared. My daughter and son (according to my ex) are Muslim...they have attended Mosque on Fridays and my daughter has worn the clothes that he wants her to wear. I now take my son to a Lutheran church and my daughter is at a private Catholic college. They are being more educated than I was.....in lots of ways
