It has been a few years since I read the story, so if I get some details wrong... please forgive me. My recollection is that the young man and woman were from two different families, the Montagues and the Capulets. These families had been feuding for years, so when Romeo and Juliet, each from one of these families, "fell in love" the problems soon began. The end of the matter is the death of both of the young lovers. So, what does this have to do with anything on a Bible blog. Well...
The idea that love conquers all leads people to make decisions they often regret. Interfaith marriages are on the rise these days, but the statistics show that they are also failing at the same rate. So, what does the Bible have to say on the matter and should we even care? Let me deal with the second question first... We should care! As a Christian, we understand that marriage is for life, so who we marry is a very big deal. We join with that person (the two become one) before God and pledge to live the rest of our lives with them. We will most likely have children with them and raise these children to have some set of spiritual beliefs. If we disagree with our spouse about what those beliefs are, trouble is not far behind. We should care, because God cares. He created the family unit with a very specific purpose in mind.
So, if it matters (and it does), what does the Bible teach about interfaith marriages? The Old Testament is crystal clear on the subject. God's people were not to marry those that were not of the same faith.
Do not intermarry with them, giving your daughters to their sons or taking their
daughters for your sons, for that would turn away your children from following
me, to serve other gods. Then the anger of the Lord would be kindled against
you, and he would destroy you quickly. (Deut 7:1-4)
God did not want His people to marry anyone that might draw them away from their relationship with Him. (other OT scriptures that include this thought are Ex 34:12-16; Ezra 10:2-3; Neh 13:25-27; Mal 2:11)
The New Testament is equally as clear on the subject. Keep in mind that at that time there was only one church, so the discussion is never about different groups that follow different belief systems, it deals with Christians and non-Christians. Paul gives us clear insight into his teaching on the matter in two locations. First, 1 Corinthians 7:39 tells the Christian that is married to a non-Christian that they may remarry after their spouse has died, but only to another Christian. The idea behind the scripture is that the person became a Christian, while their original mate did not. They were to remain with them as long as they were alive, but if their spouse died, they should only marry a Christian.
The second teaching comes from 2 Corinthians 6:14-15, Do
not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what
partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what
fellowship has light with darkness? What
accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with
an unbeliever? Here, Paul is very clear that the believer was to only marry another believer. He paints a picture of these two people being complete opposites, how can light and darkness co-exist? You get the idea.
I believe most people, most Christians understand this teaching; however, many do not abide by it and they suffer the consequences of their choice. (if Christ is truly their Master) The big rub is what to do with so many different "churches" and all the differences that exist in them. A young man and a young woman meet, date, develop a relationship and move towards marriage and all the while serious differences remain on spiritual matters. They are in love, and love concurs all... right... wrong! They may agree to disagree so that they go along to get along. But, what happens when Jr. comes along. Dad wants him taught one way, Mom wants him taught another way. What then? To often, the marriage is destroyed, lawyers enter the situation and a judge decides what the child will be taught.
What's my point? Simply this... don't give your heart away until the spiritual differences are settled. It is far easier to make the decision to walk away before "love" enters the relationship. Once the relationship reaches that stage, clear heads no longer rule and bad decisions are made. How do I know this? Because my wife and I did just that. We were in love and nothing could get in the way of that. We tried compromise churches... didn't work. We tried no church... didn't work. I give her full credit. She decided to study the Bible and determined to let the Word be the final say in the matter. Not family. Not friends. Not tradition. Not heritage. She was courageous and I am thankful for her determination to get to the truth of the matter. We were able (after the marriage) to put our spiritual marriage together. She would tell you the same thing... get it settled before you walk down the aisle and say "I do".
My encouragement to young people (and old), make Christ first in your life and settle the problem before it grows into something that can only be settled by divorce. Study your Bibles together and let His Word rule in every matter. Always! Your future together depends on it. Your children's future depends on it. Your future in heaven depends on it. Next to the decision to become a Christian and make Jesus your Lord and Master, who you marry is the most important decision you will ever make. It is that important. May you treat it that way!
Imagine a different ending for Romeo and Juliet... they worked out the family differences and lived happily ever after. I like that better, don't you?
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