Catolica o cristiana!?

[Ricardo]

I understand that many catholics in Colombia and latin america in general view the differences between protestants (cristianos) and catholics very differently that we do here in north america.  
I am curious as to what opinions your novias or wives have voiced about cristianos - eg.  do they want their children to be raised catholic, or does it matter, do their families accept a non-catholic wedding, do they want the man to accept and convert to the catholic church? what is their opinion on religious artifacts in the home,...etc,  
Thanks in advance!  
Ricardo

[Brazilophile]

... in response to Catolica o cristiana!?, posted by Ricardo on Oct 7, 2005

I agree with everyone who says it depends on the chica.  I am not religious but my fiancee is strongly Christian.  Her entire family is very religious.  Religion was only an issue to the extent that I was willing to allow her to have her own independent religious views.  She has her relationship with God and needed for me (or any man) to not interfere in it.  My religious practices were a non-issue with her.

As for children, we both agree that children should be taught religion but only practice a religion after they can understand the concepts of God and faith.

[JaySlo]

... in response to Re: Catolica o cristiana!?, posted by Brazilophile on Oct 9, 2005

You are absolutely right in your stance. However, you should say your non-religious stance is a non factor. I believe you will be on the outside looking in in the not too distant future as a Christian has an obligation not to be tied to a non believer.

[utopiacowboy]

... in response to Catolica o cristiana!?, posted by Ricardo on Oct 7, 2005

My wife and her family are very traditional people so nothing less than a Catholic wedding was acceptable to them. Since I am Catholic also, it was not a big deal but it could be a deal breaker for some people. I would say for many, maybe most, women it's not an issue.

[jediknight]

... in response to Catolica o cristiana!?, posted by Ricardo on Oct 7, 2005

as always it depends on the girl and the family. my fiancee and family are catholic, so am i but non practicing. this was never an issue, i was very open as to my lack of participation in the church. my fiancee and her family are devote but not fanatics, they goto church every sunday, live their lives with God always present but don´t have religious icons, pictures etc all over the house. they do have a bible on display but it is in the corner of the dining room, not in the center as i have seen in many homes. since we are getting married in the church, i´ve willingly and enthusiastically begun to goto mass and learn more about catholisim.
another thing that i remember was that during the months that i´ve been with them, the only time that religion was ever brought up was on sunday for that one hour of service, otherwise í was never hit over the head with constant references, made to feel like i had to be more religious if i wanted to have a future with with my fiancee, nothing, i liked that a lot. i´m going to ask her but i don´t think that she would have married outside the church, ie civil wedding. i think that if she had met another who was non catholic things may have been more difficult but i´ll ask her and see what she says.
JK

[Looking4Wife]

... in response to Catolica o cristiana!?, posted by Ricardo on Oct 7, 2005

Just as in the USA, and everywhere, it depends on how dedicated the girl (and guy for that matter) is to her faith and/or religious practices.

I am a devout Christian (evangelical), and I targeted devout Christian girls.  I dated one devout Catholic girl and, despite the fact that we really liked each other a lot, she was ultimately instructed by family and friends to stop seeing me.  I dated a couple other Catholic girls that were open to pursuing evangelical Christianity, so religion was not a problem for me dating these girls.

[Ricardo]

... in response to Re: Catolica o cristiana!?, posted by Looking4Wife on Oct 7, 2005

Thanks for your posting. But I am curious as to what would be the reasons, etc., why family and friends of the girl in question would disapprove and ultimate convince her to stop seeing you.... I really would like to know.  
Sounds like they really came on strong, or that she wasn't really that into you;
OTOH, it was probably best if there were some significant disagreements about how or if you two could compromise in your religious practices.  
Good luck in your search!

[Looking4Wife]

... in response to Re: Re: Catolica o cristiana!?, posted by Ricardo on Oct 7, 2005

The girl really was into me.  That was clear, by her affection, the unique things that she expressed about me, and the concern she had over our religious differences.

As I and others have said, it depends on the girl (and the guy) as to whether these differences will be a barrier to the relationship.

If neither parties are "devout", then religion virtually becomes a non-issue.

If both parties are devout, but in different practices of their faith, this can become a problem when the 2 practices clash.

For example, one of the questions she asked me was, "Do you believe in the virgin Mary".  My response was, "I believe in Mary, but I don't pray to her".

This is an example of something that could be problematical in a devout Catholic dating a devout evangelical Christian:  the issue of praying to Catholic designated "Saints".  A devout Catholic MAY (or may not) embrace this concept, whereas a devout evangelical Christian would (USUALLY) be adamantly opposed to this practice.

[Ricardo]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Catolica o cristiana!?, posted by Looking4Wife on Oct 8, 2005

I agree with you; depends on the degree of committment to the church or religion in question, etc.  Something that need to be known in the early stages if religious practice is important.  Thanks.