Complete Idiot's Guide to Interfaith Realtionships

by Rozakis, Laurie E.

• ISBN13: 9780028639819
• ISBN10: 0028639812
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-02-01
• Publisher: DK Publishing, Inc.

Summary

Though interfaith relationships are so common today that in some faiths and age groups they are almost the norm, the couples involved still face difficulties that same faith couples do not. This book is a frank discussion of religious identity, of the many factors to be considered when an interfaith romance becomes a marriage, and of the wedding itself. It suggests ways in which couples can start and maintain their own traditions and gives quidelines for deciding how to rear children and deal with discrimination. Even dealing with issues involving divorce and death, the guide is filled with useful information and resources for all religions.

Table of Contents

Part 1: Mixed Matches	1	(35)
Keeping the Faith	3	(10)
Read about some interfaith romances to discover their common characteristics. Then see how much you know about the number of people who follow a religion and the effects that religion may have on believers.
Strangers to the Tribe	13	(10)
Examine how your background, religion, and culture shape your world view. See what frightens people about mixed matches---and make sure you practice what you preach.
Present Your ID, Please	23	(12)
Before you decide what you want in a relationship, you have to decide who you are. This chapter helps you explore your identity so you can decide what role religion plays in your life and love.
Part 2: Defender of the Faith	35	(58)
Judaism	37	(12)
Learn about Judaism, the oldest of the world's three major monotheistic religions and a forerunner of Christianity and Islam. Explore how some Jewish people feel about interfaith relationships.
Christianity	49	(16)
See how Christianity began and what Christians believe as you survey the different Christian denominations. Examine the varying Christian attitudes toward interfaith relationships.
Islam	65	(10)
Beginning with an easy language lesson, discover the origins of Islam and what Muslims believe. Then we'll discuss the issue of Muslims and mixed matches.
Hinduism	75	(8)
Discover how Hinduism developed, what Hindus believe, and how they worship. Then read some true stories about love affairs among Hindus and partners from other religious backgrounds to explore the issue of Hindus and interfaith relationships.
Other Organized Religions	83	(10)
Find out all about the Baha'i, Buddhists, Druze Mennonites, Amish, and Unitarian faiths---and how they feel about outsiders entering the fold.
Part 3: Faith, Hope, and Charity: Interfaith Dating	93	(36)
The Dating Game	95	(14)
Learn why it's important to make a great first impression on your honey's family ... and what to do if you don't.
I'll be There for You: Dealing with Friends, Colleagues, and Strangers	109	(10)
Remember the old saying ``Make new friends but keep the old; one is silver, and the other gold.'' Find out how to keep your friends when you're dating someone of a different faith. Then see how to be a friend if the shoe is on the other foot.
Making It Work	119	(10)
See how to make your interfaith relationship thrive, including specific strategies for success.
Part 4: Celebrating Our Differences: Interfaith Weddings	129	(80)
Tempest in a Tabernacle: The Wedding	131	(10)
Understand why weddings are watershed events in the life of the participants, their families, and the community.
A Jewish Wedding Ceremony	141	(8)
Learn the basics of a Jewish wedding, including when to have the wedding, where, and who should officiate. Then walk through the ceremony before you decide to walk down the aisle.
Christian Wedding Ceremonies	149	(12)
This chapter covers the basics of Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, and Protestant weddings.
Going to the Building and We're Gonna Get Married	161	(10)
Find out about Chinese, Hindu, Japanese, Mormon, Muslim, Unitarian, and Ecumenical wedding ceremonies to help you design the wedding that's right for you and your honey.
Design Your Own Wedding Vows	171	(16)
You can have it your way---when you and your sweetheart write your own vows. Add as much, or as little, religion as you want.
All in the Family---But Whose? The Issue of Conversion	187	(8)
Conversion may sound like a great way to solve religious differences in a mixed match, but is it really? This chapter will help you consider this crucial issue.
Rites and Rights	195	(14)
Explore ways to make an interfaith wedding and marriage a success, including an exploration of what marriage means to you and your honey.
Part 5: And Baby Makes ...	209	(50)
Sexpectations	211	(10)
Your religious and cultural background often determines your attitudes toward sex. There can be serious clashes when you marry someone with different attitudes toward sex. See how you can minimize these issues.
Baby Talk	221	(10)
Discover strategies for resolving religious issues when babykins is on the horizon. Then see why naming your baby and the first religious ceremonies---baptism and bris---can set the stage for your family's future.
Home for the Holidays---But Which Holidays?	231	(14)
From the ``December Dilemma'' to the ``Matzoh Bunny,'' religious holidays can be a minefield for interfaith couples. Learn ways to defuse those bombs ... now!
Baby's Religious Education	245	(14)
From religious preschool programs to coming of age religious ceremonies, this chapter covers it all!
Part 6: Untying the Knot	259	(42)
Dealing with Divorce	261	(10)
Explore the effect of religious differences on marital stability. Then learn strategies for making divorce less painful, especially among interfaith couples.
Christian, Jew, and Heaven Too?	271	(30)
Find out the funeral customs followed by Christians and Jews. Then see how to deal with the problems these differences can cause when death strikes interfaith couples.
Appendixes
A: Glossary	283	(10)
Learn the terms for different religious rites and customs.
B: Resources on Interfaith Relationships	293	(8)
Discover additional materials to enrich your knowledge of world religions and interfaith romances.
Index	301