Hiya!

I'm writing an essay at the moment on the differences between racism and religious separatism (i.e. you only marry within a faith). I believe in marrying only someone who is hindu like me. Don't say 'what if you fall in love with someone who isn't of same faith' because I won't. Religion is part of your soul, and love is the bond between two souls, so how can two souls join if they are not of the same beliefs?
Anyways, I want to know what hinduism says about the subject, are there any teachings on religious separatism?

Any help before Monday would be appreciated... cheers!

What about "religious sects separation" within a religion. Your logic can be extended to religious sects also, can't it?

And then there are further difference between individuals within a sect based on their individual interpretations of the religious tenets. How do you plan to handle that?

Are you so unable to run your own life that you are setting up religion to do it for you, or is there some other reason?

I've never encountered any necessity for same-religion marriages.

I do remember that it is imparitive that your spouse is not a road block to your spirituality.

While I am not married, I do have a significant other who is a Catholic. This has never been a problem for either of us, and does nothing to seperate our souls from each other.

Dear Anushri,

I'm sorry that I couldn't get you anything by Monday.

I am a westerner married to a Hindu, so I'm in an awkward situation to advise. We are both fairly non-observant, but I have a more abiding interest in Hinduism than my husband has. Nonetheless, I commend you for wanting to marry a Hindu - marriage with people of other faiths would put too many liabilities on practice of your religion and childrearing.

I know that the Roman Catholic Church insists that children born to a marriage between a Catholic and non-Catholic be raised as Catholics. I am not sure what other Christian denominations teach. Believe it or not, I attended a wedding where the bride and groom had both Hindu and Christian (Baptist) ceremonies!

Islamic teachings on marriage between Muslims and non-Muslims are yet another means of promoting Islamic domination in the family, the most basic of social units. Please consult the timely posting by Hindu Rashtra at http://www.hindunet.org/forum/discus/messages/35/693.html?MondayJanuary1020000757am#POST6204 for details and hypertext links.

Some months ago, a Mr. Bhatia had asked for people's opinions on this forum about marriage with a Moslem woman (his fiancee was Muslim). He was informed that Hinduism did not put restrictions on marriage with non-Hindus, but he was advised of obstacles that he would face. I was not successful in locating that discussion.

You are right to distinguish between racial differences and religious differences. Moslem groups are particularly adept at trying to confuse the two, by making criticisms of Islam symptomatic of racism. Racism is bigotry against people because of their skin color or ethnic origin - characteristics that a person is born with and cannot readily change. Religious differences are based in differences in thought, belief, and philosophy. I don't have quarrel with other religions, unless they threaten my survival.

OM shanti,
Julie

Miss Anu,

Marriage in Hinduism is not limited to two souls. Infact it involves marriages between two families. A marriage bonds both the groom and bride and at the same time towards family members of both families.

Duties are extensively involved for both the bride and groom towards each other family. Both the groom and bride duties are not limited to themselves alone, they have to accomodate to all the family members. Such accomodation goes further down to cousins, nephews/nieces as well. At old age it goes down further to grand children and if alive further to great grand children. Such closeness within family members is very very important for a hindu. If a bride or groom from other faiths could adapt to such practices, than it is most wellcome.

I believe that marriage is a bonding of many souls from both sides then the 2 souls in love. That 2 souls have to merge with other souls of the family too to see the fruits of married life.

Thandabani

I bet Anushri will not be able to tackle Vinaire but I am sure other learned participants can to Vinaire's question. Please don't say his question does not make sense this time.