Re:
Everyone.
Thanks for your replys. I am a Christian, and I guess sometimes we all struggle with our faith. The one thing that is hard for me to accept - is that only people who have accepted Jesus into their hearts will go to heaven. I realize that this is exactly what Christianity is based on - but I have a hard time with it. What about all of the other people in the world? What about my friends who aren't Christian? They do believe in God - and they are people of faith - but does this mean that they will burn in hell?
Anyways - I guess I didn't give enough details in my first posting. My boyfriend has never asked me to convert. He is also very open to Christianity. (he used to go to a Christian church and said that it was one of the best feelings he ever fely in his life) I have never asked him to convert. I'm not trying to turn my back on my Lord. Neither is he.
Yes, he does live in the same town as I do - and some of his family members are here. His whole family knows I am Christian, and they respect that. They keep asking us when we are going to marry, and they have totally welcomed me into their family. The country that they are from is a Muslim country, but from what I hear not nearly as stricy as some - the ladies don't have to wear veils - and that is not my concern. As far as the ladies in his family, they do as they please. They probably have more control over their men than many people realize. I have a bring home more money than my boyfriend, I've been raised in America, he's been here 5 years and loves how independent I am. As far as the future, we may live in America, or Paris where some of his other family members live, and just visit Africa. So my biggest concern isn't having to hide behind a veil.
I respect the Islamic faith. I think Ramadan is really special. I fasted for a few days by choice. I think that we can learn a lot from other faiths that will in turn strengthen our own.
I just want to know if anyone has ever found a way (and I know people have) to raise their children with a respect for Christianity and for Islam?
See, what gets me - is that he loves God. And I love God. And I don't know what's so wrong about that to where we couldn't raise our children to love God to the fullest, and to have respect for both faiths.
I respect the differences between Islam and Christianity - and I'm not trying to make them out to be the same. They are not.
So I just don't know where to go from here. Do any of you know a couple who has made this work?
Thanks for your love and concern -