Interracial Marriage

There seems to be one important fact missing here:

There is only one race--the Adamic race

There are different people of various ethnic origins, but there is only one race. We have all come from Adam. We all belong to the Adamic Race. In this respect it is wrong to speak of different races.

Acts 17:26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

 

How did we miss that? It must be because of sin!

 

Well said. Although, when most of us refer to "different races," (myself included) it's simply a verbal shortcut to describe physical differences...hair, skin color, features, etc.

Funny how some prejudice folk use the same Scripture you (DHK) correctly referenced, and incorrectly interpret it to justify their prejudices.

I want to make a distinction here...because words mean something. I think most folk that view interracial relationships as wrong are not racists, but are prejudiced.

Prejudice is defined as, "An adverse judgment or opinion formed beforehand or without knowledge or examination of the facts; a preconceived preference or idea." We'll see prejudice often manifested in an idea of separatism...more of a, "you do your thing, and I'll do mine" idea. They'll often use the aforementioned verse to justify their prejudices.

Racism, on the other hand, is defined as, "The belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others." This is an even more sinister evil than prejudice, IMO. I honestly think there aren't too many racists left in Baptist life (although one is too many); but I think there are still wayyy too many prejudiced folk.

I'm trying to be precise since this issue can get inflamed fast, and words do mean things. So...do I feel that those who claim God to frown on IR relationships are very likely prejudiced but aren't necessarily racist.

Hope that made sense.

(Definition source: http://www.thefreedictionary.com)

 

Is the true test to this, whether it would not matter to you if your daughter married into a black family or visa versa, for I have heard the blacks feel the same as most whites and do not want their children marrying whites.

If you are white, do you have to not care if your daughter marries a black, to be non-rascist??

BBob,

 

IMO the real question is how you would treat your daughter if she did pursue this relationship? Not wanting your child to be in an interracial relationship is not racist, and in most cases is a normal reaction. However, if she does marry interracially and you disown her you are....

 

Are there challenges to an interracial couple? Yup. And wise folks would consider them when entering into a relationship. But these challenges are becoming less daunting as years go by...and they are not challenges that are "deal breakers" for many.

If you read my earlier posts, you will also note that I stated, several times, that there is also no Scriptural mandate for these relationships. Many folks are attracted to people who look like them, features-wise. But this is a preference.

But if one says that God is against IR relationships, or that it is sinful.....then they are prejudiced IMO (please see my earlier distinction between "prejudiced" and "racist.")


I told this to a parent one time as well....and being a parent, I'm perfectly comfortable saying this:

I would rather my son (or daughter) marry a God-loving, Christlike spouse of another race ANY DAY OF THE WEEK over an "average" Christian (or ESPECIALLY non-Christian) of their same race.

If I end up with a black (or asian, or latino, or Inuit ) son-in-law or daughter-in-law, I'll be tickled as long as they know Christ, are growing in their faith, do their best to honor God in their new home, and treat my child as they should be treated.


And....let's keep in mind that when we talk about this, it always seems to end up on black and white. Those aren't the only two "races" there are, and if one is to be consistent, then one must either say, "IR relationships are not in and of themselves sinful," or one must say they ALL are. To be OK with an Asian marrying a European, but then being against a black marrying a white...is extremely inconsistent.

 

Does anyone honestly believe that posters are going to say that they are racist. I doubt it, most will keep their feelings to themselves and hope it never happens to them. IMO

I will step up to the plate and say that I would have a rough time dealing with it. If we are going to be honest then we must say what our real feelings are. We had a case in my close family, which caused a lot of hurt feeling all the way around. The child of this couple suffered the most, after a few years the family accepted it and show true love to the child, the parents divorced after a couple of years, but the damage to that child had already been done. People say they are not racist, but I really wonder, if it come home to them, whether you are black or white.

Some people speak of the South being racists, but the North is no different than the South. IMO

I wonder if it is sinful to bring a child into the world, knowing the kind of life it will have to live because of a mixe marriage. You certainly will cause that child to suffer more that we will ever know. I know of one child, who said "I wish I was white". He said this while he was still very young and when I heard of it, I knew that child was paying for the deeds of his parents and those of us who was around him.

Sure it is inconsistent, but we are what we are. We are a product of how we were raised. I remember when I traveled as a soldier on trains and stations seeing different places for whites and blacks. I on purpose sit where the blacks were, but did that change anything. No, it did not and I am glad those times are gone, but am I a rascist? If it means I have to accept inter-racial, then it becomes hard for me. Sorry if I offend anyone, I don't mean to. I am just giving a truthful answer.
BBob

 

My wife is part Cherokee, and also Amish, Dutch, German, plus a few others.
I am German, English, Irish, Swedish, and Norwegian.

I realize we have a mixed marriage, but do we have an "inter-racial marriage"?

 

I would not care one bit if my sons wanted to marry someone of different skin color.. I would welcome it.

I grew up around racism... I remember my uncle that was a police officer make jokes about the n******. And when I got old enough, I would cringe everytime I hear a joke like that. Even today, I have to tell my dad, and some other family to watch their mouths.. because I don't want them to infect my sons with this type of hate...

I remember arguing, yes arguing, with my grandmother because she said that blacks were monkeys without souls...
My dad told my sister if she were to marry a black boy, he would disown her...

So maybe this is why I react the way I do.
I really don't see the difference between prejudice and racism... only that prejudice is the mental attitude, and racism is the actual carrying out what you are thinking...

But if you feel your race is better than another and you don't agree with interracial marriage, you are a racist.

There is no scriptural basis for this hate...
And Christians had better lose this hate before they die...

If they don't they will be judged accordingly...
My grandmother died in 88... and I often wonder if I will see her again...
She had so much hate in her speech for the blacks...
But at the same time said she loved Jesus.

How can we love God whom we haven't seen, and hate our brother whom we have seen? (I think I read that somewhere)

 

Key word: accept. Must you marry another race? Nope. (not to mention there's a bigamy issue). But accept? Yes, you must, because they're not sinning. And for you to pronounce a non-sin as sin is wrong. As to "racist," see my quotes earlier in the thread.

Please note...I made a distinction between prejudicial feelings and racism.

I appreciate your honesty. And for someone to say, "IR relationships present challenges" or "I'm just not wired for it," is not racist...it's honest. There's no mandate demanding IR relationships happen. And yes, there are challenges....although I think those challenges are diminishing in many aspects (the number of racially mixed kids is exploding nationwide...and particularly in my neck of the woods).

Now you're way off base here. Sinful to have a kid...because they'll face struggles?? Then no one should have any. What if you bring a kid into the world, knowing there's a 50-50 shot your kid will have a birth defect and might not walk right? Is that a sin? Sorry...you missed this one badly. Not to mention...I feel it's my job as a parent to help my kids learn to deal with idiots, meanies, racists, etc., but to also, when I can, keep my kids away from those who would rip them apart. It is NOT SINFUL to bring a child into the world in a mixed marriage.

This is a disturbing quote. If I've interpreted it right...Since when was having a child a "(sinful) deed of the parents??? Having a child ain't sinful. Now...fornication/adultery is (expressly in Scripture). IR relationships ain't (Scripture is silent). Having a child ain't.

THis becomes a "cop out" for any attitude we wish to hold. I would say it's not valid.

 

Bob, I may be living in a dream, but I know a few mixed children that have no problem...

Times are changing.. slowly, but they are changing for the better in this respect...

Some of the prettiest people in the world are mixed...
Kinda makes me wonder what Adam and Eve looked like... They had to have all the genes... I bet Eve was one good looker!!!

 

No offense but you are judging all based on your own families predjudices. (We are being totally honest right? I don't mean any offense). I have two very well adjusted bi-racial children. So I disagree whole heartedly, 100% that it is NOT sinful to bring bi-racial children into the world. My children are accepted for who they are by both of their "races", (black and white), and not just by family members. If there is any sin in this situation it is by those who seek to make a child feel less than human because they do not agree with the choices the parents make. That is the ONLY sin. It is the selfishness and predjudices of those "uncomfortable" that is the sin.

And I am as well, giving a truthful answer that is. You are being selfish and ungodly in this area, in that there is not scriptural support for your opinion. Does that make you racist, NO, but certainly predjudiced. You are a pastor, what would you do if a bi-racial couple were to come to your church and want to join? Would you treat them differently? Would you look at them differently than the other all white or all black couples in your church? Would you watch their children around the all white/black children in the hopes of seeing them ostracised in order to back up your feelings? These are honest questions, and I am not necessarily looking for an answer.

 

Some things you got right and some things you got wrong, but I believe in being honest about how I feel, otherwise I would be lying.

Strange it took all these years for it to become sinful, if you are against a marriage that is inter-racial.

BBob,

 

We had a black foster child for about 5 months. We are all caucasian (somewhat tanned) with blond hair. Everywhere we went, it felt like people were staring. I won't even get into the comments made, or the hell he endured for years because of him being black, and mom being mexican. He would cry sometimes about it, often slept in our bed. His grandmoter was a terrible racist, said the worst things about blacks right in front of him. She really tried my patience, but you have to be friends with people somewhat to change them. She is dead now, thank god.

I agree with Rbell - I would rather our son married a Christian of another race than a non-christian of ours, though I would have a hard time with it at first. Through a little time, I am sure I would love her as family.

Depending upon the culture, and the differing skin colors, it is not necessarily edifying to deliberately bring children into situations in which people will spew hate at them. The effects are devistating. Then expect them to deal with it, no thank you.

 

If a bi-racial couple came to my church and offered themselves, I would take them in a minute. I am speaking of just in my home, not others about how I would feel.
I am glad you children never have to suffer the rascist slurs that most bi-racial children do suffer, IMO.

I don't mind you being totally honest with me, but I do know the heart ache it causes when one is black and the other one white. I did not make it that way, it was already here when I came along.

We have blacks in our church and they are my brothers and sisters. I also know of many blacks who do not want their children marrying whites, are they rascist?

I should of stayed out of this conversation because I knew I was not going to say the political correct things.

BTW, I did not say it was sinful to bring children into a situation like that, just that I wondered, know what they would have to face.


BBob,

 

Huh????

I'm against a marriage that is inter-racial? Where on earth did you get that? That is precisely the opposite of what I've said.

So....tell me what I've got wrong. And unless I misread you....you got my post 180 degrees wrong.

Clear: Interracial relationships are NOT SINFUL in and of themselves. God is just as honored in a "mixed" marriage as an intra-racial one.

Is that more clear, now?

 

I say it once again...this does not indicate racism (see my above definition, please. It does indicate a prejudice on some level, IMO (which is different from racism...once again, see my definition above).

 

Hate has always been sinful...
It was sinful back in the good ole days.. but so many did it, that even Christians beleived it wasn't a sin...

That's why my generation laughs at the previous generation when they tell us how sinful we are.. and then say they weren't as bad as we are today...

lynching, hatred, treating people different because of skin color...
all were sins.. but some of your generation saw nothing wrong with it...

Thank God there were a few that stood for morality, and a change has, and is coming in the way we treat each other.

 

I think you misread him...
I think he asked why the attitude that interracial marriages is just NOW a sin.. why wasn't it a sin before...

 

But isn't prejudice a sin...

"Judge not according to appearance, but judge righteously" (tiny's paraphrase of a verse somewhere in John)