Catholics dating non-Christians

[dustthouart]

I just found out literally ten minutes ago that my friend Ben (a serious Catholic) has started dating a neo-pagan. I'm going to see him tomorrow for lunch, so I was wondering what kind of scripture references etc I could use to talk him out of it? I want to use my own experience too.
I know the basic stance of the Church (that it's bad and you shouldn't do it) but I'm looking for specific things I can tell him. I checked out the resources but couldn't find what I was looking for.
And this is my first post on the phorum.

[philothea]

Heyyyyyy... I think you look familiar!

Until some actually knowledgable person comes along... you get me. How strong is Ben in his Catholicism? Oftentimes Catholics wind up converting the people they have relationships with.

Obviously, Catholics ought to date with the thought of marriage, and a Catholic marriage requires agreement that the children be raised Catholic. I suppose I'd just ask him what his intention is.

[PadreSantiago]

Here's an oldie but goodie!

"Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, `Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, `Pay what you owe.' So his fellow servant fell down and besought him, `Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' He refused and went and put him in prison till he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, `You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?' And in anger his lord delivered him to the jailers, till he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."

Matthew 18:23-35

[phatcatholic]

personally, i wouldn't advise him to end it as much as i would advise him to be cautious. through loving guidance and steadfast example, he can win her over to Christ and His Church. however, if her beliefs become detrimental to the relationship (for example, b/c she may not have the same beliefs regarding sexual intimacy before marriage) or especially if she becomes a negative influence on him (compels him not to pray as much or go to church) then he would have to abandon it. so, basically, you should advise him to pray often and to be always aware of how his relationship with this girl is effecting his relationship with the Lord. if he does this, then he should be ok.

[morostheos]

There's also that Bible passage about being unequally yoked....2 Cor 6:14

"Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? ...17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye seperate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will recieve you."

[ReinnieR]

[quote name='phatcatholic' date='Nov 29 2005, 09:11 AM']personally, i wouldn't advise him to end it as much as i would advise him to be cautious. through loving guidance and steadfast example, he can win her over to Christ and His Church. however, if her beliefs become detrimental to the relationship (for example, b/c she may not have the same beliefs regarding sexual intimacy before marriage) or especially if she becomes a negative influence on him (compels him not to pray as much or go to church) then he would have to abandon it. so, basically, you should advise him to pray often and to be always aware of how his relationship with this girl is effecting his relationship with the Lord. if he does this, then he should be ok.
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i agree with nick here.

[phatcatholic]

[quote name='ReinnieR' date='Jan 15 2006, 05:34 AM']i agree with nick here.
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haha, thanks again bro