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In today's times, about thirty percent of American children are being raised in a two religion household. This number is up form the early seventies when there were only about seventeen percent of American children in two religion homes. Studies base these numbers on census and school records. Many, however, do not respond to these surveys and the numbers may be inaccurate. Irregardless, it is evident that there are more children today being raised in inter-faith families.
Being raised in an inter-faith home is unique and exciting. The knowledge and culture learned from both parents can be intense. Though the religions may differ in many aspects parents usually find a way to mold both into a harmonious spiritual existence.
Growing up with two different religions may be difficult. In the case of a child with a Jewish mother and Catholic father, it presents itself with many challenges. By birth, the child is Jewish, but he may celebrate and observe both Jewish and Catholic holidays, some of which contradict each others beliefs. But by sharing in both religions' holidays and observances, a child will learn to cultivate his own beliefs and respect both religions.
There is a great respect of religion and culture by children of inter-faith households. Though they may feel pressure to choose one or the other, children know that there are never any feelings of animosity or anti-Semitism. Children who are exposed to other religions early in life are shown that though the religion is different, the person is the same on the inside.
Conflicts of interest between parents rarely occur. Early, in an inter-faith relationship, it is understood that one goes to one place of worship and the other a different place and it is decided upon that the experience will be shared or remain separate. For a child, they may initially be brought to both services, but as they grow, that will change to reflect the choices and needs of the child.
There is much sharing and compromise within inter-faith households. Many times you might never tell that there are two separate religions or cultures, and that is a good thing because it allows the child to mature without being over powered or over taken by one religion over the other.
Many religious organizations or groups still emphasize marrying within your own religion. They are trying to retain religious fundamentals and beliefs that they feel will become lost or altered when combined with other religions. However, this "mixing" will occur with or without inter-faith marriages. People marry for love, which should say something positive about their upbringing and birth religion. That they are able to love diversely and without prejudice, despite what others believe, also should say something about the people themselves.
My parents were married in the early sixties and their wedding was a social event for everyone to see a Catholic and Jew marry. When I was born it was asked how I would be raised. Every holiday it was wondered what we would celebrate and how. Even when my father passed away it was asked how and when he would be honored. Unfortunately, some family and friends cannot escape the roots of their anti-Semitism. Those comfortable with their religion and their being know that spirituality comes from within and not from a named religion.
I will not say one way or the other if inter-faith marriage is good or bad, simply because it is very subjective. I had a healthy childhood with my parents and not with some other family due to my religion. However, others find acceptance throughout their entire family, while still others are disengaged or disowned from their family entirely.
Inter-faith marriages and bi-racial children are signs of a world becoming diverse, unique and accepting of all humans. Unfortunately, there are those who would want this to stop; it is those who create the anti-Semitism and prejudice that make growing up in an interfaith house very difficult. Should that stop a couple of different faiths from marrying? No. The world would be worse off without that marriage and the potential offspring born out of love.
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