Courtship

Religion and cultural practices

2026-05-17

Text

Deut 7:1-6

Aims

  1. to study the importance of discussing religious and cultural affiliation of intending couple,

  2. to expose the dangers in a Christian’s marriage with unbelievers and

  3. to discuss the biblical stand on cross-cultural and cross-religious marriage.

Introduction

Since the religious and cultural affiliation of intending couple is very important to each of them, therefore, it is necessary to engage in premarital conversations about it, especially if the couple are not from the same religious and cultural background. Therefore, such questions like: are you a Christian? If not, then are you ready to allow me to practice my faith, are not absurd in courtship discussion. Our Bible passage today clearly reveal God’s injunction when it comes to cross-religion or cross-cultural marriages. Christians should be very sure that their intending marriage will not affect their Christian faith or Lifestyle negatively. It is better to sort it out than to manage it after the marriage.

Study guide

  1. Why is it important to discuss the issue of religion before marriage? Discuss in the context of Gen 31:26-37; 35:1-4; 1Cor 7:12-15.

  2. From life experiences, how had cross-cultural or cross-religious relationship affect marriages especially as Christians?

  3. In the context of our Bible passage today (Deut 7:1-6), what should be the Christian’s stand concerning culture and religion before marriage? Ex 34:15-16; 2Cor 6:14-18.

  4. What is the impact of entering into marriage with ungodly partner? 1King 11:1-6; 1Cor 7:12-13, 15.

Conclusion

Discussing religious and cultural affiliation before marriage is never an aberration but an essential requisite during courtship. The salvation of every Christian is more important than earthly marriage because there is no eternal gain in a marriage that cuts you off from the last marriage of the lamb.

Food for thought

If that marriage will take away your salvation, quit it at courtship.

Memory verse

2Cor 6:14 “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness”?