So what are the issues need to be looked at? First, there is one’s concept of God. The Hebrew scriptures begin with these words : “ In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” A few paragraphs later we read, “So God created human beings in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” Are these words to be taken literally? Is there a transcendent, powerful creator who not only created the universe but made man in His own image? Or is this simply to be taken as Hebrew mythology? Your answer to those questions will have a profound impact on your self-perception and how you live your life. If you agree that God exists as the creator and sustainer of the universe, the next question is “Has God Spoken?” The Christian scriptures affirm, “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these days he has spoken to us by his Son, who he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Thus, the Christian belief is that God has spoken through the ancient Hebrew prophets, recorded in the Old Testment scriptures, and that Jesus Christ is the propesied Messiah, the Son of God, who would pay the penalty for man’s wrongdoing so that God could forgive mankind and still be a just God. That is why Christians invite all to accept Christ as their Messiah and receive God’s forgiveness and enter a love relationship with God.
Your answers to the following questions will reveal the level of your spiritual compatibility.
Is there a God who created the universe and made man in His image? Has that God spoken? If so, how has He spoken? What has He said and how have I responded to His message? These are fundamental questions that need to be answered honestly.
It has been my observation that many people come to adulthood never having explored their own spiritual belief system. They call themselves Buddhist, Hindu, or Christian but they do so simply because they were raised in a Buddhist, Hindu, or Christian home. They are cultural Buddhists, Hindus or Christians. Personally, they have not explored the fundamental beliefs of those religions. We do not choose our family, and thus, we have the responsibility to seek truth in all areas of life. If you realize that your religion is simply a cultural artifact, I would encourage you to take the time to explore the history and beliefs of your religious heritage and discuss your journey openly with the person you’re dating. If you cannot be honest and open about your religious beliefs before marriage, you are not likely to do so after marriage and your religious beliefs will likely become a source of conflict.
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