Section 3.9: I Am a Christian Mother and My Son Is Marrying a Hindu

Section 3.9: I Am a Christian Mother and My Son Is Marrying a Hindu

Marie says:

I am a Christian mother (Catholic) of a son who is planning to marry a Hindu girl. I have struggled with the exclusivity of Christianity for quite some time. I consider myself liberal and tolerant, and I am still searching for an explanation of “only one way to the Father.” Having said that, I still feel somewhat uncomfortable praying to other Gods. My son wants a Hindu ceremony in which his parents are part of. I am hoping for a ceremony that blends both cultures and is truly reflective of who we are. Who we all are? I would be fine with anything my son decides, but I was educated that I am very much a part of the ceremony… I just want to be authentic. My faith has always been important to me, and a guiding light in my life. —Marie

Admin says:

Dear Marie,

So, your concern is… in the Hindu wedding, the Hindu priest will invoke multiple male and female Gods from the heaven, earth, water and all directions. The Hindu ceremony will begin with praying to an elephant head God Ganesh. There will be multiple idols (deities) and extensive puja rituals. There may be a religious Garba dance and you will have to eat offerings from Gods, prasad. All non-baptized-new relatives will surround you; who do not believe that Jesus is the only savior. Further, the new Hindu wife may not wish your grandchildren to be baptized in the Catholic church to remove the original sin. If you do literally believe in what is said in the Bible, you will be committing so many sins. Your LORD God will surely punish you for three to four generations. (The 2nd of the Ten Commandments)

Relax! It is normal that an interfaith marriage gives anxiety to parents. Avoid negative thinking; no horror is going to happen by your son marrying a Hindu. You seem to be educated, intelligent and an independent thinker. It is time to look at this new world with love for everyone. Jesus will be proud of you for being a good human being. If you could show your true love for your new Hindu relatives, it will be a win-win for all. So, go buy a sari and bindi and be ready to enjoy the colorful Hindu wedding.

Hopefully your son has done his homework and he knows what he is getting into. If he is not a true pluralist, this newlywed will have the same horrible fate as Rima who has gone through many hardships and ultimately got separated.

Jesus in his direct messages never mentioned “idol worship” and “other gods.” Please confirm it for us. Further, He changed the second of the Ten Commandments of “jealous god” to love thy neighbors. We love Jesus and his messages. It is beyond our comprehension to think that Jesus will send Mahatma Gandhi and your soon to be Hindu-daughter-in-law to hell on the Judgment Day.

Catholics and Hindus have many similarities. Like all Abrahamics, Hindus believe that there is one absolute Ultimate Reality. Catholics are polytheist and believe in three forms of God; Hindus believe in a few more forms of the same God. Like the marble statue of Mary and the wood cross are not idols, in the same way, Hindus’ Gods are not idols. Catholics don’t pray to two pieces of wood but see Jesus’ sacrifice through the wooden cross. Likewise, Hindu Gods are not idols but a way to see the Ultimate Reality.

You want to blend both cultures, so ask your new Hindu relatives to put a Jesus’ cross into the Hindu wedding rituals and they will be happy to accommodate you. Christ and Krishna will be happy to bless the newlywed. Later your Hindu daughter-in-law will be glad to visit your church and eat Jesus’ body/bread while you reciprocate by visiting a Hindu temple and eating prasad. You can also have a Catholic wedding in your church for this couple, except that do not ask the Hindu to sign the one sided prenuptial child-rearing contract. Further, teach your grandchildren that Jesus is dad’s God and Goddess Lakshmi is mom’s God. How beautiful!

The word “tolerant” can have a negative meaning and implies that you are willing to “put up” with her beliefs. Instead of being “tolerant,” create true mutual respect for each other.

Regarding your grandchildren, Hindus believe that a child is born divine. It is one’s karma that will determine the ultimate fate. If you want to show your genuine love for this new Hindu daughter-in-law, please do not ask for baptism of the children and let your son and daughter-in-law enjoy their Interfaith Marriage with EQUALITY.

Now you have an opportunity to learn Jesus’ real message of love for all. Show it in true spirit. Enjoy the Hindu Vivaha ceremony and a Hindu in your life. —Admin

Marie says:

I appreciate Admin’s response because you answered some questions for me. I will have to look within, and to God for the answers I need. I see my future daughter in law as a precious gift, and I will continue to try to be a better human being. —Marie