> > > Now this has made me wonder: What else should be on that list? I leave this as an open question to the readers of this Forum. You know, if you feel like telling me how to choose my mate.
>
> > - Should be of the same belief system, preferably the same denomination.
>
> Clarification, please. When you say this (in the context I know you include, knowing you believe in God), do you mean that those who recognize their devotion to God as their primary priority in life should recognize that they should only pair up with those of the same devotion -- or do you in specifying "denomination" more strictly mean that Baptists should only court Baptists, Catholics only Catholics, other denominations only those strictly of their specific denomination, lest some doom fall them?
>
> If you mean the first, I support and agree with you, in my own personal beliefs (I realize not all agree with this, but for myself, growing that close to someone who does not share my devotion to God sets us apart too much to properly support each other). If you mean the second ... well, I am (honestly) interested in your explanation.
>
> Ri "genuinely questioning, not accusing, should it appear the latter" a

As far as I'm concerned, the denomination a guy identifies with is not important as such; what is important is that he holds compatible theological beliefs. "Compatible" doesn't mean "the same"; it means that we must be able to agree on what needs to be agreed on. This includes issues that will affect the way we live our life as a couple, the way we raise our children, and a few personal issues: for example, there are some theological ideas that I simply can't stomach, and while I can respect people who hold them, I don't think I could marry someone who did.

But I think drawing a line that says, "My partner must be of this denomination" puts too much weight on your particular denominational beliefs. I certainly don't agree with everything my denomination says, and I think it's a huge error to believe that one's denomination has the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

Lire"yay answering questions that were asked of someone else"lyn