Don Batie

Interracial Marriage. As a Christian man happily married to a Mexican/Spanish/American woman, I actually agree with @JoelWebbon Interracial marriage is not the “ideal.” Now, like Joel, I do not believe it is sinful, and if providence positions two Christians from different ethnic backgrounds to unite in marriage, it can be a glorious thing (which it has been for us). However, interracial marriage does create a variety of additional hurdles in marriage and family life, from overcoming different family expectations and cultural traditions to a wife’s assimilation into her husband’s culture. In addition, the husband must learn how his wife’s ethnos has shaped her instincts, sensitivities, and assumptions. There are also external factors from extended family that can feel awkward or frustrating. Identity politics still prevail in a fallen world and cause conflict along the way. To some degree, all of this can extend to children and their lives, spouses, etc. Now, by God’s grace, He gives those believers called to these unique marriages the endurance to overcome these hurdles, but unity has undoubtedly been more difficult for us than for couples who share the same ethnic background. So, while we live in a multicultural mess that has assumed that the melting pot mentality is just as desirable as sharing ethnic similarities and culture, it’s not. It’s possible with Christ but it comes with its own unique hardships.