The product of a successful interfaith marriage between a devout Jew and a faithful Lutheran, Ohio University sophomore Hannah Goldman stood at an intersection in her spiritual life at the age of nine.
After full exposure to both the Judaic and Christian worlds, Goldman chose to pursue the faith of her father and whole-heartedly plunged into the practices of the Jewish community. This initial decision brought with it the possibility of many more, particularly within her romantic relationships.
When I first started dating I thought that I only wanted to date Jewish guys. My first boyfriend was Jewish. But since then I've realized it's mainly important for me to date someone of faith
Goldman said.
Currently, Goldman is in the midst of a serious interfaith relationship with OU junior Jeff McKnight, who was raised Methodist but now considers himself nondenominational, but faithful.
According to McKnight, the divergent religious perspectives have been more of a blessing than a hindrance. It wasn't a problematic issue. We've had discussions and our perspectives have differed but since we've talked over those things I feel like our beliefs are similar. I feel like she's taught me a lot about spirituality McKnight said.
Historically speaking, however, McKnight and Goldman's relationship is relatively rare.
Judaism strongly discourages interfaith dating because
ultimately
dating should lead to a lifelong commitment and a Jewish home
said Rabbi Danielle LeShaw, executive director of the Hillel at OU.
Bruce Kuhre, OU professor of sociology, has noted this view in many religious communities throughout the nation.
I think that there have been considerable taboos within our society in terms of interfaith dating. There has certainly been a part on the Catholic
Protestant and Jewish communities to marry within their own kind
said Kuhre. But I don't think that the restrictions are nearly as great today as 25 years ago. Part of it might be that religion is not held as strongly in today's society.
Fr. Martin Holler, parish priest of Christ the King, 75 Stewart St., said the Catholic Church itself does not consider it proper to discourage interfaith couples.
It's a little presumptive to try to determine who someone is going to fall in love with
Holler said. As the relationship develops
faith ought to be a significant topic of discussion. Our expectation is that in a healthy relationship
each partner should respect the faith commitment of the other.
According to Goldman, such communication has been crucial to her relationship with McKnight.
There were times when we would have discussions about religion and faith. Sometimes I didn't understand where he was coming from and vice versa
