Buddhism (honest overview)

No single central authority. Monastics take celibacy; laypeople may marry. In practice: 1) Marriage is often a civil/social contract with optional temple blessing. 2) Mixed marriages are often socially acceptable if family practices are respected (home altar, offerings, festivals). 3) Real pressure points: home rites (altar/incense), funerals, festivals, and ethical teaching (precepts: non-harm, truthfulness, sobriety).

Christianity (Scripture + church practice)

Biblical line: shared faith. “She is free to marry whom she wishes, only in the Lord” (1 Cor 7:39). Caution: “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers” (2 Cor 6:14). Result: many churches discourage interfaith marriage or allow it with conditions.
Practice: Catholic — possible with permission/dispensation (“disparity of cult”); the Catholic promises to keep the faith and do all they can to raise children Christian. Orthodox — typically expects two baptized; strong limits with a non-baptized spouse. Protestant/Evangelical — varied; pastoral caution with clear expectations about unity and children.

What it means in practice for a Buddhist–Christian couple

1) Ceremony: usually civil; Buddhist blessing possible; Christian side may require a dispensation. 2) Home rites: Christians avoid participating in worship to other deities; a Buddhist home altar can be sensitive. Write an agreement (location, gestures, participation boundaries). 3) Children: Sunday school/catechesis vs Buddhist moral education—decide and write pre-engagement. 4) Funerals/festivals: anticipate family expectations (temple/church, specific prayers). 5) Diet/alcohol: some Buddhists choose vegetarianism/abstinence; clarify household rules.

Three workable paths

Civil wedding + two blessings: church blessing if permitted + symbolic Buddhist rite (no syncretic worship).

Christian ceremony with dispensation (no conflicting worship acts) + a clear household pact.

Step back if convictions clash (mandatory altar worship, incompatible child formation).

Household pact (sign it together)

Children (baptism? catechesis?), altar/religious objects (where? who participates?), calendar (Sunday/Christian seasons vs Buddhist festivals), giving/charity, screen/meal rules, conflict arbitration (pastor/priest + temple elder). Put it in writing.

Green light / Red light

Green: mutual respect, no pressure to violate conscience, written plan for children, family support, dual guidance (pastor/priest + Buddhist teacher).
Red: required acts of worship conflicting with Christian conscience (prostration/incense), church refusal of dispensation, firm disagreement on children. Better a hard truth than a future tear.