1) Christian view (Bible + practice)

Key Scriptures

Shared faith as the ideal: “She is free to marry whom she wishes, only in the Lord.” (1 Cor 7:39)

Warning: “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.” (2 Cor 6:14)

Implication: churches often discourage interfaith marriage or allow it with conditions (preparation, permissions/dispensations, commitments about children).

Church practice (brief)

Catholic: disparity-of-cult marriage possible with dispensation; Catholic promises to keep the faith and do all they can to raise children Christian.

Orthodox: typically expects two baptized; strong limits otherwise.

Protestant/Evangelical: varied; pastoral caution, clarity about unity and children.

2) Pagan side (realistic overview)

“Pagan” spans many paths (neopagan, polytheist, druidic, Wiccan, reconstructionist…). There is no single magisterium. In practice:
Legal foundation is usually civil marriage; some communities offer symbolic rites (e.g., handfasting).

Home may include altars, offerings, seasonal festivals (solstices/equinoxes).

Ethics highlight consent, responsibility, nature-honor.

Bottom line: high variability—you must clarify early what each expects.

3) Practical implications for a Pagan–Christian couple

1) Rites & conscience: Christians avoid worship acts directed to other deities. Distinguish respectful presence from cultic participation (bowing/offering)—generally refused.
2) Children: baptism/catechesis vs pagan initiation; write decisions explicitly.
3) Home: location of altar, objects, incense; define who does what and when.
4) Calendar: Sunday/Christian seasons vs pagan festivals; plan conflicts.
5) Language & limits: avoid forced syncretism; prefer two honest fidelities plus mutual respect.

4) Three workable paths

Civil route + two non-syncretic blessings: civil wedding; Christian blessing if permitted (no conflicting gestures); separate symbolic pagan rite without demanding Christian worship.

Christian ceremony (with dispensation if needed) + household pact: pagan spouse present, no Christian profession; no pressure against conscience; written children plan.

Step back if core unity (kids/home worship) is irreconcilable; better a clean truth than chronic conflict.

5) Household pact (sign before engagement)

Children: baptism? catechesis? pagan rites? (yes/no/conditions).

Home rites: altar (where? visible?) candles/offerings; Christian spouse’s non-cultic stance.

Calendar: Christian feasts (Christmas/Easter) and pagan festivals (solstices); priorities.

Kitchen/ethics: alcohol, possible vegetarian choices, charity plan.

Religious conflict: mediation (pastor/priest + pagan community elder).

Family communication: shared statement and boundaries.

6) Green / Red flags

Green: conscience respected; written commitments; no demanded cross-worship; clear plan for children.
Red: pressure to deny faith; required cultic acts; hard disagreement on children; impossible common household frame.