Part 1: Mixed Matches

Keeping the Faith

Read about some interfaith romances to discover their common characteristics. Then see how much you know about the number of people who follow a religion and the effects that religion may have on believers.

Strangers to the Tribe

Examine how your background, religion, and culture shape your world view. See what frightens people about mixed matches---and make sure you practice what you preach.

Present Your ID, Please

Before you decide what you want in a relationship, you have to decide who you are. This chapter helps you explore your identity so you can decide what role religion plays in your life and love.

Part 2: Defender of the Faith

Judaism

Learn about Judaism, the oldest of the world's three major monotheistic religions and a forerunner of Christianity and Islam. Explore how some Jewish people feel about interfaith relationships.

Christianity

See how Christianity began and what Christians believe as you survey the different Christian denominations. Examine the varying Christian attitudes toward interfaith relationships.

Islam

Beginning with an easy language lesson, discover the origins of Islam and what Muslims believe. Then we'll discuss the issue of Muslims and mixed matches.

Hinduism

Discover how Hinduism developed, what Hindus believe, and how they worship. Then read some true stories about love affairs among Hindus and partners from other religious backgrounds to explore the issue of Hindus and interfaith relationships.

Other Organized Religions

Find out all about the Baha'i, Buddhists, Druze Mennonites, Amish, and Unitarian faiths---and how they feel about outsiders entering the fold.

Part 3: Faith, Hope, and Charity: Interfaith Dating

The Dating Game

Learn why it's important to make a great first impression on your honey's family ... and what to do if you don't.

I'll be There for You: Dealing with Friends, Colleagues, and Strangers

Remember the old saying ``Make new friends but keep the old; one is silver, and the other gold.'' Find out how to keep your friends when you're dating someone of a different faith. Then see how to be a friend if the shoe is on the other foot.

Making It Work

See how to make your interfaith relationship thrive, including specific strategies for success.

Part 4: Celebrating Our Differences: Interfaith Weddings

Tempest in a Tabernacle: The Wedding

Understand why weddings are watershed events in the life of the participants, their families, and the community.

A Jewish Wedding Ceremony

Learn the basics of a Jewish wedding, including when to have the wedding, where, and who should officiate. Then walk through the ceremony before you decide to walk down the aisle.

Christian Wedding Ceremonies

This chapter covers the basics of Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, and Protestant weddings.

Going to the Building and We're Gonna Get Married

Find out about Chinese, Hindu, Japanese, Mormon, Muslim, Unitarian, and Ecumenical wedding ceremonies to help you design the wedding that's right for you and your honey.

Design Your Own Wedding Vows

You can have it your way---when you and your sweetheart write your own vows. Add as much, or as little, religion as you want.

All in the Family---But Whose? The Issue of Conversion

Conversion may sound like a great way to solve religious differences in a mixed match, but is it really? This chapter will help you consider this crucial issue.

Rites and Rights

Explore ways to make an interfaith wedding and marriage a success, including an exploration of what marriage means to you and your honey.

Part 5: And Baby Makes ...

Sexpectations

Your religious and cultural background often determines your attitudes toward sex. There can be serious clashes when you marry someone with different attitudes toward sex. See how you can minimize these issues.

Baby Talk

Discover strategies for resolving religious issues when babykins is on the horizon. Then see why naming your baby and the first religious ceremonies---baptism and bris---can set the stage for your family's future.

Home for the Holidays---But Which Holidays?

From the ``December Dilemma'' to the ``Matzoh Bunny,'' religious holidays can be a minefield for interfaith couples. Learn ways to defuse those bombs ... now!

Baby's Religious Education

From religious preschool programs to coming of age religious ceremonies, this chapter covers it all!

Part 6: Untying the Knot

Dealing with Divorce

Explore the effect of religious differences on marital stability. Then learn strategies for making divorce less painful, especially among interfaith couples.

Christian, Jew, and Heaven Too?

Find out the funeral customs followed by Christians and Jews. Then see how to deal with the problems these differences can cause when death strikes interfaith couples.

Appendixes

A: Glossary

Learn the terms for different religious rites and customs.

B: Resources on Interfaith Relationships

Discover additional materials to enrich your knowledge of world religions and interfaith romances.

Index