Observing Different Faiths, Learning About Ourselves: Practice with Inter-married Muslims and Christians

Abstract

The present article offers practitioners initial ideas for work with clients in mixed-faith relationships. Based on local, empirical research that investigated MuslimÁChristian marriages, six patterns of adaptation to a mixed-faith marriage are outlined. In addition, from a practice-oriented review of the data, four questions are identified that can be used by practitioners to clarify their thinking and practice focus. Increasingly technical, these reference questions are: (i) how is the publicÁprivate divide being understood and managed; (ii) how is identity and selfhood being practiced; (iii) how may practitioners position themselves with respect to asymmetries related to gender; and (iv) should religious differences be reframed? Rather than practitioners seeking to be experts on the other, the belief animating the current contribution is that work with diverse clients offers workers a mirror upon which we practitioners can better observe our own outlines. In contrast with the pursuit of imperial generalisations, the authors of the present study commend the benefits of reflectively denaturalising our own positions.

Lived Experiences of Couples in Interfaith Marriages: Understanding the Complexities and Implications for Counselling

“…Furthermore, recent studies highlight the intricate dynamics of conflicts stemming from religious disparities in interfaith marriages and the obstacles they present to relationship durability. Building on this, research by Furlong and Ata (2006) underscores the heightened sensitivity of interfaith couples to their contrasting beliefs, indicating a greater likelihood of conflict occurrence. These findings align with recent research on Black-White interracial couples, which suggests that stigma experienced due to interracial status negatively affects couple satisfaction, mediated by religious/spiritual well-being (Vasquez et al, 2019).…”

“…Furthermore, recent literature underscores the importance of understanding individual changes within interfaith marriages. While previous studies have focused on the impact of interfaith marriages on stability and satisfaction (Sherkat, 2004;Lord, 2008;David, 2008;Furlong & Ata, 2006;Marks et al, 2012), there is a growing recognition of the need to examine the process of identity negotiation and transformation within these relationships. By applying IPT, researchers can gain insights into how interfaith couples navigate religious differences and how these processes influence marital dynamics and outcomes (Jaspal & Cinnirella, 2012).…”