The comment about xinmin is not entirely true. I know him better. He is not as good as you may wish to believe.

Our debate last couple of days dwells on the spiritual high ground of the issue, namely, should christian marry christian only? The simple answer is of course yes. But the matter is far more complicated than this one overarching question. To marry someone in the Lord is a simple biblical mandate which nevertheless requires careful explanation.

First and foremost, we must recognize that someone truly in the Lord is still only a forgiven sinner and by no means perfect. He or she may be a newly born-again baby taking the tottering walk in the Lord. They may or may not meant for each other, depending on a host of other important factors, such as character and integrity, good decency,a sense of humor, bearable immaturity, basic living and survival skills, acceptable self-image, race, age, etc.

Second, should a christian single write off someone as a potential lifelong spouse just because he or she is not yet a born again child of God? The answers can be yes or no for different people of equivalent spiritual rigor. Yes, they should write off such nonbelivers if he or she is in a rush to enter into the bond of matrimony before that nonbeliever has any chance for a meaningful conversion. No, if she or he can wait on the Lord for that magic conversion to happen first. Love is patience. Patience is a virtue.

Third, should christians singles look exclusively in the "now and here" circle of christian singles for lifelong spouse? Again the answers can be yes or no for different people of equivalent spiritual rigor. Yes, if he or she looks only now and here. No, if he or she looks beyond now and here. In God's global dynamic view, people of all ages are coming to Christ all the time, nonstop. Look beyond now and here, you will find greater freedom of choice than you are willing to believe.