In the United States, among married adults, 27% are in religiously mixed marriages according to one Pew study. I imagine that might make for some pretty interesting dinner conversation. Or maybe it’s not even that noticeable to some couples.
For many Americans, religion might be one of many differences within a family made up of various nationalities, regional identities or racial differences. So what happens if and when couples decide to have children? Who decides what religion they’ll practice? Do the kids decide? And many children are rasied in one religion and change their religion when they get older. What we found was that complex identities are a part of the American family.
You might remember my post about Imran and Riaz, whose life at a Halal butcher in Queens was documented in a “A Son’s Sacrifice.” Riaz, Imran’s Dad, is from Bangladesh and his mother is Puerto Rican. Some people question Imran’s Muslim-ness.
Watch a video clip of Imran’s response. What do you think?
Read more about this film documentary directed by Yoni Brook and co-produced with Musa Syeed.
Alexandra Abboud has five years experience reporting on the legal and cultural dynamics that shape American society. At America.gov, she manages coverage of cultural diversity, the arts, education and sports. Abboud has also served as a managing editor of the State Department's eJournal USA series, producing internationally circulated publications on innovation and fighting corruption.
Comments (12)
Shiva H. Vishnu
20 August 2008 at 16:14 EDT
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I read figures constantly about the amount of people who are/are-not religious and it seems to me that when asked if people have a religion they somehow feel under pressure to give an affirmative answer.
I am not a believer and know many others who are not, but I only know that because I am outspoken about it. I used to have a fear of “coming out” as it were and called myself an Agnostic until finally I just said I’m a non-believer, an Atheist. Most who finally admit they are feel a feeling of freedom. They don’t need a reason to be nice to everyone and care about the environment, they just are nice because it feels good.
Now I can say I’m really saved, saved from the mostly bent opines of Pastors, Priests or others who misrepresent themselves as spokesmen for the whichever god they have.
Thanks for the look,
Shiva
Ken Kasel
Location: http://wheretheevidenceleads.blogspot.com/
1 December 2009 at 04:27 EST
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I would consider myself a true Agnostic. There is one thing that I have come to feel is true. The truth or validity of a belief, Theist, Athiest, etc can not be determined by what that beliefs proponents say or do. The truth, it seems to me, must be determined by evidence that relates to that basic belief, not the possible distortions of its adherents. Does that seem to make sense? (Remember, I’m an Agnostic. Most of the time not sure which side of the fence to fall of on)
Genwen
21 August 2008 at 16:22 EDT
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First, we must differentiate between a non religious person and another atheist. A non religious person could believe in something but doesn’t practice any religion, the atheist doesn’t believe simply.
In a cosmopolitan country like USA, where parents could be from different religions, i consider parents must leave their children decide what religion choose when they are sufficiently conscious to do it.
Genwen
barry fitzpatrick
6 September 2008 at 21:42 EDT
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as an australian of scots desent i aggree with genwen. raised a prespertian then later to a cathlic school.idiscoverd things that have haunted me for my 70 odd years can never foget them.i never imposed religion on my kids and they turned out kinder and more compassionate people than any riligious folks i know.the fact you have lost so many kids in iraq is you put so called christions on muslem soil as invaders and remaind as occupiers.what did you expect? the crusaders started that and it will never end as long as you let your beliefs rule your actions. jesus would turn in his grave if he knew what was done in his name.he was a good man but that is not what he taught,was only the fools who followed distorted his teachings,regards barry fitzpatrick . PS i am a spiritual man but only when i,m in the bush alone with my nocturnal animals, its then i feel a preasance.mother earth i think
barry fitzpatrick
6 September 2008 at 22:03 EDT
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sorry dont spell to good do i .i agree with with genwen, am an athiest.my comments stand. the only spirits are in the bush when the little critters relalise you mean them no harm and they come down to your fire and join you.that is heaven
leopeter
12 September 2008 at 18:15 EDT
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religion should never, I mean never, be in politics. That is why here in america we have the separation of church and state, and it should stay like that. What could happen is some fanatical group take over and start oppressing other groups.
If the middle-east wants to mix religion and politics, that’s their business, but not in America
Nadeem
26 September 2008 at 16:01 EDT
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Thank You For Giving Us The Opportunity to talk .
I think that we are not free to choose th fit and suitable faith of us ! because we are controlled by the traditions and cultures here which is locking us to choose and to have the correct way of the life and faith .
as me im spiritual !! i was born as muslim during my life and read and contacted many people in all over the world and from multiple cultures , finally i found my self that i love god alot and that im spiritual with respecting for all religions and if i have to choose a religion to follow it , it will be the christianity !!!!
actually that is my decision and my way but !!if i say that on the streets or to the people will they accept me !!! will they cooperate with me !! will they treat with me normally!!
is there will be any discriminate against me!!
the answer is YES !! because if you are from the majority (muslims) and you dont practice the muslim praying and fasting and the other activities you will be in the corner without anyone with you , also you will be as strange person or (SICK) .
I dont think that we are in freedon specially in the faith , and the recent life between the various religions of the people of one country is fake (for majority) they show themselves as this way but in fact they dont believe and accept the others and they dont believe in mixed living!
Finally i want to say that we need time and time to have the western life or at least standard of life and standard to love and accept the other and the mixed life !
not to say it and to talk in it but to believe it and to keep it in the heart not only to show it outside as propaganda !!
thanks for giving me this chance
Italiak1
16 October 2008 at 09:28 EDT
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Thank you for valuable information.
Atopriept
4 June 2009 at 03:14 EDT
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Sweet blog. I never know what I am going to come across next. I think you should do more posting as you have some pretty intelligent stuff to say.
I’ll be watching you .
Jairo Mejia
Location: Carmel Valley, California
30 July 2009 at 18:25 EDT
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Atheists and Gnostics are right in most of their thinking
It has been common among religious believers to look with misgiving to atheists and Gnostics, and to think that they are mistaken; however, in many instances the opposite is the truth; some religious beliefs are not just irrelevant, but baseless. The “God” of main line traditions simply does not exist. I accepted the challenge of finding the One who may be recognized even by Gnostics and atheists: the Existence itself, “All-That-Is.” If something is there, that is God. Look at the book “Christianity Reformed From ist Roots - A life centered in God” (Amazon.com). I am confident that some of your friends will be relieved of the illusion, as I did myself.
Jairo Mejia, M. Psych., Santa Clara University
Retired Episcopal Priest
Carmel Valley, California
http://www.mbay.net/~jmejia/Grudzen.htm
http://www.mbay.net/~jmejia/Churcher.htm
Marcus
25 October 2009 at 12:19 EDT
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Interesting blog you got here. It would be great to read more concerning that theme.
BlindSniper
23 January 2010 at 05:25 EST
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Don’t stop posting such articles. I like to read blogs like that. By the way add some pics