An Arizona pastor has taken to social media to question the wisdom of interracial marriage, characterizing his own marriage to a Latina woman as less than “ideal.”
Partridge is an author and pastor of King’s Way Reformed Church in Prescott, Arizona. He is known for posting provocative content regarding a variety of issues. In October, Partridge was at the center of online controversy after criticizing the “crack-sucking leggings” worn by a waitress where his family ate a meal.
Dale Partridge: Interracial Marriage Is Not the ‘Ideal’
“As a Christian man happily married to a Mexican/Spanish/American woman, I actually agree with @JoelWebbon,” Partridge said in a social media post on Saturday (Jan. 10). “Interracial marriage is not the ‘ideal.’”
RELATED: Ken Ham Offers View of Interracial Marriage From the Bible and Science
Partridge was referring to the views of Texas Pastor Joel Webbon, an advocate of Christian nationalism who at times has been accused of holding racially discriminatory views. Recently, Webbon posted a long-form conversation with Nicolas Fuentes, known for his advocacy of white nationalism and antisemitism.
YouTubers Ruslan and Godlogic are set to debate Webbon on his views of interracial marriage later this week.
In Partridge’s post on interracial marriage, he said that he does “not believe it is sinful, and if providence positions two Christians from different ethnic backgrounds to unite in marriage, it can be a glorious thing (which it has been for us).”
“However, interracial marriage does create a variety of additional hurdles in marriage and family life, from overcoming different family expectations and cultural traditions to a wife’s assimilation into her husband’s culture,” Partridge continued. “In addition, the husband must learn how his wife’s ethnos has shaped her instincts, sensitivities, and assumptions.”
Partridge said that “external factors from extended family…can feel awkward or frustrating” and that “identity politics still prevail.”
“To some degree, all of this can extend to children and their lives, spouses, etc.,” he added.
“Now, by God’s grace, He gives those believers called to these unique marriages the endurance to overcome these hurdles,” argued Partridge, “but unity has undoubtedly been more difficult for us than for couples who share the same ethnic background.”
“So, while we live in a multicultural mess that has assumed that the melting pot mentality is just as desirable as sharing ethnic similarities and culture, it’s not,” concluded Partridge. “It’s possible with Christ but it comes with its own unique hardships.”
