Sandangan contributes to the growing literature about Maranao norms and practices such as marriage in this journal. In particular, the writer sets out to describe and explain the sociological dynamics of how Muslim-Christian intermarriage occurred and against what obstacles. To achieve such an objective, Sandangan first explores the sociological factors influencing Muslim-Christian marriages, identifying opportunities for close social interaction, influence of romantic ideals in mate selection, education, acquisition of social values, separation from family control, use of go-between, Mindanao conflict of the 1970s, and ignorance about the religious teachings as primary sources. To understand the dynamics further, the writer also assesses the motives for marriage against the idea of Islamic restriction and overall community resistance. Their attitudes towards the intertwining of Muslim and Christian beliefs were also scrutinized in the study, revealing positive attitudes towards inter-ethnic relationships while negative attitudes towards divorce. It was also explained how cultural and religious differences were the main causes for negative reactions during courtship and engagement periods. During marriage, however, the problems were mainly the financial and health needs of the family. The marriage’s impact on children was also probed into. Overall, the contemporary ubiquity of Muslim-Christian intermarriage led to the exchange of religion and culture between Muslims and Christians.

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