Would you date someone whose religion is different than your

Fit_Canuck

No. I am not religious and I wouldn't date sOmeone who was.

You wouldn't date someone who believes in a religion? Ouch that's harsh.

As for the OP, at the end of the day it comes down to you, are you comfortable dating someone who's beliefs differ from yours. We can all give you our opinions but when all is said and done you'll need to decide what your comfortable with.

I have my own Catholic beliefs which I don't impose on anyone else and it has never caused any issues with anyone I've dated regardless of their religion.

Also to the one who says as a woman of science you can't date someone who is religious. Religion for me is a part of my life but only a part, I'm also a firm believer in science and it's many facets. With everything I do I balance each side and take from each something that helps me feel better and makes me happy. I don't personally deal in absolutes.

Tskitzo

I'm a Christian and my bf is agnostic. For me religion is very personal so I'd rather be w someone who believes nothing than someone forcing his beliefs on me. We've discussed beliefs and were fine agreeing to disagree. As for kids I want them to choose their own religion so I will take them to church if they want. I want them to be educated about all religions and we've agreed that if there ever were children we would tell them what we believe if they ask, but make sure they know it's our beliefs and not make it sound like absolute truth. Idk works out well for me.

I agree with this. I consider myself Christian, though not church-going, and my husband is Agnostic/Atheist. He's somewhere in the middle. Each and every person, and relationship, is different. My husband and I had this discussion, he is fine with them going to church as long as he isn't forced to as well, though his reasons for not going are personal and I respect them. He doesn't care that I want to raise them this way, and we will not force either of our religions on the children, I just think that having them go is a life experience they need, there are many lessons to be learned in a church.

megmanning

I'm very atheist, anti-religion. I couldn't be in a serious relationship with someone religious.
My husband is more agnostic and even that borders on being a problem. He has no issues with the kids going to church if they want (but he's not taking them, i.e. go with a friend) wheras I'm totally against them going at all.

This is just as bigoted and close minded as conservative, right-winged Christianity. It is plain ignorant not to expose your children to as many things as possible and let them decide on their own.

As for the actual topic, it is much easier to date someone who mostly aligns with your religious beliefs. It is one less thing to fight about that way.

MandyMarie01

i think you were right to break up with him. It is really important to date and marry someone who has the same beliefs as you, same faith and practice helps too. (there are different flavors to each denomination)

I wouldn't date anyone who doesn't believe like me. I have thought about it a couple times in the past, but the first time it didn't work out, for which I am glad, and then the last time, it just was not even going to happen. God protects us.

Umeboshi

I couldn't date someone who was religious, at least in a serious relationship. If I had kids with them I would need to put my foot down and say NO, we will not be indoctrinating them.

SalishSea

No I would never date someone who was truly a believer in the supernatural. I am a atheist, a believer in the power of the universe. Fortunately, my sweet husband feels the same as I do.

InnerFatGirl

My boyfriend isn't an atheist like me but I could never be with someone who's highly religious or wants to debate with me about Sky-Daddies.

I am spiritual, though, and so's my BF so we work well on that front.

I also wouldn't want my kid's going church either, unless they really wanted to.

sculley

Well I know when I started dating my husband I was a Christian and he was completely against going to church etc, I simply asked him to not forbid me to go andi wouldnt force him. Well octoberof 2011 he was baptized by his own decision. So honestly just be willing to be open minded and not push if you love him. Just pray for the best for him, you just never know. And by praying I mean ask god to do what and how he thinks is best for your love. Good luck

chachadiva150

Well..now my ex has changed his tune a little, and says he'd allow his children to go to church. He misses me, still loves me, etc, etc, and wants to get back together. Great! But is he going to ignore everything relating to God except the going to church part? For example, if I am having a conversation about God to my kids, is he just going to leave the room? I really don't see how I can keep God in my life AND my ex at the same time.

How important do you think it is to date someone who has the same religious beliefs as you? I want your opinions, please!

If your religion is important, why feel bad about it? Different people believe different things. You have every right to value your spiritual path. He has every right to value his (or lack thereof).

What is wrong with just accepting that you are two people who want different things in life. This is a big red flag. Why walk down a path that you know has a HIGH potential to blow up in your face?

I'm sure this guy is a wonderful person. You two are just moving in different directions. There are other guys out there for you.

PoeRaven

No I wouldn't but hindsight is 20/20

My hubby is my best friend...my soulmate.
Christ is at the center of our relationship. We are true to Him first and everything else just falls into place.

Good luck in your search for the answer.

catwomanclaws

We are only here on earth for such a short time.......but our spirit lives on in eternity. Whether he believes that or not, it is the truth. Pray for him. Ask yourself, as a Christian, can you really be with someone who does not believe?

Debbe2

For greatest chance of happiness and successful future together>>>> When you or your partner have a strong belief in God and the other doesn't feel similarly it matters and needs to be discussed with a mutually agreeable lifestyle decided upon before commitment and children/family. IMHO

Aleciajones

My husband and I are both pagan but I think I could only date someone with the same religion as me, or no religion. Our beliefs have such an impact on life, political views, etc that someone of a different religion would likely have more I disagree with.

SwannySez

As an expert in fictional children I would have to say that the only religion for them really is VooDoo. I have had more than my share of imaginary/fictional children over the years and have tried many different religions. With VooDoo, it doesn't matter what the other person believes since you can make them into your zombie love slave with the right spell. It is my considered opinion that before having any imaginary/fictional children that you, your significant other and some complete strangers that you find in a bar who will make good sacrifices,convert to VooDoo.

knbearer

As a Christian, it is a big problem to marry someone who is not a Christian. In the Bible, Jesus tells us not to be "unequally yoked" with a non-believer (2nd Corinthians chapter 6). This is for our own good, let alone the good of any future children - how would you feel if you knew your husband was going to hell? That would not be good for a marriage. Also, your relationship with God would take a hit because your partner would not be building up your faith as a husband is supposed to. Couples are supposed to seek God together and support each other. God would be moved to the back burner if you are in a relationship with someone who doesn't believe. You would gradually lose the will to be in a relationship with God. So yeah, if you are a Christian, do NOT date a non-Christian.

Meatsies

I think you need to really decide what it means to you. Chew this over in your head a bit. I'm agnostic, and my husband is Jewish, but not really 'practicing'. But I like different aspects of different religions, and have some very defined ideas in my head of what I feel from a religious/spiritual perspective. I don't mind discussing or encouraging any beliefs or inquiries that my kids express. But I couldn't be with someone who INSISTED upon forcing decisions upon the kids. I think that religion is something everyone must come to terms with individually. If you're not willing to bend a bit, too, and allow the child to understand the father's perspective, I just imagine that causing problems. Ultimately, you two probably need to flesh out a bit more of how it would work, because parenting is hard work!! You don't need to be adding to it by surprise expectations down the road, you know? Good luck!! I hope it all works out for you, whatever you choose.

InnerFatGirl

I'm an Athiest and would prefer to date Athiests and Agnostics. Blind faith is just not something I can be intimate with as a woman of science.

I wouldn't want my kids to go to church unless I'd educated them about all the different ideas about the origin of the universe and they personally decided to explore that religion.

I second this. You summed it up perfectly.

minadeathclutch

screw religion. really. just another thought up THING to keep people apart.. and argue and fight BLAH BLAH BLAH

screw it. i hate religion. i hate what humans have done to religion. and i hate how it controls peoples lives.

i dont believe in anything xcept myself.
if im in a dark alley about to get raped and murdered by some psycho.. im not gonna crouch down and pray.. im gonna kick some *kitten*! because i count on ME. i believe IN ME.

i guess im a satanist.. lol. or just a realist. blah

InnerFatGirl

As a Christian, it is a big problem to marry someone who is not a Christian. In the Bible, Jesus tells us not to be "unequally yoked" with a non-believer (2nd Corinthians chapter 6). This is for our own good, let alone the good of any future children - how would you feel if you knew your husband was going to hell? That would not be good for a marriage. Also, your relationship with God would take a hit because your partner would not be building up your faith as a husband is supposed to. Couples are supposed to seek God together and support each other. God would be moved to the back burner if you are in a relationship with someone who doesn't believe. You would gradually lose the will to be in a relationship with God. So yeah, if you are a Christian, do NOT date a non-Christian.

Oh wow.

InnerFatGirl

Well..now my ex has changed his tune a little, and says he'd allow his children to go to church.

And you believe him, that's cute.

gee, thanks.

Thank you (everyone else) for your responses! Keep them comin'!

Do you think I'm joking? Honey. Think about it for a few seconds. He didn't suddenly do a 180 on his beliefs. He's telling you what you want to hear to get you back. Open your eyes OK?

...I'm going to keep my mouth shut and just ignore you.

Try looking up the word "gullible" in the dictionary, sweetie. Sorry if the extremely obvious truth offends you.

Seriously? Is there ANY need to be so frickin' rude to her? Or does it just make you feel better about yourself?

minadeathclutch

As a Christian, it is a big problem to marry someone who is not a Christian. In the Bible, Jesus tells us not to be "unequally yoked" with a non-believer (2nd Corinthians chapter 6). This is for our own good, let alone the good of any future children - how would you feel if you knew your husband was going to hell? That would not be good for a marriage. Also, your relationship with God would take a hit because your partner would not be building up your faith as a husband is supposed to. Couples are supposed to seek God together and support each other. God would be moved to the back burner if you are in a relationship with someone who doesn't believe. You would gradually lose the will to be in a relationship with God. So yeah, if you are a Christian, do NOT date a non-Christian.

LOL. i could say so much about this.. but i just wont...............................a lot of things "christians" do is not in the bible either. for example it's not okay to rape kids..

*crickets*

D446

Well..now my ex has changed his tune a little, and says he'd allow his children to go to church.

And you believe him, that's cute.

gee, thanks.

Thank you (everyone else) for your responses! Keep them comin'!

Do you think I'm joking? Honey. Think about it for a few seconds. He didn't suddenly do a 180 on his beliefs. He's telling you what you want to hear to get you back. Open your eyes OK?

Maybe he didn't do a 180 on his beliefs, but he has decided to allow his kids to go to church

He doesn't HAVE kids. He's talking about fictional children. He started out completely adamant and then changed his tune in order to get his way.

I am completely aware he doesn't have children, I an just trying to understand what gives you the right, when you haven't even met the guy, to judge him as a liar. He has clearly realized his mistake and his stubbornness, and decided to compromise, or at least re-think it, which apparently is impossible!

sarahgilmore

I'm very atheist, anti-religion. I couldn't be in a serious relationship with someone religious.
My husband is more agnostic and even that borders on being a problem. He has no issues with the kids going to church if they want (but he's not taking them, i.e. go with a friend) wheras I'm totally against them going at all.

This is just as bigoted and close minded as conservative, right-winged Christianity. It is plain ignorant not to expose your children to as many things as possible and let them decide on their own.

I don't want them hanging out with the Mongrel Mob either, is that still bigoted and close-minded, or should I send them off to go play with the local gang children so they can continue to be exposed to as many things as possible?
I mean, drunkenness, abuse and violence is definitely going to round them into good open minded people, right? Being exposed to as many things as possible can only be a good thing.

seonf

Wow what intolerance. One day he will get over you and find someone who won't put their children through that. I think the poor guy deserves better, sorry but that's just me.

Dtho5159

To me, being agnostic/borderline atheist (if something's up there, it doesn't like me very much), I never wanted to date someone I would consider 'highly' religious. To me, insistance that my children go to church would be out of line. Should they decide to without parental influence then that's fine by me, but Sundays to me are a family day and that family doesn't include a deity.

There is too much potential for conflict, especially if one side is very commited to one religion and the other to another viewpoint, and especially in the case of children where both parents would want what they think/believe is best for them.

This is exactly me. Im borderline agnostic/athiest as well and thankfully my husband is agnostic also (raised seventh day adventist going to church 2x/week and all)

SwannySez

i guess im a satanist.. lol.

The Dark Lord of the Underworld thanks you for your support.

WhisperALullaby

I think it scary and sad when people on both sides (atheists and christians) would instantly rule someone out because of their religion (or lack thereof). I'm about as radical atheist as you can get, and my now husband wanted to get married in his church (Brethren, which is sort of a hippie Mennonite). It took a lot of compromise (remember, that fabulous word that comes with relationships) but we had a beautiful wedding, even though it was in a church and was not what I originally envisioned. Heck, we had dinosaurs in our ceremony. So the comments I hear on both sides, saying how you'll destroy your relationship with Christ (judge not, love each other, don't you guys remember these parts?) or that there's no way you'd ever consider a relationship with someone religious because you're far too scientific. It's sad. Just further shows religion as a great divider when it should really be about being a good person, which is all anyone wants on either side of the aisle.

I was raised Catholic, went to religious school from grades K-12, and it's really no guarantee that by being devout with your children that they will turn out a particular way. I appreciate what I learned, but have moved past it and now think differently. It happens.

If you love the guy, you will be able to work past it. If you will not compromise or budge (only go every other week, be taught about other viewpoints on the opposing week) then it will obviously not work. He may be saying now that he's ok with hypothetical children going to church, but when the time comes, he may resent that he doesn't have much of a say.

tjamuna1

i would but i would not date an atheist

brittanidigby

I would never date someone who is religious. Luckily my hubby is the same way as me so I don't have to worry about that.

megsmom2

Religion is personal, and should stay that way. Someone has a right to their beleifs...right up t
o the point where it starts interfering with mine. Would I date someone with a different faith than mine? Sure. My faith tells me "if it harms none, do what thou wilt."