Religious Differences in Relationships

[Honeykiss1974]

I'm Baptist and I've dated an atheist. He was very passionate about being an atheist as I was about Jesus so it didn't work out. LOL

Like others have said, I don't think I could date much less marry someone that wasn't Christian since it is a big part of my life. And even with that, we would need to have the same views on Christianity as well because I could not be with someone that was like....oh let's say ummm.... Jim Duggar.

[VandalSquirrel]

I've thought about this and I could date a man with a different religion, but depending on the religion, or even denomination marriage may not work. I know I could not be in a long term relationship with a man who practiced a religion that did not have women as equals (for example able to be a Pastor/Rabbi/ etc.). If I have children with him there would be a huge problem letting them practice a religion where women are seen or treated as lesser.

I've had less problems dating Reform Jews and Catholics than Protestants (which I am one). Go figure.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by SWTXBelle

The only difficulty I could see might have been concerning the raising of children.

I think that's where the rub comes. Between two adults, it's doable. When children come into the mix, things can change.

Example: one couple with whom we are friends -- she is a Catholic (though not hyper-religious), he is athiest. When children came, she wanted them baptized; he refused to come to the service. I know it has led to some friction and sadness because they are finding they have different ideas of how they want the kids raised. It's hasn't been easy, at least for her (based on her conversations with my wife).

Depending on how religious/non-religious (or anti-religious) you both are, I think that to make it work it requires, before the "I dos," (1) complete honesty between the two of you as to what you want and expect and what matters to you, and (2) honest discussions about how to raise the children (assuming you want children). In other words, what BetteDavisEyes said.

Originally Posted by Benzgirl

I also dated a guy who was an ex-member of the Bruderhof (similar to the Hutterites). Now that was was a doozy.

You have to have some good stories there!