religious vs. non-religious relationship. Can it work?

Question

My girlfriend is highly religious (Christian) and I'm not. We agree on most things, but there are some things that we just can't seem to agree on! Can our relationtip work, and if yes then how?

Ok, I like all these answers! Here's what the issue really comes down to: I have no problem with her being religious and having morals based of religion (rather than come to a set of morals by myslef). But she's even afraid to cuddle with me, b/c she's afraid I might try something (I'm not). Other issues seem to be that I'm pretty accepting of most things while she'll have a hard line opinion of an issue (not a lot of these, but enough to matter!) I really hope that we can work this out, as I really like her- but there's this bubble around her, and while it may have shrunk a tad since we started going out, it's still there! (and no I'm not trying to change her or anything!) Ideas?!?

THX!
Eug

Answer 1

I am in the same exact situation that you are. My girlfriend is a Christian, and i am kind of agnostic if anything. I believe in God, but i don't really believe in religion. i think that it is the opiate of the masses, and i just don't really want to belong or associate with any religion in particular. What you must do is find a happy medium for the both of you, and try not to have religious arguments. She is entitled to her beliefs, and you are entitled to yours. Let it be at that, and respect her beliefs, even if you do not agree with them, and your love will grow and prosper. Religion is not the problem in any relationship, it is not coming to an agreement that is the problem. Come to an agreement, and things will work out perfectly! Ciao!

OK! what else you may need to do then is to have a heart to heart talk with her and tell her what you are telling us. Reassure to her that you will not try anything, and that you are not trying to change her or take her beliefs from her. You have to talk to her to help alleviate her fears, and after she ponders that for awhile, she should warm up to the idea of you. Talk to her and then give her a little bit of time........

Answer 2

I am sure it can work if you guys can agree to disagree on some things. However if you are intending on getting married in the future then I would sit down and really talk through the important stuff. There are some things that may not be up for negotiation and you would want to know that before you get into the situation. It is hard on a relationship when one person is Christian and the other person isn't. I am not saying that it can't work though.

Answer 3

highly religious and highly spiritual can be two different things. if she's just really religious, you may be able to get around it because mostly religious people are about traditions so all you have to do is go along for the most part (if it's not too weird or uncomfortable). if she has deep convictions and a deep bond with God, it will be harder for you guys to stay together.... she'll always choose God over you (hopefully), especially if she feels pressured to make a choice. if this is the case, i would try to keep an open mind and find out why/how she got her deep convictions and see if that's something you would want. other than that, you'll just both have to be willing to make a lot of comprimises. (which may or may not be something either of you can do)

Answer 4

The Bible speaks on being unequally yoked which means that if you two disagree often, there is a chance that this relationship may not work. This concept is mostly related to married people or those considering marriage.

However, the Bible also explains that the "wife" can draw her husband to Christ and vice-versa.. Since you two are just dating, her beliefs may be either convict you or challenge you to change your life. I do not think that she is "highly religious", it's just that she has accepted to believe in Christ and his teachings. Talk to her, but please do not try and change her, instead read the word for yourself. II Corinthians 6:14. Discover what Christ is saying to you!

Answer 5

Its probably not impossible, but definitely a challenge, and possibly more trouble than it's worth. Try to think about a future with her, and all the points where you will have to make decisions together (how to raise kids, experimenting in the bedroom, tithing to the church, etc) - will you be able to agree on most things? It's like Chris Rock said - if you're a crackhead you need to be with another crackhead.

Answer 6

I'm sorry but although I do believe in religious differences being no big deal in a friendship situation, in a partnership between a man and woman, I think it can be a big problem. If neither one cares too much about it, sure it can work but if one person has very strong ideas on religion, it's a huge part of who they are as a person. It can be hugely intrumental in the decisions they make in life and so you may always be at odds unless you are quite happy to allow her to make all of the decisions.

Answer 7

Yes, it can work with a lot of cooperation from both parties. As long as you don't take her away from her religious convictions nor make her stop being religious, you'll do fine. If you agree to disagree, you'll do fine.

That's how it is with my husband and I. We have been married for eleven years now. We have known each other for thirteen years.
I'm the Christian, he is the non-religious one. He has never tried to force me away from being a Christian.

Answer 8

In the Bible it says that you and your partner are supposed to be evenly yolked, that means both are believers. If your girlfriend really is a christian, and you are really not a good influence, it may not work out. Good luck!

Answer 9

You know, they say opposites attract. If you got together, he might lighten up and you might tighten up till you were on the same page spiritually. Stranger things have happened.

Answer 10

If you two get married someday, it may be difficult with how to raise the children and everything.