What is your opinion on religious differences (or lack one partners lack of religion) in a marriage relationship? I am a Christian and I truly believe in the Bible's teachings. I happened to meet a young woman who I adore that does not have any religious background (She was under the impression that God had relations with Mary to create Jesus...which is actually a logical thought if you haven't read the account before). She consistently joins me to church but I am starting to feel like she is doing this purely to please me. I fear a relationship where the most important aspect of my life, my faith, is an aspect the will have to grow unsupported by my spouse if I decide to marry her. I know the Bible warns of relationships w/ non-believers being difficult but difficult does not mean impossible and I think she is worth the work. Any advice or comments would be appreciated, not only for answers, but to broaden my perspective.
2007-04-30 20:48:51 · 11 answers · asked by Seeking 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Marriage & Divorce
You are right it is not impossible. There will be problems, but even if she was a Christian you would have problems. In any relationship there will be problems. What Jesus says is that marriage to a non-believer will tend to draw you away from him. This is the problem that you would need to focus on the most. Your relationship with Christ. Through this relationship, you will be able to be a living example to her of Christ's love for his children. You can't make her believe but she is showing an interest if she's going with you. Even if it's just to please you, she's hearing the word. Remember we are sometimes the only bible other's will see. Live for Christ and he will do the rest. As long as you have him you'll be happy. It's not a gauranty she'll become a christian. But through your living and example you may bring another child home. The best way to change another is to change ourselves. So with God all things are possible. Love is a very powerful blessing, and the more you love Christ the more you'll love her. This in it self will be a testimony to her about the true love of our Lord. Take care and do as your heart tells you. She may need you to be strong in your faith to help her gain her's. God is awesome and you can show this not only to her but to all whom you come into contact with. Peace to you my brother.
2007-04-30 21:28:02 · answer #1 · answered by skip1960 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If religion is important in your life then yes it will be difficult. You already feel that she doesn't share your interest and it seems to disturb you. People don't have to share all of each other's interests, but they have to respect them, which she seems to do. Respect her atheism too and appreciate that she goes to church with you at least out of curiosity. Don't expect that she will change. If you turn the tables, you'd probably feel very unhappy if she tried to "convert" you into an atheist. She might or might not become more religious. If religion is a big part of your everyday life and you feel it is something that has to be supported by your spouse then you might be better off finding someon else who's more religious that this girl and she might be better off with a less intense Christian. They say love conquers all, but it is simply not so.
2007-04-30 22:18:17 · answer #2 · answered by Snowflake 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First things first. Each one has an individual take on religion. although the Church has successfully established its supremacy in religious preaching and brain-washing, these days, people are more broader and more smarter to know what is what.
Being a non-believer is absolutely NOT wrong. it's neither immoral or unethical. However, being unsystematic and haphazard is bad. now supposing the woman's lifestyle is pure, chaste and perfectly in tune (without harming anyone) with yours, then I'd say you should go ahead by all means.
i know of several women, who are strict believers but do NOT lead a happy life because they are simply unsystematic and lead a very dirty, irreligious and unchaste life.
in the end, it's the TRUST and LOVE that matters. not whether you believe in God or not.
2007-04-30 20:56:25 · answer #3 · answered by chandru_89_new 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, Check this out. I was in the same situation with my wife before we got married! It is possible, but takes some work and strength. My wife did not even believe in God when I met her, but check this out 1Corinthians 7:12-14 and to tie it together and bring it home 1Corinthians 7:6. I wish I could HIGHLIGHT that last one. My wife is now a strong believer in God and Christ and we are happily married for 6 yrs and been together for 10 with 2 great kids. 1 Corinthians has some great stuff for marriage in general, but those two passages should get you the RIGHT answers you need.
Second, if you are a Christian (and I'm not disputing that) you should know to becareful of worldly wisdom. Don't be afraid to go to a trusted church elder/memeber for advice that will keep you trackin on the right path.
Finally, GOD bless you and your wife!
~side note, becareful of stuff you read like that outside the bible because "The Liar" has his ways of confusing and lying to babes in Christ and even Adults~
2007-05-01 03:51:33 · answer #4 · answered by blazinwulf 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say that 98% of people believe in GOD there is no question about that even those who say they do not, why, because when something tragic happens what is the very first words that come from there lips (HO MY GOD) religion is a very hard point to try to force onto anyone and if you love her, truly love her then do not let religion blind you. Please remember the Bible is only a guide not law. God will bless and keep you both safe. just because she has doubts we all do. and I bet you have your doubts at one time or another when things go wrong and you wonder why GOD would let things like this /that happen. Man is his own worse enemy that is why we have Law's and a faith to cling to.
AGONY UNCLE
2007-04-30 21:03:45 · answer #5 · answered by coofooman 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If she happy to let you continue with your religion and any future kids to be brought up in your religion then what is the problem.
She might eventually decide not to follow your religion but she is giving it a try what more can you ask of her.
I know many religious people who marry people who aren't religious and because the non believers don't stop the believers there is no problem.
2007-04-30 21:10:02 · answer #6 · answered by Lou 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's funny to hear christians say, "if she's a non believer---run". You should remember that Jesus dined with sinners & when he was asked why, he replied that the saved didn't need saving. Christians should not run from non believers because you're not doing Gods mission that way.
But also remember that changing her is not your job, it's Gods & all you can do is pray that she grows to understand the teachings & answer any questions she may have. & most importantly, don't judge her. That's also not your job.
2007-04-30 21:13:30 · answer #7 · answered by judy bo-booty 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It will only affect your relationship if you let your differences get in the way. The most important thing is to respect each other's beliefs and not impose on each other. Do not force her to do anything she wouldn't do herself and if she chooses to join your religion, it must be because she wanted to do it for her, not for you or anyone else for that matter.
2007-04-30 21:01:35 · answer #8 · answered by jdhs 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was engaged to a Christian, but when I found out what her religion really preached I ran fast and far. You should never marry someone with the intention of changing them, whether it's religion or anything else.
2007-04-30 20:52:04 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
It will be hard and eventually your differences might e a point of contention
What happens whne the children arrive
two disciplines will be difficult for them and this might cause a rift
2007-04-30 20:52:27 · answer #10 · answered by ~*tigger*~ ** 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋