what are you take on spouses/partners who aren't christians? Do you think you should still be with them- and pray for their salvation? or do you just decide that right off the bat- if someone doesn't share your religious views- you aren't going to date them? I'm really struggling with this right now. I am a christian and he is not. We're not married but have 2 children. For a long time i 'lost' who i was- and now am getting back to how i was- espeically spiritualy. He doesn't care what i do- he's not controlling or anything- everything else between us is great- but im really starting to crave wanting to share all the great things we have with someone who is a believer as well and take our relationship to the highest and greatest level. Just curious what your opinions / experience is.
2007-07-21 19:26:57 · 9 answers · asked by Amy Clark 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
My husband is a United Methodist and I am a Buddhist. We have been happily married for 12 years. You should have thought about your "spiritual differences" before having two children together. I do not think Jesus would find a difference of religious opinion a suitable excuse for splitting up a family. I also sincerely believe if you were truly happy with all other aspects of your relationship, you would not be asking this. I think you are looking for an excuse to bail.
2007-07-21 19:34:29 · answer #1 · answered by Pangloss (Ancora Imparo) AFA 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Dear mable syrup,
i think the Scriptures give us guidance as to how to handle this situation. The Scriptures do teach us not to be unequally yoked- first because once married the two become one and so there are times you may feel torn especially when you disagree on spiritual issues- ie: should the kids go to church, etc.
However, there are Scriptures that address wives with unbelieving husbands- that they should stay with the husbands. And although the two of you aren't married- the 2 children you have together is a strong consideration.
i think the bottom line really comes down to what are you seeking in your relationship. And the considerations include: the kids, is the relationship going to be pleasing to the Lord (how open is he to going to church and to support you in pursuing the Lord, and raising your children in the Lord, etc.)
As you said-- there are great spiritual things you want to share with him- that you feel like you can't and it's a matter of how important that is to you. i've seen relationships workout eventually between believers and unbelievers-- but there is a lot of suffeirng, struggling, and no guarantees.
Hope that helps. Kindly,
Nickster
2007-07-21 19:41:46 · answer #2 · answered by Nickster 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I'm assuming that the two children you have are yours and his together. Right?
I think it's very important to KNOW what your Spiritual path is before you make babies with somebody. Didn't you discuss how you would raise your kids BEFORE you conceived? Hmmmmm.
Unfortunately - many people in the Christian faith think that their way is the only way. I believe that faiths that think that their way is the only way cause a lot of problems. Wars - to name one. and "Spiritual Mis-matches" to name another.
You are blessed that you have a partner who is a live and let live type of guy - and who will let you practice your Christianity - even though he's not Christian himself. Hopefully - you won't judge him - and your kids will get to be raised by two open minded parents.
2007-07-21 19:44:21 · answer #3 · answered by liddabet 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Personally i would rather date and marry people that i share a common religion with. Not because of a dislike of people of other religions because i have friends in various religions. But i would want to be able to discuss religion and go to church with the person i love. Plus raising children would be easier if you're on the same page when it comes to what religion to teach them.
2007-07-21 20:44:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was a pagan that married a Christian. It works out fine for us. the key is to respect each others beliefs.
Love is all that matters.
2007-07-21 19:47:13 · answer #5 · answered by Kharm 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
love and spirituallity have nothing to do with each other. it's also sort of insulting to "pray for someones salvation" like they are some sort of hopeless sinner. your relationship status will only change when you let it. spirituality is a path you go down all by yourself there is no reason to drag him into it.
2007-07-21 19:39:54 · answer #6 · answered by Stephanie S 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
So long as each leaves the other free and ALONE, letting them practice as they wish... it makes NO difference. Anyone who would force has no business thinking about a partnership ... more like a slave trade.
2007-07-21 19:33:53 · answer #7 · answered by Edhelosa 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Take him to church with you, and share all that you know with him, share the word and experiences with him
he could come to know God through you, if not I would look somewhere else and ask God to lead and guide you, you need a partner that is one with you
2007-07-21 19:33:22 · answer #8 · answered by Gifted 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
why should it matter what they believe in if you love them for who they are why do you want to change them. Or are you unhappy about something else.
2007-07-21 19:32:13 · answer #9 · answered by drakelungx 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋