Only if they BOTH can agree to disagree. It IS possible for a non-believer and a believer to have a lasting relationship - but either both of them have to be flexible in their belief system, or one person has to be extremely flexible even when the other is not. I don't think it's possible for a relationship to last if both people feel equally strongly on this subject, especially when (and if) you bring kids into the mix.
2007-09-18 12:10:29
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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Personally, I think love can overcome just about any obstacle there is. That said, when the novelty wears off, and the things that make each of you who you are become more substantial to the relationship, there might be issues. Will the Christian attend church without the Atheist? Will the Atheist's friends make fun of the Christian for being a fanatic? Will The Christian's friends despise the Atheist for being a non-believer? How will a child or children be reared?
I'm an Atheist, and I was married to a Southern Baptist, and I'm now married to an Agnostic. Neither my ex, nor my husband are all that religious, and since religion is not a big part of who we are, it was never an issue. If religion is a big part of who you are, then it will be a major obstacle to overcome in a relationship.
2007-09-18 14:31:58
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answer #2
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answered by Rappel_Welch 4
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Truthfully? No, I don't. Not if one is talking marriage and a family. If you're talking about a friendship, then it may be possible.
When there is a huge difference in belief systems, then what each person expects is also greatly different. Where one might believe something as a foundation, a basic truth, that the other might pass it off as nothing more than a whim, it leaves the first feeling slighted, ignored.
And then the question of how to raise the children - in the faith, or as an atheists?
Then there can be a difference in what one considers immoral, and what the other may see as acceptable.
It would take an extreme amount of effort and compromise to make a marriage like that work. And it won't work at all, if one or the other feels that they had to give up something fundamental to who they are, in order to be in that relationship.
2007-09-18 12:14:41
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answer #3
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answered by Barb Outhere 7
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It is possible, I do not think it is likely. There are just too many areas where disagreement would come into play. Before the relationship got very involved I think a serious discussion would need to take place setting out the guidelines and how problems are going to be handled. Who is the one who is going to compromise their beliefs would be a big question to resolve. What about children or potential children how would your views amt up on that. Wow will children be raised with or without religion. There are so many obstacles to face I think it would be trouble in the making.
2007-09-18 12:35:28
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answer #4
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answered by K K 5
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Very interesting question. I'm thinking hard about it. As an atheist myself, I don't really think I could have a strong relationship with someone who was a Christian because we are coming to issues from diametrically opposed viewpoints. I believe we could have respect for each other. But when push comes to shove so to speak, and you have to make a tough decision, how is the issue going to be resolved? I am not okay with the "Let's pray and leave it in God's hands" outlook. I am of the "Let's examine this issue and fix it" outlook. See what I mean? If someone out there can pull it off, more power to them! But for me, I don't see it happening.
2007-09-18 12:09:11
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answer #5
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answered by meagain 4
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I think that is a question only the people involved in the relationship can answer. Speaking from experience in this area it can make for a very challenging relationship and love does not conquer all. My ex would not even come to our daughters baptisims, church events, and tried to tell me I was a bad mother for raising the children in the church. Think about it long and hard before you try. Its not an easy life to choose to persue.
2007-09-18 12:10:44
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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No I don't. Christians are very dogmatic. He'll only invest much time in trying to convert you, to "explain" the real thing to you.
That might be difficult if you are a true atheist. But if you aren't, maybe you can seek a compromise....
On the other hand, the intelectual interests, the "carnal" sexual affair, that might be very good and keep the relationship functioning....
good luck and I hope you find a way.
2007-09-18 12:17:49
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answer #7
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answered by GreenEyes 7
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No because even the smallest things will become major issues with opposing methods of resolution.
Also would create a lot of obstacles if children were to become involved. Someone would have to compromise their beliefs and that's not healthy for anyone.
2007-09-18 12:19:58
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answer #8
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answered by That NC Girl 3
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Sure as long as they leave their belief's outside of the bedroom I dont see why not.
People marry for love not for their religion so why should it come into it at all?just enjoy the love.
2007-09-18 13:02:52
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answer #9
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answered by JadeyOz 5
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I could not... the question is.. Can you?
2007-09-18 12:21:27
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answer #10
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answered by Sandy 1
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