Can a Christian and an Atheist have a meaningful relationship?

Question

Do you think they could have a happy marriage?
What about if they have children...could they manage to raise kids that are mentally sound?

What do you think a person should do, if they happen to fall in love with someone whose beliefs are radically different from their own...as in the case of the Atheist and the Christian?

I am very interested in hearing everyone's opinions on this.
Humor is always appreciated, but PLEASE try to be considerate of the beliefs of others. There is no need to belittle someone else's ideas just because you don't happen to agree with them.
As always, bashers or trolls will not be considered for Best Answer.

Answer 1

I don't think that they could. Christians put God in the centre of their lives whereas athiests don't and I think that would cause loads of conflict. If they had children then the Christian parent would want their kid to go to church and get Christian teaching whereas the athiest parent probably wouldn't be too happy about that.

Answer 2

My husband is an atheist and I am a Christian. We don't tell each other how to think. We have always had a great relationship but me becoming a Christian has actually improved our marriage. God has shaped my perspective on so many aspects of my life.

For a couple just starting out, perhaps planning to have children, you really need to talk this out honestly and fully before getting serous. You both need to understand the others' views on child-rearing. You need to make sure you share the same values.

Answer 3

My life experience is that if two people are right for each other, cultural differences such as very different religious beliefs can be negotiated. There are challenges from being "unevenly yoked," but they are surmountable *if*:

(1) You have similar values, even though you have different belief systems;
(2) You are both able to commit to not demeaning or disrespecting each other's beliefs (at least not in front of each other);
(3) You are able to agree on how you will raise your children.

Inter-religious marriages can work, and they can be wonderful. A few billion more inter-religious marriages would probably mean peace on earth.

Answer 4

i for my area think of that there are some issues approximately ourselves that are inner maximum; issues that don't must be reported because of the fact it rather is not any ones business enterprise yet our very own. Sexuality and faith are 2 reliable examples. I fairly have additionally got here across that each now and then it rather is reliable to enable the flags fly just to weed out the individuals you in all probability did no longer prefer to be around besides. right here at artwork there are in uncomplicated terms some people who comprehend i'm an atheist, and that's considering the undeniable fact that's my artwork. What I do or do no longer believe is beside the point. In my social team nonetheless, my sexuality, my very own ideals, my political opinion are all nicely ordinary. those that made it for the period of the gauntlet of their very own bias are numerous the main magnificent people I fairly have had the exhilaration of being acquaintances with.

Answer 5

There's a scenario that hasn't been addressed yet, and that is when both are unsaved at the time of marriage, and one gets saved after the vows. That's where I was at.....Our children were 9 and 5yrs old when I got saved and it does cause a lot of initial tension, especially if there's an immediate and drastic change in your life as there was in mine. In addressing the issue of the mental health of the children, they will be as healthy as the environment they're raised in....Christians are not immune to their share of problems as well; in fact, I would go so far as to say we have more than the usual problems, and we don't go to the Source (The Lord) for His provisions and trust Him as we should to help us with our problems but we tend, oftentimes to be too self-reliant.

Edit: There's also an aspect of spiritual loneliness for the believer, when you can't communicate your feelings about your God and be understood by the man that you love....

If you're not yet in this situation, I beg you, please don't do it! It's a terribly difficult situation.....

God bless you XXX

Answer 6

Atheist here who has had many happy and fulfilling relationships with Christian women. Religion is never an issue, as they gradually figure out I don't believe, and by then they know me as a person instead of an infidel.

The woman I've been with for years is confused after years of being tossed back and forth in a cruel family, from Catholicism to Pentacostal, but I'm letting her work it out. If she asks me, I answer, but I leave the rest to her. I can see she is slowing edging away from belief and will make the final break some day.

Answer 7

I have a friend, who is Christian, and married to an atheist. That's because as a young man, he was sucked into the cult group called "Moonies." And he never wanted to be deceived again.

If you ask me, I think he actually does believe there is a God. But he's just now coming around, after all this time, to talking about it with her. Nonetheless, they've always loved each other and respected each other.

I think that's cool.

P.S. What is a troll, exactly? I'd like to recognize them if I can. Because, honestly speaking, I tell the truth each time I reply to someone's message. And I don't seek points. Would like to recognize those with ulterior motives. (Thanks.)

God bless you today.

Answer 8

Well, I can say I have a friend who is Christian. His wife was Atheist by belief, Jewish by culture (Her discription).
She said she believed that anything related to G-d was "ridiculous" (Her word again).
She would often question me as to "why" I have a steadfast belief in G-d. I told her it "just made sense" to me.
She desired that the children know about Judaism. Via the culture. I told her I thought that was a good idea as well. She signed them up for Jewish Summer Camps and allowed them to celebrate Chanukah only. No other holidays.
He supported that wholeheartedly.
He even joined in celebrating Chanukah with the children.
However,
He wanted the children to know of Christianity. She would become irate if he took them to Easter Mass or to Christmas Eve Mass.
I personally witnessed a lot of VERY heated arguements between them over this.
He confided in me that he just wanted his children to grow up with a solid belief in G-d. Whatever religion they chose was fine with him.
I watched their marriage completely dissolve.
I'm sure there were more factors to their divorce, but I know religion was a huge one.

Answer 9

My brother's wife is a devout, committed Christian and he is an atheist. They have a wonderful relationship and two beautiful children. They are both respectful of the others beliefs. I think that the answer is dependent upon a person's ability to be respectful of someone else's beliefs, especially someone so close to them. My sister-in-law is a patient and accepting person who is able to maintain her beliefs while respecting my brother's as well. She takes their children to church, and they know that their father has different ideas.
Of course, you won't find either of them flinging insults in the R&S section.

Answer 10

If it comes to marriage, no. There would be too much tension and not worth wasting each other's time.

When it comes to friendship I can tell you something personal. I have a friend who recently became a super-evangelical Christian. He has since become very irksome in the sense that he is constantly trying to save my soul.

I can only imagine how difficult it would be for two people on opposite poles of belief to get along. At least those who want to be fundamentally and honorably tied to their belief systems. Sure, people can maintain niceties and respect at the basic levels but when push comes to shove it is best to be a part from one another, at least on intimate terms. Good question.