Should religion really be an issue when it comes to the matters of the heart?

Question

Especially when two people want to get into a relationship together ... When one is a Catholic and the other is an Atheist?

Answer 1

If both of them are pretty watered down in their "faith", it could work. Otherwise, I would say that if you truly believe (or disbelieve) something deep down in your heart, that is a HUGE part of who you are. How can you have true unity with someone who either thinks you are deluded to the core or who is terrified that you are going to spend eternity in hell? And if you were to ever have children...that's where the stuff would really hit the fan.

Answer 2

It's an issue if one or both cannot accept the other's beliefs and/or practices. There's also a lot of social pressure that the religious groups will exert to talk the spouse into converting. There are many, many facets to interfaith marriages and I think they shouldn't be taken lightly, especially when the couple has children. What if one says the kid ought to go to church and the other one thinks church is a waste of time; or if you have both people insisting that the kids observe their respective holidays and practices... can you say religious overkill? How do you deal with conflicting messages that the children receive... I'd have to think long and hard before getting involved in such a relationship.

Answer 3

It should at least be discussed. Religion is a very important part of many people's lives. Research shows, in fact, that religion can help couples build a happy marriage. A study done in the United States showed that 89% of happily married couples agreed on how spiritual values and beliefs are expressed. However even couples who attend services in different religions report higher marital satisfaction than those who don't participate in any religion at all.

Like all marriages, interfaith marriages can be successful if both spouses are willing to work hard at committing to one another, showing respect for one another, and focusing on shared values. When children come along, it's important to place the best interests of the child first as decisions are made about how to religiously raise the child and how to celebrate holidays. If they can work out stuff like that, they should be fine.

Answer 4

Seeing how your religion should be based on some very deep beliefs, yes. You are putting two entities together that have moral codes that are based on some basic spiritual belief.

However, this should be an issue for the two in the relationship, not everyone else.
And most of the time this can be overcome with respect, acceptance and an attempt of understanding.

If you are in this situation, be honest with eachother. Respect each other's right to beliefs. Love each other and talk about it kindly. Really try to put yourself in the other person's place.

Answer 5

Yes, it should. The major reason is what your moral foundation is.

Although Atheists may be good by osciety's standards, the Atheist has no real moral foundation, even "social norms", because they can go off and do whatever they want to. 10 years down the road, the person with the moral foundation is typically miserable.

The Bible also says "Do not be unequally yoked with non-believers." This is commonly applied to marriage, but yoking is a joining for pulling in the same direction, which would apply to dating, business contracts, etc.

Answer 6

Dear,

Marriage is an understanding of the two person. Man and Woman. There's nothing to do with religion. Once married, then later discuss on religion. Of course the best religion to be followed. If I may suggest, I suggest both convert to Islam.

Answer 7

I think everything should be considered when entering a relationship. You invest a lifetime in a marriage so start out by making the best choices you possibly can.
It was never that important to me that my husband was a Christian when I married him but years down the road I am so grateful that he is. I agree with the Bible when it says , Do not yolk yourself to an unbeliever.

Answer 8

With over 3,000 different religions you can just imagine all the issues we would have, the heart is the seat of motivation and the bible states where ever the heart is there your treasures will be also!

Answer 9

religion is man made rules of conduct designed to make one worthy to be accepted by God

The Catholic Church i great for this.

give money

say 3 hail Marys or our fathers

give money

do this sacrament

give money

do catechism

give money

Christianity is Jesus coming to you and fulfilling all (he said "it is finished") you need to do nothing but believe and accept him to be saved.

Praying to idols cant help (mary included)

Answer 10

if ur relationship with God is truly firm, u'll never forsake him for any other wordly love.