I'd like to think it would. But really when it comes down to it we both think the other person is wrong. It seems like inevitablly the Christian would think the other person is wrong and going to hell or facing some other eternal punishment/seperation and the atheist would think the other person is wrong and therefore somehow intellectually inferior. What do you make of all this?
2007-11-12 05:12:03 · 66 answers · asked by Embarassed R&S Regular 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Here's the thing: in the context of this board, we seem to label ourselves as "Christian" or "atheist" and then leave it at that. In real life there's a lot more to a person, and that's just one aspect of it all. Of course it could work out. You just need to learn how to respectfully disagree.
2007-11-12 05:16:42 · answer #1 · answered by Rachel loves lasagna 4 · 10⤊ 0⤋
The Bible tells the Christian exactly how it's going to work out. "Can two walk together except they be agreed?" If the Christian is ignoring that, or doesn't know, it's not really a Christian, so things are going to be dishonest and unhappy at the very, very best. If you want a home "where the shadows are never lifted," try this stunt. The sweeter and finer the atheist is, the more your agony will be at the thought of what they're missing. They deserve the peace that passes understanding, that only Christ can give, but they're not likely to figure it out with a partner who's not totally real. If you love your atheist, really do, talk to Jesus about it and Don't Do Anything until He's the center of your relationship. If you're the atheist, why do you suppose you are attracted to a Christian, hmmmm?
2007-11-12 05:22:02 · answer #2 · answered by shirleykins 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
From being on this website, I do realize that most Atheists who have spoken up, do indeed think that Christians are intellectually inferior. As a Christian, I believe Atheists are just waiting to be proven wrong. Both are probably misnomers.
So, I believe it depends on how active and devoted they are in their beliefs. If they both have very strong beliefs, I can't see any way their relationship could work.
2007-11-12 05:28:12 · answer #3 · answered by butrcupps 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would definitely advise against it. I have a Catholic sister in law that married what others would consider agnostic, meaning no real path to God. When children arrived, it was very difficult to explain why daddy didn't go the church with them. Now, I know right now, it's just a dating relationship, but it could lead to a more serious one, and harder to get out of. Even Christians of different faiths have problems together, even though they might have the same basic beliefs, the differences mostly cannot be ignored. I would ask to please be careful if you continue this relationship, and try to find others who have the same belief structure as you do. In this case, you won't be regretful if it becomes serious, and happier when you start a family.
2007-11-12 05:21:03 · answer #4 · answered by JR 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not an atheist, I consider myself as more of a deist. I think it could work if the two people decided whether or not they are going to have kids and how they are going to raise them (Maybe exposing the kids to both beliefs impartially and letting the kids decide when they are old enough). The couple has to be open to each other's ideas and not be judgemental. If there is a serious amount of tension then it won't work. Both people have to be strong enough in their beliefs that they can have healthy discussions without being offended.
2007-11-12 05:17:49 · answer #5 · answered by ekstacee 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It really all depends. Many times a relationship needs similar religious beliefs to flourish but that is not always the case. It depends on how accepting each person is of the other's beliefs. Also, a lot of our acceptable societal standards are based on religion so each person's core beliefs may be similar. For instance, most people do not believe in killing, stealing, etc. even though they may or may not be Christian. So I say yes, it could work but it's probably not likely.
2007-11-12 05:18:17 · answer #6 · answered by vagabond79 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Often the atheist relies upon something like scientific proof to force a change in perception. The 'religionist' (not necessarily a Christian) works from a belief in higher authority. Mom, the minister, and/or God told me to believe this, therefore I must believe it.
Given the fundamentally different thought processes involved here, peaceful coexistence requires that they can escape one another for 'cooling off' periods. Intimate personal relationships that look anything like marriage are not likely to survive for a long period.
2007-11-12 05:21:47 · answer #7 · answered by G_U_C 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
God makes miracles. If you are a Christian and he/she is an aethiest...best of luck and say your prayers. Just remember that forcing your beliefs is the wrong way to go in any relationship, whether friendship or dationg wise. Anything works if you try to work things out and if both people are understanding. Now parents are a different story that I won't go into. Respect is the number one thing here though that should come from both people.
2007-11-12 05:18:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Christians were warned long ago not to be "yoked unequally" with unbelievers, so the question really shouldn't arise.
Personally, I couldn't imagine trying to have a close relationship with someone who does not share or even understand my most basic value: it makes no sense to even try.
People are constantly marrying with the intention of changing something they don't like about their partner: it might have worked a few times in the course of human history, but it's a bad, bad Plan A.
2007-11-12 12:57:26 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
hell can be a state of mind, for a lifetime, don't let it ruin a possible friendship... the natural universe is a scientific equivalent of god... being buried by an erupting volcano can be hell...clear the air and work it out... Christians and atheists are not enemies by design, only personal prejudices and pride can create that sad situation... atheism is actually nothing more than an informal religion itself... good luck, not meaning to step on toes with the word good...
2007-11-12 05:20:06 · answer #10 · answered by jihvii 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Christian is not really supposed to enter in this type of relationship! "be ye not unequally yoked" sorry cannot remember the verse address. so many other problems would stem from this if you get married too. You would find that each would be living a seperate life an dit would pull you apart...until one crossed over to the other side. So in some views one would choose hell or heaven.
2007-11-12 05:21:13 · answer #11 · answered by davidsirknight 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋