Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jillian Mann on July 28, 2011 at 4:54pm

I was a catholic and my husband was a sikh when we were married....but now we're both atheists....I don't know if subconsciously we knew going into our relationship we were ready for a change or if we just got lucky. My husband was alot more resistant to the idea of no god in the beginning but seeing how happy and uncomplicated it made things for me he soon let his guard down and started questioning his own faith. I know this doesn't answer your question but it's my personal experience. As for you wanting to marry someone the same race as you, I'd have to say being married to someone from a different culture has been the best experience of my life and my husbands. And my children will always know where they come from....

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by George Thain on July 28, 2011 at 5:47pm

A similar question was asked to me by a fellow atheist a couple of years ago. It was not something I'd thought about before and it was at a time when I'd only just rejected my previously held Christian beliefs. I came to the conclusion that I would find it hard to be in a relationship with someone who held strong religious views but not impossible, and I still think that's the case today. I think I'd find it hard not because of a different outlook on life but because for me intelligence is a very important factor and although there are intelligent religious people, having a strong religious view always makes me question that intelligence. A couple of weeks after my friend had asked me this question he started dating a Christian girl and it became clear why he had asked the question, they are still together and very happy which proves an atheist-Christian bond can work.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Sassan K. on July 28, 2011 at 6:00pm

cool :)

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Gretchen Becker on July 28, 2011 at 6:14pm

I agree with Graham, it's who you love. You've got to be able to appreciate their worldview though, if you're going to be sharing your life with them. Rationality is a great quality to look for. Even if a person has certain beliefs, if they're rational about them it's way easier to respect them. Engage in conversation, and I think it should be stimulating not frustrating!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jeremy Lester on July 28, 2011 at 8:28pm

Have to? No. Is it probably a good idea? Probably so.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Reg The Fronkey Farmer on July 28, 2011 at 8:50pm

Only after a lot of Carbondatting first :-)

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by James on July 28, 2011 at 9:09pm

No, you don't have to marry an Atheist. There are plenty of mixed relationships that are working just fine. Differing theological opinion need not be a road block if both parties are understanding and respectful. In fact, I'm married to a Wiccan. Surprisingly, one of the reasons she felt comfortable starting a relationship with me was because I am an Atheist. She comes from a Catholic family (as do I) so she felt that I'd be understanding of the fact that she had some 'different' thoughts on theology. Although, there are some details where we don't agree, it has never gotten in the way of our relationship. It is nice that we can have long discussions about science or the Abrahamic religions and see pretty much eye-to-eye though. So it can work, it just depends on how understanding the parties involved are.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Chris G on July 28, 2011 at 9:54pm

I think the institution of marriage is over. - in the traditional sense of the word as evident by the number of divorces. It would be interesting to see if arranged married couples are more content than couples who find a spouse on their own. Getting along with the in-laws is as important as getting along with the spouse.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Natasha on July 28, 2011 at 10:32pm

You certainly dont have to, but it sure would help. At the very least you would have to be very open about your views as if it is a deal breaker you dont waste your time. While I married a catholic, he was never a strong believer and has his doubts. To that end he does not try to convert his faithless wife and we just agree to disagree on the subject. Then again it would have been nice if something so important to me now (it wasnt back when I was younger and was getting married) was shared by my best friend. So yes, it helps to share a life with someone who shares your beliefs.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Deme Mo on July 28, 2011 at 10:55pm

I don't plan on marrying at all honestly, but I could see myself with someone religious as long as they know religion is a personal decision and not something that the world MUST follow. Also if i plan on having children with this person, i would never by no means allow them to enforce their religious beliefs on our kids.

 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Eric Youngstrom on July 28, 2011 at 11:46pm

1. I am just getting out of a marriage so IF I get married again... scratch that... It will take a lot for me to ever marry again.

 

I don't habitat well with others.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Suzanne Olson-Hyde on July 29, 2011 at 6:51am

Nope, wouldn't marry an atheist, that is another story 'or discussion' but I could only live with an Atheist. Couldn't live with a xian, and couldn't call one 'my best friend'. 

 

On both counts, friends or partners, they have to think alike. Love does not conquer all. Respect is my key, logic, civility. Chemistry, goes without saying, but I just couldn't respect anybody that believes in a sky ghost that comes from a book written by herdsmen.

 

For Eric, was your ex xian. I have also been there done that, and would never marry again,

Marriage is man constructed, and in the end, doesn't mean anything, as by the divorce rate, and the number of people now living de facto. People generally, marry too quickly, without really knowing who 'they' are', let alone somebody else. I have been in this relationship for 23 years - and still love him to bits - and both atheists.

• ▶ Reply

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• Next ›
• Page