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Can a couple with different religious beliefs have a successful relationship?
Yes! No question about it. It happens all the time.
Now, it is true that some religions prohibit such a partnership, some religions have strict admonitions discouraging such a relationship, and some people believe it is wrong to engage in this type of partnership. These strong believers may feel uncomfortable with their partner believing differently. In these cases one may not want to be with someone who does not share her/his beliefs.
But, it is also true that people change, discover new ideas, expand their hearts and minds and ultimately may change or alter their beliefs.
This does not mean an end to the relationship. Not by a long shot, unless the couple decides they do not want to be married or continue the relationship.
If however, two people are committed to their marriage, determined to overcome and work through their challenges, there is certainly reason to be optimistic and positive.
Long term intimate relationships are not static. People typically grow, change, learn, and mature, and with these changes comes the need for adjustments and revisions. This is healthy, normal, and appropriate.
If a non-religious person discovers belief, OR, if a religious believer lets go of belief or changes belief, the belief, or lack thereof, is not as important as is the commitment, determination, and dedication, to one's spouse. If love, care, compassion, and emotional intimacy are the focus, if a couple decides they will work through the changes, the relationship can survive and thrive.
Religious differences or changing beliefs may be one way a couple experiences challenges but as with all difficulties, two people, working together can move beyond the trial and have a beautiful and fulfilling relationship.
3 comments:
This is a touchy one Jennifer. Religion has been at the root of much pain/war/hatred for hundreds of years but I do believe, as you do, that 2 people of differing religions can have as meaningful a relationship as two people of the same religion. The same can also be said about colour and ethnic background. It all depends on how religiously devoted you are.
Black and white, Catholic and Muslim, English and French .. they are all the accessories, so to speak. Take them away and we are the same in our hearts, our souls and our love.
Hey George... Ohhh I love this...
"take them away and we are all the same in our hearts, our souls and our love."
This is brilliant! Thank you for this!
We often get caught up in the roles we play, the beliefs we have aquired, the history of our ancestors and, while these are significant and important, if a couple wants to stay together, and is willing to do the work, regardless of differences they can make it happen!
It is all about focusing on the important things of life! :-)
Hope your day is a great one George,
Jen
This is a fantastic website and I'm very glad I found it. I love the content and it really touches on many subjects that we all have either had experience with or know someone who has. On this particular topic I have personal experience and I can say it's very difficult unless one or the other is very and I mean very open-minded or the other is not active or very 'devoted' to their particular religion. I have found it very pressing especially when there is a lack of respect for the other's beliefs and this unfortunatley can go both ways:) Good luck to whomever decides being unevenly yoked can work, but just be prepared it can be very challanging:)
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