(not really sure where this thread would go, but anyway…)
If you are religious, that is, if you practice a religion, would you date someone who is athiest or agnostic? Reciprocally, for those who are athiest or agnostic, would you date someone who is religious?
Meant to say athiestic in the OP.
As an atheist. Yes. As long as it wasn’t to bad. I could be with someone who was deeply religious. But, if they didn’t start mellowing out with time, I would have to stop seeing them.
I did for a while. I tried to convince myself that it wouldn’t matter. Actually, I tried to convince myself of many things. (Guys are stupid that way when the sex is amazing).
Big mistake.
My current girlfriend of 2 years is a much different (and much better) story. I met her in church. The sharing of a common spirituality has enabled us to have a very fulfilling relationship on many levels. Not the only factor, of course, but one without which our relationship would be severely compromised.
On the other side of the coin, I am dating someone that is deeply reglious – I do not follow any organised religion, or have many opinons about God in general. It has caused a few rough spots, but for the most part there is a good healthy feeling of respect for the others beliefs. Been dating for 4 years and looking forward to each and every day.
I’m an atheist and not only dated, but married a Catholic man.
As kinoons pointed out, this only works if you are capable of respecting beliefs other than your own. I grew up in a Christian household (as a preacher’s kid, in fact) and so I appreciate some Christian values, even though I don’t believe in the supernatural aspects, so to speak.
I actually wrote a huge project on this once for College English… and since it’s pretty much my life, I got a good mark.
My then boyfriend (now husband) is not religious, however I was raised Lutheran. The main day-to-day reasons for religion and spirituality, as I see it, are common morals and child-rearing. After a lot of soul-searching, I realize that I can have these things without the “religion” label, and be the better person for it.
Like Kinoons and Cher mention, you both have to be open minded people, not disprespectful of the other person’s beliefs. For example, I would be really angry if after I tool the (hypotethical) kids to church, my husband sat them down and told them everything they just heard was lies. But for him to say “Mommy believes something different”. I also get a real kick out of the fact that I think my (again, hypothetical) kids will be better at independent and critical thinking than those indoctrinated with only one viewpoint (as I was).
I could post volumes more on the subject, but I guess that’s enough for now.
I would not seriously date anybody who was not Protestant. I’ll go out with someone who is not of my “religion” (I don’t like that word), but only as friends.
You mean “atheistic.” Sorry - just one of my pet peeves.
I’m an atheist. My husband is not into organized religion, but has a general idea that spirituality and faith can be good. We have agreed to teach our kids critical thought and not indoctrinate them in an organized religion. That’s good enough for me.
I don’t have a problem with a girl who is not religious; as a matter of fact, I tend to go after girls who do not take part in organized religion since I lean more towards being agnostic/deistic (sp?). I can’t really say I have been with a girl who was say a devout Christian but one of my ex girlfriends was somewhat religious and she did not try to impose her beliefs on me.
I’m atheist. I don’t think I could ever date anyone who is extremely biblical. That is to say that they live each day of their lives by the bible and never step outside of the lines. I’d be to scared that they would try to convert me. Some of my Christian friends have tried to but I don’t think I could handle my boyfriend or whatever trying to. I could date someone who believes in god, just not someone who preaches the bible to me every single day.