Dating a non-Christian

997GT3 · Post by **997GT3** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 8:02 pm

I dated a non-Christian for a year, and although we had lots in common, we couldn't relate through Christian aspects. I found this frustrating, and after several months, I decided to break it up. How can some people go through marriage with such major differences in views of life?

McCulloch · Post by **McCulloch** » Sun Sep 10, 2006 10:05 pm

If you take your faith seriously, then I don't understand why you would even date a non-christian. If Christ and His word are the guiding principles of your life, then how could you think that you could have a meaningful relationship with someone who does not believe?

As far as I can see, mixed faith marriages can only happen if both partners were not terribly serious about their faith when they got married, or one or both partners converted afterwards. In the first case, there will probably be few problems if both continue to keep their faith in the back drawer. In the second case, there will be problems unless the other partner converts.

997GT3 · Post by **997GT3** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 12:23 am

McCulloch wrote:If you take your faith seriously, then I don't understand why you would even date a non-christian. If Christ and His word are the guiding principles of your life, then how could you think that you could have a meaningful relationship with someone who does not believe?

In short, I saw that those who converted to Christianity after being atheists were the most faithful Christians I've ever met. I just couldn't deal with it anymore I guess. There's also no point in arguing; each person comes at his or her own time.

As far as I can see, mixed faith marriages can only happen if both partners were not terribly serious about their faith when they got married, or one or both partners converted afterwards. In the first case, there will probably be few problems if both continue to keep their faith in the back drawer. In the second case, there will be problems unless the other partner converts.

Yeah. I don't regret it though. I learn best from experience.

Would anyone like to share a similar personal experience?

Lotan · Post by **Lotan** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 1:13 pm

997GT3 wrote:Would anyone like to share a similar personal experience?

Why not?

My wife (born again) and I have a great relationship, probably because we both agree that respecting the other's beliefs is more important than sharing them. I go to church; she watches the Discovery channel, and we're both happy. The kids are exposed to both points of view, as well as other beliefs (many of my kids friends are Muslim, and my older daughter is half Ojibway). In the process, we have both become a little more liberal, which is not to say that we don't take our beliefs seriously, only that we're aware of the fact that we don't know everything.

achilles12604 · Post by **achilles12604** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 6:17 am

Lotan wrote:
997GT3 wrote:Would anyone like to share a similar personal experience?
Why not?

My wife (born again) and I have a great relationship, probably because we both agree that respecting the other's beliefs is more important than sharing them. I go to church; she watches the Discovery channel, and we're both happy. The kids are exposed to both points of view, as well as other beliefs (many of my kids friends are Muslim, and my older daughter is half Ojibway). In the process, we have both become a little more liberal, which is not to say that we don't take our beliefs seriously, only that we're aware of the fact that we don't know everything.

Now this is interesting. I never would have guess you would write this. Hmmm.... Perhaps I am not almighty, alknowing and the predictor of every outcome after all?