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Should couples share the same religious beliefs?

Discussion in 'Religion & Spirituality' started by KimC, Jul 3, 2019.

  1. KimC

    KimC New Member

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    I certainly believe in God and the Holy Bible. I'm Baptist affiliated, I believe in the Holy Trinity, and I attend church regularly. Personally, my husband and I don't have the same beliefs. He believes in God, not sure if he believes in the Holy Trinity, but he despises church. The difference in our beliefs has caused problems on more than one occasion. Do you believe that couples should share the same religious beliefs?
     
  2. johnny

    johnny New Member

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    It depends, a Muslim female is actually forbidden to marry a non-muslim man. According to the religion itself

    I'm currently visiting a country where marriage between different religions is illegal.

    I look at religions as a world view. Just like a political ideology or whatever else. Would a civil rights activist marry a white supermacist? The world views are too different, an inherent friction between the two adherents. This is an extreme example obviously.

    If you have a religion in which non-believers burn in hell for all eternity, does it make sense to marry such a transgressor? I think these thoughts are damaging of course.
     
  3. bitubulti

    bitubulti New Member

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    It totally depends upon the society you are living in. Because there are some countries or some civilizations believe that both husband and wife have to share the same religion as well as religious things. But in some cases, if you will look over modern society, then there are some couples are against these types of thoughts. Some couples are thinking that marriage is just a contract but some are thinking that marriage is a bond of love, care, and sacrifice.
     
  4. Devang

    Devang New Member

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    No, I don't think so. Religious beliefs are personal so one has every right to differ from the other. One should not force his/her beliefs on his/her spouse, especially when they both belong to different religions. It's a great equation if a couple share same religious beliefs. Couple's mutual understanding and respect are the base of the relation even if they've different beliefs.
     
  5. Emma Nelson

    Emma Nelson New Member

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    In my opinion I think couples should have religious similarities. I think the couple should either both believe in God or neither believe in God. If one of the significant others believes in God and the other doesn’t I do not believe this relationship could be a long lasting, healthy one.

    I am a strong believer in God. I know for a fact that if my significant other did not at least believe in God I would not be able to have a relationship with them. I think that if my significant other was Jewish that would be okay. They believe in God, but might worship him differently than I do.

    I think a couple does not need to share the same religion, but at least share the same belief in God
     
  6. rcoop

    rcoop New Member

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    I think it totally depends on the individuals! Religion and spiritually is a very important factor in some people's lives, while nonexistent in others. Both people would have to be okay with being in a relationship with someone with different beliefs. That could be a deal breaker to someone and absolutely fine for another.
     
  7. lgund77

    lgund77 New Member

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    They don't need to have the same religious beliefs, but it doesn't hurt. I can certainly see how it would cause problems between you two. However, I think you both need to learn to respect the other's beliefs. A relationship is about respecting the other person's differences; respect is necessary for a long-lived relationship.

    In a relationship, you should respect the other person and their beliefs. I do not think problems should come from something as deep as spirituality. It is a personal choice of what to belief in; don't cause problems over it.
     
  8. allison smith

    allison smith New Member

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    Most religions have rules about marrying someone in the same religion. Also, raising children with two separate beliefs may be difficult. For example, a child says "Mommy, how come only Daddy gets to do Christmas?"
     
  9. MandyMarieB

    MandyMarieB New Member

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    In my opinion, having the same religious foundation (or else a very similar one) is extremely important in a relationship if religion is important to at least one of the individuals. Otherwise, there is going to be a constant clash of beliefs and ideals that can ultimately ruin the entire relationship. Religion touches so many facets of life: the church, the household, the government, etc. It's not just "do we go to church every Sunday", "do we celebrate Christmas" or "how do we raise the children" that will become potential arguments/discussions. Every little part of your life could become a struggle if your foundation is not solid and you are not united.
     
  10. BlaMeese

    BlaMeese New Member

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    It is definitely much easier to be married to someone of the same religious background. That is mainly because you are less likely to disagree on your most important core beliefs.

    If you are married to someone with different beliefs it is possible to have a great and rewarding marriage. Both of you will need to be willing to compromise and support the other in their religion though. Otherwise you will get stuck going in circles in religious disagreements.

    When it comes to teaching kids the best way to go about doing it is to first decide what religion you want to teach them. If you and your spouse can’t decide then I suggest teaching both religions and keying your kids choose on their own.

    Good luck!
     
  11. Venatus

    Venatus New Member

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    As a couple, they don't need anyone to tell them they should share the same religious beliefs as it is said in the holy Bible that a man shall leave his parent, join to a woman to became one. Considering this, it is mandatory they share same religious beliefs because they are one.
     
  12. Jenien

    Jenien New Member

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    A couple should share the same religious beliefs. If one is a follower of Jesus who believes in trinity while the other one only believes in God, would they consider Christmas a special holiday? If one prays to Jesus, would his/her partner believe that the prayer will be answered? If one celebrates Christmas would his/her partner support him/her when it is against in their beliefs? Would you tolerate your partner's beliefs and deeds when it is against in your beliefs? Would a family be united if they dont share the same beliefs? Having the same beliefs can lead to a peaceful living. I encourage every couple to settle your religious matters before marrying. Different beliefs leads to misunderstanding. Hence marriage is a sacred thing, and should be done by a couple who will become one through marriage, they should share the same beliefs in order to be called as one.
     
  13. Carmela

    Carmela New Member

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    I think its great when married people have the same religion. But I don't beleive that should neccessarly happen, if they decide that it should'nt be of any problem. Love is all about making choices. Ìf they choose to live together despite their differences, I don't see any problem. I understand what you said Jenien, but like I said they can ignore all the things that make them different from eachother and focus on the things they have in common.
     
  14. LawlietFluffTail

    LawlietFluffTail New Member

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    This is so important! I wholeheartedly agree. I also think that it is possible for two people of different beliefs to have a happy life together. But it's hard.

    My parents came from two different Christian religious groups. They didn't (and don't) respect each other's beliefs and it resulted in a lot of familial tension growing up. It also played a major role in my becoming an atheist.

    My partner and I both share religious beliefs--in that we don't have any. But if I were to be with someone who was religious, I would respect their beliefs and do my best to support their freedom of religious expression. I would expect the same respect from my partner.
     
  15. SakroFk

    SakroFk New Member

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    No, people have their own beliefs and should be allowed to have their own opinions in things. If you can't accept your partner because they have different beliefs then you shouldn't have them.
     
  16. Randal Shinn

    Randal Shinn New Member

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    I feel, even though I am not an expert, that essentially religions have a core set of beliefs. Most of these beliefs overlap in some way. Not killing, stealing, lying, etc. Those core beliefs can bring people together. The rest of religion is ritual, that's where it gets tricky. Some rituals can be upsetting to people that do not practice said ritual.

    If people really love each other, religious rituals will not keep them apart. At least in today's America.
     
  17. samm Rimzz

    samm Rimzz New Member

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    In my opinion a couple should share the same belief. If one is a religious person and the other not that house will never have peace at all.

    The Bible tells us not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers. If the couples don't share the same belief it always weakens the relationship between Them. Same belief of faith influences what both husband and wife perform together.
    Difference in belief can easily create a negative impact to your Children by observing the argument of the parents.

    I strongly believe that couples should share the same belief in order to live a happy and peaceful life.
     
  18. ReiB

    ReiB New Member

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    I think it's situational, and depends on the couple and their beliefs. I know, as stated before, some religions forbid you to enter in a relationship with someone who does not follow the same faith. Conversely, I have seen marriages between differing faiths work out rather well. I'd say have a real talk about it and see where both of you stand on the issue. If it's that important that you two can't agree to disagree, maybe that's a sign. Good luck, though! I hope you can make it work.
     
  19. Najmah Brown

    Najmah Brown New Member

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    I experienced this some years ago. I realize that anyone I have been with we never really shared the same religious beliefs. This did pose a problem within my relationships. I understand now that this would on be a problem if I tried to force or convert my partner. As long as no one is pushing to believe what they believe then that may not be an issue in any relationship. You are with the person not the religion.
     
  20. Brandi

    Brandi New Member

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    I am religious and my boyfriend is not. It never seemed to be much of an issue, I always made sure not to push my beliefs on him. Recently he's been a lot more defensive about religion. (who hurt you??) I don't even bring it up and he will just start trash-talking religion. I didn't use to think you had to share the same beliefs as your partner, but now I'm thinking it might always come back around to animosity in the relationship.
     

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