It seems like everyone I meet is either Agnostic, Jewish, or Catholic. I think a part of the reason I encounter so this specific set of people is because of my environment. The University of Maryland has a large amount of Jewish students approx. 20% of the student population (disproportionate relative to the state of Maryland). Catholic Terps give away free swag and are very involved in campus life. Being away at college allows people to break from whatever they may have been taught as a child and explore new options, including religion. Is it possible for people of different religious views to have a relationship?
I am a Pentecostal Christian. My husband is Agnostic. It is an interesting pairing to me because there is an emphasis in my church on marrying a God-fearing man, who puts the Lord above everything else. I basically looked past that. I’ll admit: I’m a crappy Christian. I could adhere to my religion more. My rule of thumb, though, when it comes to talking about religion with my husband is DO NOT DO IT. We are both very argumentative people. I will pull out all of the stops to prove my point. I am right, unless proven otherwise. Talking about religion is a sensitive issue for most people and brings out the UGLY side of people. I don’t need to see that side of my husband. But Alecia aren’t you supposed to see the good bad and the ugly side of your spouse!? Meh, Maybe, but I’d rather he not get ugly with me in the first place. I’m a strong advocate of avoiding unnecessary drama, hunny. I know his views and he knows mine. The views are respected and we leave it at that. What is there to argue about? In the Pentecostal household a relationship with God is viewed as important. I ask that my husband doesn’t hinder that and can support me when he can. I do not force the religion onto my husband, he only does things he is willing to do. Respect and support, ladies and gents.
It is common for people to want to marry someone of a very similar mindset. Some other people believe that opposites attract, but the core foundational things (that includes religion) should be similar. I used to think the latter. I, now, realize that common goals are more of a priority when choosing a partner. If someone wants to get married and have kids and the potential partner wants an open, poly-amorous relationship with no kids, I do not think the relationship would work. If the goal on have the epitome example of a Christian family and one of the partners refuses to even acknowledge God, there is a direct contradiction that I do not think can be rectified with simple compromise. How much is someone willing to bend before they acknowledge that they will be unhappy. Religion can be something someone will not compromise on in a relationship. I humbly ask others to take into consideration that differing religions does not mean automatic failure in long term relationships. My point is as long as there isn’t outright contradiction in things the couple finds pivotal, love can flourish.
Atypical Us 