Mixed faith marriages and relationships can thrive despite having significantly different beliefs. Relationship expert Dr. John Gottman offers tips to help navigate religious differences in intimate relationships. To begin, explore your beliefs and develop a “we” partnership. This approach helps you and your husband evaluate the sacrifices you are willing to make for the marriage, avoiding pressure to make personal sacrifices at the expense of your own convictions.
Respect is the most important asset in an interfaith relationship. You can agree to disagree, but you cannot disrespect and have things work together. This approach helps you and your husband evaluate the sacrifices you are each willing to make for the marriage versus feeling the pressure to make personal sacrifices at the expense of your own convictions.
It is much more common nowadays for couples to practice different religious beliefs. It is possible to do this successfully, but will require acceptance, compromise, and respect for each other’s beliefs and practices rather than trying to find ways to change their position. It is unlikely that you will change someone else’s views, feelings, or beliefs on the topic of religion or spirituality, but if you and your partner both respect the beliefs of one another, there is nothing wrong with a married couple not sharing the same religion.
In conclusion, mixed faith marriages and relationships can thrive despite having significantly different beliefs. By understanding and accepting each other’s beliefs and practices, you can create a healthy and fulfilling marriage.
📹 Can a Marriage Work with Different Religions? | Paul Friedman
Can a marriage work with different religions? ——- Join our mailing list and get our Top 10 Do’s and Don’ts for Marriage: …
Is it okay to love someone with different religions?
Religious differences don’t always lead to problems in relationships, but they can. Experts say that religiously mixed couples should talk about how religion will affect their family. Religion is a big issue. If two people don’t agree, it can hurt the relationship, said Fran Walfish, a family therapist, to the Deseret News in 2013.
What are the disadvantages of interfaith marriages?
More Americans are getting married across faiths. Before 1960, about 20% of marriages were between people of different faiths. This number has risen to about 45% in the past decade. Americans are less religious today, which is why more people are getting married across faiths. I think there are pros and cons to interfaith marriage. Interfaith marriages show religious tolerance. People of different faiths are accepted by their spouses and supported by most of the community. It is seen as a positive change for secular Americans. But marriages across faiths can cause more arguments. They can also make the more religious spouse unhappy. These marriages can make people less religious. This makes religion weaker.
Interfaith marriage is a model of hybridity. Many marriages have elements of both religions (like rabbis and priests blessing the couple). Children with two different faiths usually learn about and practice both religions. (You know you were always jealous of that kid who got to celebrate both Hanukah and Christmas—double the presents, right?). It would be interesting to be part of two religions, but it could be hard for the child when they grow up. Not having a strong cultural identity could lead to identity problems. Some people find their mixed religious upbringing positive and it becomes part of who they are. Many religious leaders don’t support interfaith marriage. This makes sense. I’ll say it again: Interfaith marriage can make people less religious. This could harm the church or faith. If there are fewer followers, the religion might not survive.
How to make a marriage work with different religions?
Ask an Expert — Working Through Religious Differences in Marriage Explore your faith. … Know the differences and what they mean for your life together. … Tell stories. … Take part before talking. … Make repairs. Try therapy. Disagreements with loved ones can be hard. Conversations about beliefs can be uncomfortable. If you disagree about religion or spirituality, it can cause pain and unhappiness. The religious landscape of the United States is changing. As more adults identify as non-affiliated, atheist, or agnostic, differences in religiosity and spirituality can negatively impact relationships.
These things affect more than just Sunday worship. They also affect parenting, finances, and friendships. Even couples who practice the same religion may disagree about religious or spiritual practices.
Can you be in a relationship with two different religions?
More people are getting involved in interfaith relationships. But for many, this is still a sensitive topic. It’s hard to talk about because faith is a big part of who we are. Everyone lives their faith in different ways. You can share different perspectives on faith and still have a fulfilling life together. Many interfaith couples make mistakes that lead to failure. Common mistakes interfaith couples make. Not talking about your religious differences, assuming they’ll be fixed, not discussing faith-based decisions, cutting ties with extended family, dismissing concerns from extended family and close friends, letting extended family, close friends, and faith leaders get in the middle, and jumping into conversion as the only solution. Imposing your beliefs on your partner; Assuming you understand your partner’s relationship with their faith; Not exploring your own relationship with your faith; Not accepting your differences; Not exploring the similarities between values and belief systems; Making a competition out of holidays; Asking your children to choose between faiths; Not planning ahead for important holidays and special events.
Can relationships with different religious beliefs work?
I want to give you hope. Today, more couples practice different religions. It can be done, but it takes acceptance, compromise, and respect for each other’s beliefs and practices. Don’t judge, pressure, or expect change.
Three People to Think About. As you go through this change, there are three different people to think about. The first is you and your husband. The second is the marriage. When beliefs are causing stress in a relationship, focus on the marriage and what it needs to stay intact. With the marriage as the focus, each person can identify what they need to do or change to keep the relationship healthy and strong. This approach helps you and your husband evaluate what you are willing to give up for the marriage.
Can interfaith marriage really work?
If both spouses work hard at their marriage, it can be happy. When children come along, it’s important to put the child’s best interests first. This includes decisions about religious upbringing and holidays. If interfaith couples talk about these issues together, they can avoid most conflicts and build a loving family.
By Jeremy Boyle, Research Assistant, edited by Stephen F. Duncan, Professor, School of Family Life, Brigham Young University.
Chinitz, J. G., & Brown, R. A.. Religious homogamy, marital conflict, and stability in Jewish marriages. Journal for Scientific Study of Religion, 40, 723-733; Doran, S. F.. Every time I say grace, we fight. Help for marriages divided by religion but united by love. Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald. Greenstein, D., Carlson, J., & Howell, C. W.. Counseling with interfaith couples. Individual Psychology, 49(3/4), 428–437; Heaton, T. B.. Religious homogamy and marital satisfaction. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 46, 729-733. Olson, D. H., & Olson, A. K.. Empower couples. Build on your strengths. Minneapolis, MN. Life Innovations; Petsonk, J., & Remsen, J.. The Intermarriage Handbook: A guide for Jews and Christians. New York: William Morrow and Company; Reilly, R. T. (March 1990). Mixed blessings. Ten things interfaith couples have learned. U.S. Catholic, 55, 34-39. Speelman, G. M.. Keeping faith: Muslim-Christian couples and interreligious dialogue. Zoetermeer, Netherlands. Meinema, Williams, and Lawler. The challenges and rewards of interchurch marriage. Journal of Psychology and Christianity, 19, 205-216. Yob, I. M.. Keys to interfaith parenting. Hauppauge, NY: Barrons Educational Series.
Is it okay to fall in love with different religions?
People from different faiths can marry and stay together if they agree on their religion or if they don’t have one. They have to agree. If you both want to be Muslim and raise your children Muslim, there will be no problem. Couples are more likely to agree about religion if one person is less committed to their religion of origin. People who aren’t religious often convert for two reasons: 1) They want to convert because they’re interested in the new religion and want to think differently, and 2) they want to please their partner by doing something they believe in. If two people are strongly committed to their religions, they may have trouble if they ignore their differences. Strong commitment makes it hard to decide how to raise the children, what to do on important days, who will go to services, etc. This makes it hard to get along with extended family members like in-laws, grandparents, and parents. Some religious families refuse to accept new members from different faiths.
📹 Dating Someone with Different Religious Beliefs – Can It Work?
Louis is Christian, I’m Agnostic. We’ve been talking about whether that would be a problem down the line in our relationship for …
I’m so glad I found this article. I’m a Christian.. full blown. But recently a guy who has a different belief has really sparked my interest. And because of my upbringing it feels SO wrong.. but being with him feels SO right! The hardest part is preparing myself for all of the comments that my friends and family are going to make about this (which has already started). Its nice hearing your story, as well as stories mentioned in the comments. THANKS FOR SHARING!
I hear you girl. I am Muslim, my other half is Jewish. We just celebrated our second year a few days ago. It’s been a long way of debates, arguments, intellectual conversations and sometimes fights. Ou relationship helped us open our minds and hearts to accept our differences and learn from each other, but mostly to love each other for who we are. Well done for bringing up this topic and expressing yourself in such a precise way. Much love xx
My stunningly smart and golden hearted, agnostic girlfriend and I sometimes have periods of intense sadness and worry that our spritual differences will eventualy drive us apart. I LOVE her so so much I truly would die for her, no part of me wants to give up on making it work. This article gives me hope that we can make it work and im very grateful for that, thanks for the upload. God bless.
For as long as I can remember I’ve believed that all religions are basically saying the same thing. You’ve taken it a step further with your explanation, which I really like: the idea that we all have a spiritual space within us, which some people associate with ‘God’ but it is present in everyone regardless of their religious affiliations. Please keep making content like this, Raya!
as a christian hearing this i find it really fascinating, I came from an atheist family and didnt grow up with any christian values but now I would say i have a really strong relationship with God and walk with him on a daily, I’m dating someone who has different beliefs and so i wanted to hear more about this conversation and I applaud your bravery to post a vulnerable article like this in such a respectful way. i think what really helps keep ppl together is the similar values as well
Love, thank you so much for making and sharing this article. I just watched Carrie Rad’s vid this afternoon on 7 Signs That You’re An Empath and now I came across this one. I begun a spiritual journey a couple months ago, and will be diving deeper for the next couple while I’m in Belize. I thoroughly enjoy hearing people’s stories and I like the way you broke it down. I appreciate you and your voice 🙂
I just wanted to say thank you to Raya for making this article and also being such an inspiration. I grew up in the Catholic church, and every since college I have been struggling with religion and what it asks of me. Along with that inner struggle I have, I have to deal with the pressure of my grandma and father telling me I NEED to attend church every Sunday. I love the way you described finding your soul, and I also believe people find it in different ways and different places. I feel like you put everything I had in my head into perfect words. Thanks for always spreading love and happiness!
Thank you so much for making this article Raya, I really enjoyed it and it came at the perfect time for me. I’m agnostic like you and my boyfriend is Muslim. It’s never posed an issue for us and we both love learning from each other’s different worldview. But the lack of couples in a similar position to us (or at least the lack of visibility) does make me wonder sometimes… I appreciate you sharing your story and giving me a great example of two people who are thriving in an interfaith relationship <3
This is amazing! As someone who would also say they’re agnostic I couldn’t agree more! I find it so interesting listening to people who truly believe in different things to me tell me about what they think and seeing the way they light up when spreading the love they feel from their religion, it makes me so happy! I always feel like it sounds patronising or weird though. Thank you for articulating it so well ❤️ beautiful article and message as always.
I love this and am excited to see where your content is going if it will include more topics like this!! I’ve loved your last few articles, and this is truly eye opening! This is what YouTube and online sharing is all about – educating/experiencing something for yourself, exchanging your views and connecting with others while sharing them. Amazing!
Great conversation, thank you Raya! I think we need more messages like this because it is so important to not only acknowledge but recognize that we are more alike than we are different and those differences doesn’t mean there’s no middle ground . I consider myself spiritual as well and try to implement a spiritual practice on a regular basis but my boyfriend doesn’t have a religious nor spiritual practice to speak of. We are still able to have conversations about religion but it’s different because it is not an overarching theme in our lives. I I value his perspectives when we do talk about religion and spirituality because it broadens my perspective and feelings about the subject.
I love love love this! I grew up super catholic and when I got to college it all changed because I was showed that I hadn’t necessarily looked at the religion for myself! It took me years to feel that spiritual center again and this is such an amazing way to verbalize what I had also realized about religion and spirituality! Thanks for putting this out there- if religions help you to be a better person and feel that spiritual center then all the more power to you! Love this!! Thanks for being such an awesome inspiration!
Wow!!! I love the way you were able to so eloquently talk about such a tricky topic. My heart fills with so much love with the message your sharing! I feel I am in a lovely place in between how you describe your space and Christianity. But just like you talked about you can call it whatever you want and that’s the point because when it comes down to it the feeling we all have behind how it makes us feel is the same :-). What a great article!! Spread the love!
This article was so inspirational, I have realized that I have thought the same way for so long but I’ve never been able to put it into words. Your way of explaining such a controversial topic is so simple but true and I really believe that if everybody thougt the same way we would live in a more peaceful and happy world😘
such a beautiful article raya! thankyou so much for being open to talk about something many people don’t talk about. i have been struggling with my beliefs for a while, being brought up catholic as a kid and only knowing one religion has opened my eyes as an adult because now i see so much more of the world and for the first time i’m finding my own journey and path. and because of this i’ve been confused but the way you explained this article and the feeling inside all of us just made me understand what i feel and what i believe in!! always love listening and knowing your thought on things! thankyou for this article and for being such a beautiful person 💗💗
Thanks for making this article, Raya! I completely understand and agree where you are coming from. Thanks for being brave and spreading your message 🙂 The world needs all of us operating at our highest frequencies and, at least in my life, love (for ourselves, for others, for anything and everything) has proven to be the ultimate frequency. Keep spreading love! I hope it spreads like a wildfire ❤
This article is so helpful Raya! I grew up christian, but questioned it a lot as an adult and now am agnostic. But I can’t turn away fully from the idea of spirituality because I have had those ‘soul’ feelings or religious experiences in the past. I used to name those feelings and experiences as God, or the holy spirit, but I now think of it as the way in which I feel my deepest emotions. My husband is still a christian so this article was actually so helpful and I can now see more things in common between us. Being open minded and looking for similarities is so important.
Please, do not be afraid to share your life journey. I feel if more would do this we all would have a much better understanding of life in general. If others hear your story it only gives hope to those who need hope, love to those who have never felt love, understanding to those who have yet to understand. Your kindness pours from you in your articles. It is refreshing and more people need to see, feel and give as much as you give. Keep the journey alive and keep sharing.
Hi Raya, as a Christian myself this was an aspect of yours and Louis’ relationship I always wondered about. It’s so cool to hear about the conversations you’ve been having and this breakthrough in your spirituality that you’ve had. I know what you mean about that space within you and for me it’s the gift of the Holy Spirit working within me. If you’re not already I’d really encourage you to read the gospels and see for yourself who this Jesus person is that Louis knows and loves. Thanks again for such a brave and beautiful article x
LOVE this! This is my husband and I. I was raised an atheist, am now agnostic and he a very strict Christian household. While he is no longer a practicing Christian, he still has his beliefs and I completely respect that. Before we got together, we spoke about EVERYTHING and like you and Louis, Came to the realization that our morals, and what we wanted for our future was the same. Now we have our daughter, when it comes to religion, we have decided to let her find her own way. We both believe that her beliefs are hers and hers alone to choose in the future. It is more important for us that we raise a loving, compassionate, well mannered, respectful little girl who is a valuable member of society. My husband is truly my soulmate and we couldn’t be happier! Amazing article Raya! ♥
wow, that was very deep, thank you so much for opening up about this and sharing what you have gone through with Louis, I am so much alike in this regard, I grew up in Czechia that is the least religious country in ths world, so I am on spiritual journey and at some point I came to the same conclusion that no matter what religious or non religious journey you choose we are all going to the same place but we just call it differently, thank you ❤🙏
Thank you for sharing this message Raya! This was so well put. I love how I can feel your passion and kindness through the screen. I’m Christian, but I am of a similar mindset to you in this regard. I remember back in high school that my friends and I were disappointed that we couldn’t take a world religions course. It didn’t exist. I think that there should be something in the education system that promotes the understanding and acceptance of various religions. When you were talking, it reminded me of Life of Pi (who worshipped God in a variety or ways). Considering that many religions are similar in a variety of aspects it would make sense for them to come from the same roots. Sorry I rambled, but it is so nice to have a dialogue about religion that is respectful and from this perspective. I would love it if you made more articles like this. I love discussions about philosophy and society so this article was right up my alley. Keep up the good work!
Beautiful Maya! This makes so much sense to me. I’m an Oprah Super Soul podcast listener also. Very enlightening! I’m not a fan of labeling but I believe my values and soul fall under what you called ‘agnostic’. 🙏🏾Thank you. I keep my faith in making a spiritual connection with whoever has the same internal space of love and understanding.
That article made me smile…and just before bed. Thanks, Raya 😉😊 Can’t believe u found a way to explain that…I feel it…but can’t even begin to try to express it…thank goodness the main idea is for a person to express it non verbally. Oh…and please stop thinking so much about negative comments…that same soul u are talking about will thrive even more 😊
Your words is just what I need, Raya. It has given me so much affirmation. I’m a Buddhist and my boyfriend is somewhat related to Taoism. I am so happy that I met him because we share the same values, belief, outlook in life; I feel so loved by him. The only I worry is that our difference in religion would tear us apart. After hearing what you said, it reaffirms me that love and happiness are the most important ingredients in any relationship. Religion just play a very small part in life and you are right, it’s just a way for an individual to find that ‘space’ for love. If my boyfriend can generate love from his religion to give that in our relationship, then I’m so happy and fortunate for it. May everyone be blessed with love!
What you said is really wonderful and I can not agree more with you. Do not feel worried or even discouraged by other people’s reaction, it is their journey and maybe they are just not there where you are now, and these words can even scare them. But with a kind and really heartful approach, you can help them find peace and love as you feel it now. I am sending you a lot of love !
As a Christian, it’s important for me to be with another Christian. When the hard times come, when major decisions have to be made, when children need to be brought up: these are the times when our core faith is needed, and I need someone to be on the same level, praying to the same God, teaching my children about this God that I love, etc. When I’m struggling with my faith I want someone to understand the ins and outs of what that means. I’m in an age gap, interracial relationship… So many beautiful differences that I love and appreciate…. But our faith must be one or we cannot stand.
Perfectly said. I am agnostic, and I absolutely LOVE this article. I have always believed that while I don’t believe in God, there is a greater connection of some kind that binds us together as humans. Maybe thats a literal spirit, or maybe its just the power of optimism and hope– I tell people that I don’t necessarily believe in God, I believe in the universe and in people. It is not the God that we do or don’t believe in, but the characteristics of all faiths that empower us and should bring us together; things such as kindness, love, etc. SO BOLD of you to touch on this topic, you are making an impact in spreading the positive mindset we all need to have towards religion. Going to send this to some of my friends, Thank you Raya <3
I’m Christian and I couldn’t agree more. The main things religions teach are love and compassion towards others, growth in beeing good and making life meaningful. Honestly, Raya, I think that if everyone watched your articles and learned from you, the world would be such a wonderful place. You experience breakthroughs and talk about them here, which makes your viewers experience their own breakthroughs. Lots of love ❤
I lost my first love yesterday..it had happened one year ago when his parents caught him but he told me that i should wait and i had been waiting since March 2020.now its june 2021…but yesterday called me and we had a long conversation and he wanted to end it officially…he was muslim and i am christiam..he told me that his family was not at all accepting and he lost his father 2 months ago ..his fathers last word was to work hard look after his mom.and sister and marry a girl from the muslim community…he has to keep the word..he was sad..i had hope in our relationshipbut i am shattered now when i knew we can never be together all of a sudden… but i have to agree to his decision and i hope he will do so good in his life..i will include him in my prayers as usual…and i hope both of us will have a good life.. I took lot of time to write this tears are blocking my vision..
Hi Raya, it’s so nice that I finally watch this kind of article from a traveler like you. I’m 21, and recently I just realized that I’m an agnostic, like u. Opposite with u, my family is kind of a very religious one and have a very strict perception: which made me so blind about the diversity in this universe. When I decided to find my own way and went traveling at 18, I find out how naive I am if I think I know the world. I don’t blame them (ofc) and still–I love them so much no matter what, no matter how they act to me right now. But their strictness pushes them to make a “big wall” between us. They think that everyone that have a different perception, different beliefs, a different everything is someone you can’t be together. I feel so sad about that and can’t help. From this comment, I hope everyone who read this (especially if you’re parents) will open up your mind and be more respectful towards each other, towards everyone who has a difference with you. God made us from His love, not hatred.
I’m a Christian and I did date someone for a long time that didn’t believe in God, it worked for a while, but as the relationship grew, we started talking about kids and how we would raise them, that’s when it got hard, I want my kids to grow up in church and having a strong foundation in faith and love for God, and he didn’t think that was important,,,, needless to say it didn’t work Out I know people that have married and they say it’s really hard,,,, I guess it depends on what you want and what you value I am now dating a Christian and its incredible to have conversations about God and Believe the same things, I now feel like I can go into deep conversations about God and not hold back You are the absolute sweetest person ! That feeling that you get of love and light is God, you are connecting to him in a pure genuine way without even knowing it ! and I think that is awesome! Sending so much love to you ! This article was so good ! 🙌🏻
Lovely Raya🌹🌹Thanks for doing this article. I also love the Super Soul Conversations podcast. I am a non practicing Christian and was in a relationship for almost 4 years with a Hindu guy whom I loved and thought I would spend my life with. Long story short he got too much pressure from his side of the family and his religious beliefs were more important for him than our relationship, so it didn’t work for us. It was painful to accept at first but now I feel at peace and hold nothing against him. I’m so glad you’re sharing this about you and Louie and gives me so much hope. I believe we’re all spiritual beings. But we also have our very own spiritual journey and that’s okay and beautiful ✨✨I only aim to be respectful to everyone else’s who’s journey is different than mine✨✨ I feel like if we met in person would have sooo much to share and talk about 🤓🌷 and that’s why I’m subscribed to your website girl 💕✨send you love and sparkles ✨✨all the way from Hong Kong 🌹✨
I loved this article Raya!!! It really got me thinking. I’ve honestly always felt this way, that religion mostly divides us (although I would say I am somewhat religious myself), but I’ve always wanted everyone to accept/understand each other and see that the base/ ground pillar of every religion is kindness and love. What is problematic with religion is the idea that it can be used as an excuse to be cruel. In the end, we were all brought to this world one way or another, and if we would all treat each other with kindness and respect, regardless of religion, this world would become a much better place. Instead of differences, we should see similarities!!!
Hi Raya, I think you did a terrific job with this AMAZING article. Explaining about that “space within you” was a very clear and lucid way to present such a beautiful message. As I was perusal, felt like “wow this could literally possibly be the first step to world peace!” For me, I like to think of “that space” as a compilation of faith, (the definition of which should be closely examined). I think most people associate the term faith with religion, but as you explained so lucidly, it’s not just confined to that. It’s that willingness to jump aboard on an idea that we can accept as truth, because it just resonates. Period. We all have our own faiths in what we ‘just know’ to be true. It is that which our brain is unwilling to question. We may question what we’re told but then we always end up eventually accepting SOMEthing. It’s also found in fear. If you’re afraid of something, it’s because your brain has fully taken that “leap of faith” and accepted it as truth that it’s going to be harmful. Like if a bear roars behind you, you’re probably going to be really scared and want to run away or scream or hide because it makes sense that it’s gonna want to eat or attack you. It’s like you didn’t even consider to accept that it might just turn around and leave you alone right after. Haha Maybe that’s a a bit of an extreme example because there’s a lot of deeply embedded evolution going on behind that but the point remains clear: it’s within us, our brains/bodies, to take on what we just ‘know’ to be true.
Raya thank you so much for taking the time to make this article. Deep down I kind of wondered about life and humans that way, I wasn’t sure if I was on the right track but you just put it into words so perfectly. I met so many people in my life that had different upbringing and beliefs from mine and I want to connect with them but I wasn’t sure if our “differences” would get in the way. Can you make a article on how you found out your values? Because I need help finding mine too
Beautifully put, Raya!!! I also call myself Agnostic, although I did get baptized Christian when I married my ex-husband, as I did not feel comfortable getting married in a church without being baptized. I aslo do not judge anyone for their personal beliefs. Every human being has the right to believe in what they want. Love perusal you and Louis’ journeys, both together and individually. You two are an amazing, beautiful couple! <3
I’m a Christian and I can honestly say Jesus has changed my whole life. I wish Louis would talk about his faith more, because I’ve heard a bit of his story before and it’s really awesome. That feeling you’re experiencing is what I believe to be love and the Holy spirit. I tried to fill my life with so many things, but nothing fulfilled me until I accepted Jesus. A verse from 1 John 4:8 says: Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
I’m a Christian and my girlfriend is Agnostic with a Christian upbringing. We recently talked about our beliefs and at first I didn’t understand what changed with her relationship with god and believing in god. But I prayed about it and asked for understanding. This article is apart of that understand so thank you! This was such a good article and that space inside us I’ve felt before and I’ve talked about. I’ve never heard anyone else speak on it. It’s so beautiful! My partner and I are moving through life in this new way and with a deeper understanding of each other. Amazing article! Edit: She actually got baptized a couple weeks ago. So her journey in Christianity has really grown and her relationship with God as well. I showed her this article and she enjoyed it.
What a great article! So inspiring for everyone around the world to see! This is a kind of problem I’ve been going through for two day now with my now-ex. She broke up with me because she has a strong faith life and that me being an agnostic was a major disappointment for her (I told her this when we first met, and I thought she was ok with it). We share the same values and same everything, and our relationship was very amazing. I respected her for following God and going to Church because I find myself spiritual but not religious. Religion has never been an issue for us until 10 months later in our relationship. I responded to her with a long text that includes how unfair and irrational her decision was, and that she needs to rethink about it because a lot of the things in our relationship worked out fine (She ‘s probably thinking about it right now since she hasn’t responded for two days). Since then, I’ve been going no contact and working on myself, so that she can think long and hard about the decision she made. I also feel like sharing this article with her at some point. We humans need to love one another and not judge each other over a religious label. As long as we have the same values, there’s no need to complain about being a Christian nor Non-Christian. I hope me and my ex’s time apart will get her to realize how unfair her decision was and that she still loves me. Thanks so much for making this wonderful article!
Omg when you said praying 5 times a day my heart skipped a beat and then you said Allah. The God that I believe in. I didn’t know you knew about this and this just made me feel some type of way that I don’t know how to describe other than saying I felt connected with you. 😢💚 and you’re right all religions connect us together. Every religion if you see its about love and peace. It’s just the media and extremists who twist things. It’s the peoples actions to blame not the religion. I’m so happy for you Raya that you were able to have this realisation you deserve so much happiness 💚💚💚
This article made me weirdly emotional. I totally understand what you are saying and it makes perfect sense. I’m not religious at all but I live in an area of the US where religion is so ingrained in peoples lives and everyday culture that I often feel like the outcast. To think of how you put this and explained it just hit me really hard. I feel like I am a good person, a kind, caring and compassionate person and I think that comes from my “soul” and I don’t need a belief in Hod to fill that place but for others that do that is ok because that is their journey and their soul. Much love and light to you Raya ❤️☀️
This is so beautiful Raya! People always try to measure religeons by what they outwardly do. When actually it’s not about religeon, it’s about relationship. Relationship with God and your soul/the holy spirit inside of you. You can’t measure faith, you can only see the love that overflows from a person, and as Christians we believe that God is love (1 John 4:7-8) and that this love flows from us because of our connection and openess to love itself. People fight so much over religeon, which at the end of the day is just rules to help us stay on track, if everyone understood that it’s just relationship with something bigger than us, and that prayer is simply talking to that bigger thing (and it talks back!) then perhaps there would be less fights. Everyone is made to be spiritual! You put it into words so well and show Christianity in a more spiritual light, which it is but that doesn’t get translated into this world much. You have such a deep sense of peace about you, and I think your restfulness with your soul greatly contributed to that 😊 What joy comes from such peace ✨ ‘Simple Gospel’ by United Pursuit sums this up really well xx
Hi, I am so happy that you made this article! I am a Christian, and most of my closest friends are also Christian, but because I learned about Christianity after growing up, I am a little different from them in terms of the ways we connect to God. I also didn’t see a major problem with inter-religion marriages unlike most of my Christian friends and the Christian Youtubers that I follow. I feel like what you said makes so much sense, and I’m so glad that someone is thinking the same way I do on this issue. 🙂
Incredible article, Raya! You said it perfectly – we all have the same space but we call it different things. I’m spiritual, I believe in the Universe and higher powers, but I also don’t have a specific word for it. That’s why when people pray to Jesus/Ganesha/Allah etc, i’m like – amazing! You call it that, I call it Universe. We’re all connected to something, but we name it differently. We use our own language. THANK YOU for this.❤
wow, this opened up my eyes a lot. I’m a very spiritual person but i dont follow a religion. This topic is something ive needed to hear and understand because for a long time I’ve felt that i had a serious problem not believing in God when everyone around me does. Nature and meditation also allows me to get that feeling that others get while talking about God. Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge with us as it has opened my eyes and hopefully others’ too.
I really do think you have the right thought here that everyone has a soul/has a spiritual part of them. And I think it can often be that part of people’s journey is to just be open to the general idea of spirituality. I know before I fully became a Christian I used to attend yoga, and the spiritual aspect of that helped me. I still do Yoga now, but it’s more for health benefits and way to relieve anxiety.However I do believe as a Christian that God is the one who created us and this part inside us because he made us.
I keep seeying and hearing so many inter-faith relationships and marriages its our future generation. Me and my husband are different religions I’m catholic and he’s muslim we both have the same values which is very important in any relationship. I do lent for 40 days before Easter and he does Ramadan for 30 days before Eid. ❤ You know I said before my husband I’ll never be with a muslim and look I fell for an amazing moroccan man that I know proudly can say he’s my husband.❤ I love how you can share with Louis on your belief and can relate to God somehow thats theres something there. 😊I din’t know that in Bulgaria they banned religion for a while and I know for sure theres bunch of beautiful churchs in Bulgaria. I will always remember that church you visited with Louis in the mountains in your Bulgaria vlog it was stunning.😍 I’m happy to see you and Louis relationship grow and blossom into something beautiful.
Videos like this make me very proud of my generation. We are the most open minded group of individuals in my own opinion and the openness and honesty from people my age is sooo enlightening. Everyone is valid. Everyone has that space. It doesn’t matter what you call it or where it is, but it truly connects us all. Energy pulses through everyone and recognizing this just spreads love and empathy and compassion. Which you CANNOT have enough of. 💙💜💙💜💙💜💙💜💙💜💙💜💙💜💙💜💙💜 #spreadthelove #beopen #validity #rayawashere
I found myself relating to so many of the thoughts and feelings you shared. I also consider myself spiritual but have struggled to find where that connects. Even as I find myself finding something I think might be right for me, when it comes down to it, we all have our own connections to self and soul and spirituality. We might call it different names and that might come with different traditions and activities that help us maintain or strengthen that connection and peace within us but it’s all valid (so long as it harms none). Thank you so much for this article, Raya! I look forward to more and now I have to check out Oprah’s podcast. 😀
Hey Raya! I love this article and I am so glad you have brought this up for chatting. You and Louis from the beginning seem like very joyfilled and genuine people. I can totally related to the place within me that you explained is filled with “light” and “love” – for me personally I know that it comes from Jesus who created me, the closer I walk in relationship with him the more of that flows from me – I believe we were all created by God and all reflect his nature and character which is unconditionally loving and infinitely good and we have a choice whether or not to embrace the way that God made us to function or go our own way 🙂 I love your articles and the messages you are spreading. Thank you for being open about what you believe. x
I’m glad you made a article on this! I’ve been curious about your beliefs, since I knew Louis grew up as a Christian. I like what you said about how, once you find real joy, you have to spread it. Not many people outside Christianity think about that. I want to encourage you to check out Tim Keller if you ever get a chance! He’s a Christian teacher in New York who is known for being down to earth and engaging with people outside of the faith.
This was the first article in the queue after searching “couples with dissimilar religious beliefs”. My boyfriend is a devout Christian and while I was raised a Christian, I identify more with Buddhist teachings and values. We’ve been in a long distance relationship for nearly 2 years. I’m a native English speaker and he is not. We’ve been having troubles recently. The most recent issue has been religion. I just want to say thank you for the article and I hope our love for each other will carry us through these struggles.
Beautifully said! I do agree that we all have that one light/spirituality within us, and it might not look the same for everyone. Religion aside, most people are good at heart and have shared values, like loving people, working hard, being compassionate, and honest. But on a practical level, the difficulty comes in different lifestyle decisions/commitments that stem from a person’s religion. Most religions stem from books that provide “guidelines” for living, such as abstaining from premarital sex, or covering one’s hair or body. So it’s difficult to compare a more abstract spirituality with religion because it doesn’t have the same practical application. I know someone who is atheist – he’s extremely loving, generous, kind-hearted and empathetic. But he doesn’t believe in so many things that are important to me as a Christian – tithing, sexual purity, church attendance, etc. Trying to marry those two frameworks (no pun intended) would never work in the long run.
I was actually thinking about this today because I was listening to Brené brown on the podcast onbeing where she talks about spirituality as the thing that connects all humans together that is greater than us. It’s really beautiful but I definitely struggle with the exclusivity we seem to find in religions like Christianity. I wonder how Louis deals with that. I’m a Christian btw.
Thanks for making this article! I LOVE talking about spirituality and religion and wish more YouTubers would. I’m glad you and Louis had a breakthrough! woohoo!!! I think I teeter back and forth between Christianity and agnosticism, but I pretty consistently would call myself a mystic, even a Christian mystic. I recently went through the process of ditching evangelicalism. What I like about mysticism specifically is there are no attempts to give language to everything, but I stick with Christianity because of my history with it and my fascination with Jesus. You should check out the Rob Bell documentary “The Heretic” or the Liturgist Podcast, I think you would really enjoy them!
Raya, I think that you had an amazing realization and it’s so beautiful the way that you explained it! I loved it! If you’re up to think more about it and dig deeper… think about why that place, your soul, is put in your body and its purpose. Your ability to feel that space in your body must have been put there by something, someone. As a Christian, I believe that that space, my soul, was put there by God, and it is competely separate from my flesh. My soul allows me to feel love and give love and empathy, it is the root of my pure emotions. But I’ve found that that space, my soul, is connected to God and He is the one that gives me the spirit to be able to have a soul like this. At the same time, my flesh, or rather “human nature”, competes with my soul, but there’s this thing in my soul that is able to surpass the fight and always connects me to God, and that is Jesus. See, if Jesus wasn’t there, that wouldn’t be entirely possible. In the Bible, it says, the only way to God is through Jesus because he made it possible for us to connect to God. It says that Jesus was God’s son who he sent to come and serve others, to bridge the gap between God and man. He is both 100% man and 100% God and lived a perfect life, not giving into the temptations our flesh faces. But, even though he lived a perfect life, he died on a cross for our sins, defeated death, and came back to life 3 days later to prove it. I know this might sound like a foreign concept… but if you’re interested to learn more, just Google it, or try and read some of what the Bible has to say (I know it looks intimidating, but it’s actually a really interesting book).
Raya, what a lovely way to express the peace and strength you have found on your journey and I have wondered what spiritual understanding you and Louis share? I love the part where you said you now understand why people would be eager to share the light they possess! I have always loved this scripture out of the book of John (John loved Jesus deeply and they were very close and in fact, later in John’s life – after Jesus’ death, John was given the inspiration to write the book of “Revelation” about the end times! I hope you find it inspiring as well! ! John 1-5 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
As a Christian, I see this article as a deep and awesome thing. I appreciate everything you in what you are saying. I have many friends who believe differently but we have strong similar connections on a spiritual level. One thing we all agree with is that we love and respect each other. It also gives us room to grow as we learn of individuality and different spiritual beliefs. Definitely love this article Raya. Bless you!
Just an example, what if one day you have a child you don’t think your economically ready for. He wants it because of his biblical beliefs, he believes aborting it is murder, but you are not convinced and still don’t want the child. That scenario may not happen, but if it were, and it has many times, it would make the end of the relationship more probable. The Bible states “How can two walk together unless they be agreed.” For now things seem rosy, but a long-term relationship with major decisions needing to be made, there will be heavy clashes. Principles trump feelings. If he indeed is a true Christian, not compromising and growing in Christ, and you remain agnostic, swaying and not sure, this relationship will likely eventually crumble. If he is one that compromises biblical standards deeply, you two may endure as his values will eventually align more with yours
very intuitive, connected, woman! the absolute worst thing we do as himans, is spread intolerance & bigotry. you said it so well that our soul connections & values are the same (that is, when we’re wanting to add joy to the world) no matter what format we’re following. btw nature, to me, is THE most connecting aspect of our existence. we fundamentally mimic it, it’s forgiving, it exudes energy that saves, loves, heals us, on the daily. our “religion” is where our heart lies <3
I’m so thankful that I found this article. My Christian boyfriend broke up with me two weeks ago. I’m a free thinker with a inclination towards Buddhism but I believe in God We’d been in a long distance relationship for 2.5 years. Two weeks on, my heart still hurts and questioned myself where did I go wrong. We’ve gone to church services together and prayed together. Distance might have been one of the pressing issues but we thought of closing the gap at the end of the year. He said that we will never be able to be “spiritually connected on the same level”. He still sent me voice prayers every now and then. I’ve exhausted all my resources talking to him, showering him examples of Interfaith relationships. Raising our kids as Christians, celebrating Christmas etc. I wished he had a wider perspective but I know the harder I try, the narrower his mind becomes. Thank you for being a motivation that I’ve done enough and neither of us were in the wrong. I wished he will one day see your article. :’)
As A Friend I’m gonna say Excellent article today Raya. I hope you have a fantastic day, night, & evening. Stay cool, stay awesome, stay swag, stay unstoppable, stay incredible, stay popular, stay great, keep having fun, keep being the best Traveler YouTuber, & stay strong Raya. Keep up the good work. Enjoy your Thursday.👑☺️👍🙏🏆
This is so incredibly beautiful and well done. I too am spiritual. I however grew up Christian. I still love and honor the same god I grew up believing in, however after meeting people of other religions I came to the realization that it’s all the same basic principles and beliefs that are just packaged slightly differently.
You’re so brave and thank you for your perspective. I’m Christian and have felt uncomfortable with people who are agnostic or even atheist. Do I not share my beliefs, joys journey and how God has impacted my life? I’ve said no many times awkwardly and your article has helped me feel less uncomfortable. Thank you because I realize Christian or otherwise we all want to be true & authentic to who we were created to be. 💜💕♦️🙏🏾
This is beautiful. I needed this today. I was raised Christian and have always considered that to be a huge part of who I am, but have recently (past 2 years or so) been questioning and searching for what else is out there and how else I can connect with that space you were talking about. I’m in a relationship with someone who carries a different belief and I’ve felt guilty at times that we share different religions. But this puts it in a better perspective for me and I so appreciate it. ❤️
This has helped me tremendously! I plan on researching more. I am Christian and the guy I’m dating is atheist. I’ve had a hard time with this. He’s been to my church and willing to go sometimes to support me, but I’ve had a problem with it so we did break up twice shortly over it. I want to understand so our relationship will work
That thing that lights up inside of you. I like that. Once I was looking out my window perusal the swallows flying and I thought, we are all just focal points of the same universal consciousness. I, the swallows and every single sentient being on the planet. We are the universe experiencing itself in a myriad different ways. That sense of oneness, that is love. I haven’t always perceived reality in this way. I used to be an atheist (and in a way I still am), but now I’m on this spiritual journey. I don’t know whether I could manage being in a romantic relationship with a religious person though. But I think it’s beautiful that you that it works for the two of you.
Thank you Raya for making this article. It was very well articulated and expressed. As growing up Jewish it was hard going to a predominate Christian school and neighborhood. I will always associate myself as being Jewish (wearing my Chi or Star of David) but I do not go to Temple anymore or study the Torah. I associate more with Nature and Kindness and believe if we are good to one another and Mother Earth then life will be good to us. Religions usually are not the issue with wars, it is the extremists within that religion or group that are the issue and cause. I wish we could all just love one another and be kind. We only have this one life, this one world and we need to take of each other and the Earth. Thanks agin for this article. <3
I am on the edge of tears. I really needed this. I am in crisis as my boyfriend is Christian and I am not. I identify more as a Pagan, I don’t know, I don’t practice, I don’t believe in God, I believe in the nature, I believe in love, I believe in orgasms, I believe in our body, I believe in life connections, I believe in children, I believe in art and laughter and tears. I really needed to hear this. Thanks. I need to think about this.
I’m in a similar place as you in that I am not religious and don’t believe in any specific thing but I am open-minded to other people’s beliefs and I’ve always suspected that perhaps the feeling that I get when I’m in nature is the same feeling that, say, a Christian feels in church? I’ve tried to express this to cousins of mine who are very religious and I also felt like it was something difficult to communicate, but hearing you say something so similar really helps validate that. Thank you for being so open and sharing this with us ❤️
Wow Raya, we have something in common there. I can remember going to church only when I was a small child in Northern Ireland. This is a place where your religion seemed to matter more. I’m living in America near LA now, married to a wonderful Italian woman who was raised Catholic. It has never been a problem for either of us. I know that she believes in a higher power. I like to consider myself agnostic, not an atheist, like you do. I don’t ever feel the need to impose that on others, but I do recoil when others try to impose their beliefs on me or tell me to pray when I honestly don’t believe there’s anyone out there listening. It’s just where I have arrived spiritually in this moment in my life. That may change as I get older, I’m open to changing, but I haven’t seen it in the way others do.
I couldn’t agree with you more! you’re such a beautiful soul and your message is so amazing. the only thing is that I think people interpret religion wrong and that’s where the problem and the hate begins. I live in a close minded society and a lot of things are not allowed, so I don’t have the freedom that you have to be whoever I want to be,sadly a lot of people live in societies like mine and worse. sorry about the rant, love u & your articles so much ! 💛
I complety agree, I’m an atheist but that doesn’t mean I’m not spiritual. I’ve had interests in a couple of different religions and the concept of religion in general. Something that stuck to me is kind of saying ‘I’m a person of faith, but I’m not religious.’ For me I don’t believe in the stories of different religions and I don’t follow the rules of any (one) religion. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find common ground. As you described that warm, loving, hopeful and positive place within you that give hope + trust aka faith for me is something we all need to get us through hard times and people who are religious just have a less abstract and more tangible way of reaching it and that’s A okay.😊 Thank you for explaining it so well that you’ve given me the words to express myself better.😊
Way to go on making this article!! I enjoyed hearing your perspective so much. As someone who grew up in a very Christian home, but has never felt that pull to a god, I can emphasize with this so so so much. I’m hugely spiritual, I have that same place inside me. I just don’t connect it to any higher power. If everyone saw religion like you just explained, the world would be such a happier place.
Your message really resonates with me. I feel like this for a long time (maybe my whole life, just not conscious) and it helps to feel connection with a lot of people. When I talk, dance or be with people I also feel this love, but it is important to first connect to the love within you, before you can feel it outside. In that way you are not dependent on your surroundings because you always carry it with you. Off course people/things can inspire you but if you feel love it’s just you recognising your true self. At least that’s how I feel about this. I really love the way you put words to this message and I think a lot of people are able to understand it this way.
So refreshing to see someone take on such a tricky subject! You did such a good job with this, Raya. After losing my faith in Christianity once I left school (I was brought up in the usual Church of England school system) I have been able to rekindle my spirituality through the Spiritual Church and demonstrations of mediumship. To me, God is a force of nature much like gravity and ‘it’ has a divine power over the universe.
I 100% agree. This is the exact way I have alwayyyys felt. Always. And I have never understood why no one else could see it this way…. I am Catholic and I have always attended other Christian Churches, and youth groups, and I am really interested in Buddhism, becauseI also connect and see God through other means. My boyfriend if mormon, and they are a very exclusive religion which is difficult, because I’d love to be apart of that Church too but it’s tough because they don’t see it that way <3
Hi Raya, I really appreciate your message and how you articulated it. I’ve had to spend more time to understand how others think and believe different but it comes from the same place. And was able to find how the Bible describes it in Ecclesiastes 3:11 ” He (God) has made everything beautiful in its time. He has even put eternity in their (mankind) heart. ” And something you said rings so true, how we want to share with others what has touched us individually and we want them to feel the same.
I’m an Atheist but completely agree with everything you said. I respect everyone else for whatever they choose to believe in. I personally do not agree with preaching/selling religion to non-believers. I feel it’s better to appreciate where everyone receives the love they require, and not to judge it, I meditate which is an Atheist’s version of praying, it does the same job. Thank you for this enlightening thought process Raya <3
I can relate to how you feel. It wasn’t until I was an adult and out in the world that I could think for myself about what life means to me. I believe that we are spiritual beings living in a human experience. We are connected by the energy source (God) that we all come from and our purpose is to be of service to one another and evolve our spiritual consciousness. For me, love is my religion and nature is my church. Keep shining your light wherever you go.
I wish I found this article sooner. Someone recently ended things with me because I’m agnostic. I’ve been having a hard time coming to terms with it because I communicated that I believe in things but I can’t really explain it.. I also told him that I would be more than happy to attend church with the guy I was dating to learn more about his beliefs and I’d also be willing to raise my future kids in a church as well if that was what my partner wanted. Somehow, that wasn’t good enough and I’ve been really struggling with his decision to end things with me when everything else seemed to be so perfect. Really heartbroken over it despite not dating for a long time. Really felt he was the one 😞
wow I like this article so much we shouldn’t have to compare are religion or beliefs too other we should just all get along no matter what we are I’m a JW and I care about everything and everyone religion is something that as a person feels and connects too. I have a boyfriend he Christian as long he has faith and loves god. we should be able to pray to whoever we believe in.
Ive watched the whole article, listened and just told myself – I wish there will be more people like you. in fact I am jewish, I live in israel and the struggle is real from both of the conflict side that im sure you know about. unfourtnetly theres not a lot of people like you, and when im writing this down Im not sure what to say. Don’t really wanna go in politics cause its a different thing but its really devastating to see both of our sides, Why Can’t we just live in peace. many people from abroad look at that conflict and only see one side. people from where Im from often judge other people because they are Arab/Muslim, and same for the other side. some times I get to meet these people in the Internet. And i just straight up tell them- not everyone is the same, what government decide is not always the peoples choice/opinion. I thing Muslim culture is fascinating! Anyway If you read this message Let me know, because i wanted to contact and invite you and Louis to Israel for a long time know, with trying to not get into politics and if so then politely and respectful and mainly showing you around all the different cultures and thing we have to offer (cause we have a lot ;),even though I know the situation is not that great currently !Peace out
Thank you for your article it is very clearly understood, so rest assured on that. My religion is love and i am open to whatever ways love comes into my life. I had this conversation with my current boyfriend and he, i feel expressed judgment towards me on a recent interaction with some humans that by the worlds standered are younger then me and basically he told me he thought it was weird that i hang out and talk to people that are younger then me. I felt judged by his response and expressed my beliefs but discovered we believe very differently, this may sound not in line with religion per say but to me a belife is a belife and should be respected. I’m wounded by his judgment but he continues to brush it off as no big deal and not even something worth talking about. I would love some insight, advice and to feel relatability from the community if possible. Thank you 💜 By the way these people where 8 years younger then me if that matters 😂
I think I had quite a similar experience after listening to Oprah! That was because you recommended it though 🙂 I was raised Christian but never really believed in it, I was just following what my family and friends believed in. Nevertheless many people from my local church were sadly not the kindest people which led me to be quite disappointed in my beliefs. Since perusal your articles and listening to Oprah I learned so much more that I am just now really rethinking my beliefs 🙂
It’s good to see you are searching like everyone and one day you will find what you are looking for. I’m a Born Again Christian and I found what I was looking for when the savior Jesus Christ came part of my life and now I’ve got more to look forward not just now or in the future as I know I have received God’s grace.
I was raised catholic and going to catholic schools but since I got to middle school I’ve not been religious at all. I would say that I too am agnostic. My boyfriend and his family are super strict catholic, going to church and what not. It’s not for me and it’s been causing this weird tension in our relationship. It really sucks…
Hey Raya, After perusal the article I’m left with the feeling that where in your spiritual journey, with a recognition of the soul and the source of love is more of a beginning then a destination. I’m a Christian myself and have found great comfort in my faith, and in the words of Christ. I think it’s important to have a theological foundation, so as to better understand what it is that will bring us this spiritual peace and closeness to God. Being able to read Gods word tells me what is right and what is wrong, and what is Devine and holy. As much as an anything goes idea on spirituality would be nice, the reality is That Christ said ” I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” That is a seriously final statement to make! Christ died on the cross for all are sins and misdeeds, because he loves us and cares about our eternal soul. I know I’m just some guy in the comments section, but when it comes down to it God talks to us through the revelation of his word in the Bible. So I would compel you and anyone else to stop listening to me and read what God has to say. The bible is open to and for everyone! A good place to start in my opinion would be Mark. It’s the shortest gospel, but wow packs a lot in. I wish you well in your spiritual journey!
i believe that that kind of dating can work out if they have some values and respect .. it is not complicated . and personally i will have the honor to date you without even asking about your religion or background ..as you are really attractive and you are the girl that i can feel that your soul is pure and honest ❤
Hi!! Um I have a question. What kind of marriage if I am Christian and my boyfriend is Catholic because w ekeep talking bout marriage. We are not really excited about marriage but we were just scared because we have different beliefs. Please answerr huhuhuhuh and great articleo!!!! Another question do we need to convert to another religion for marriage?
I used to go to different churches when I was a child and debate all the different believes openly and honestly. It make sense to me to love your neighbour, be compassionate and want the best outcome for all humanity and living beings. Even though most British people are not religious I still think those values remain in our society which has Christian roots. However I see people becoming more and more selfish and how they struggle to put them selves in others shoes and realise that perhaps society does need a morale guide – some people do need rules to live by – however obvious it seems to others. Although I agree with what you are saying – religion is not that simple, most people are not religious because they feel an innate sense of love and compassion like some spiritual people do, most people follow it as a form of identity which gives them a sense of belonging. Unfortunately throughout the centuries there are so many examples of it being hijacked by those who use it to gain power and control. The masses prefer to follow rules blindly as opposed to follow their heart.
My boyfriend and I started having this problem he’s a Christian where when he gets baptized he can’t have a girlfriend that isn’t baptized and I’m a catholic and I don’t know what to do I’m so sad our relationship is giving up slowly but I really wanna try my best to be in his religion but I love my religion so bad I’m just so confused
Great article! I’m so glad that you are here to encourage more religious and spiritual conversation because it is important to understand what we choose to believe in. I’m a Christian but I have to disagree with some things you say in the article. I personally believe that as a Christian, I cannot be in a relationship with anyone of a different spiritual belief.. The Bible I believe says (2 Corinthians 6:14) that one cannot be unequally balanced(yoked) in a relationship with someone that has a different beliefs because it may cause inconsistency with pursuing the God of the Bible. Also, I truly believe that the God each of religion/belief is different. The Bible says that there is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4) and the people that don’t believe in Him and the resurrection of Jesus Christ are not his followers and do not serve the God of the Bible (2 John 1:9). In the end, as a Christian, I cannot date anyone that follows a different religion or belief because my God calls me and my significant other to pursue him first and if one of us strays from that then the relationship is idolatry because we put the significant other first instead of God first. Thank you for making this article, I mean no harm in sharing my belief and I’m open to more questions about this! God bless you Raya. I pray and wish the best for you and Louis!
I’m born Catholic, but I am not a believer and I’m very liberal and my boyfriend is Christian, not so conservative but with some ideal different from mine. Yesterday this conversation came out and it scares me that this will become the reason of a break up. I’m very spiritual but not religious, however I’m very respectful and I really love to see people practicing their beliefs. My boyfriend is a Pastor’s son and this scares me too. What if his family don’t want him to be with me? I am scare that unconsciously I will change just to keep him in my life. I really love him but I don’t know how to handle this situation tbh.
I can understand what you are saying, and it does make sense. Each person follows a different god/religion, but like you said we all look up to something for hope. The only thing that I think about is how about when you have kids? How will you raise them? Believe in God? Or like you are saying just believe in your soul/space? I may think too much in the future about having kids but I feel that’s a very important topic to have.
Lovely to hear this message Raya. But that space inside you that you describe? That’s God! That’s your soul you’re connecting with and what God put inside you so that you could experience “Agape” (from Greek; the unconditional love from God). I love your message and from perusal your articles for the first time after briefly meeting you last week, I can tell you’re a really personable and kind-hearted person. Thank you for sharing this with us. It’s okay not to believe in God, it’s okay not to know what to think. Just stay as you are, keep questioning and exploring your spirituality and faith. Keep sharing love and kindness like this and you’ll be perfectly in-tune to receive in God’s timing. Like a father who follows his child as they run ahead to explore the vast world infront of them, He’s behind you when you need him, but gives you the free will and space to learn in your own way and take your own journey. <3