Dear BMWK,
I do have a topic that I would love to be discussed. I would like to hear from families where the partners have different faiths and how they cope. I’m currently in that situation right now (we’ve only been married 1.5 years) where I’m non-denominational and he grew up Jehovah’s Witness.
HER VIEW:
Interfaith marriages can work…but it is not easy as religion is one of the most important topics in a marriage. You both are in this marriage knowing that the other person has a different religion. Therefore, you should take the time to learn about the other person’s religion and possibly find similarities between the two. Going into the marriage with the idea that you are going to change your partner or force your partner to attend your church and accept your religion is not a good idea. This will only cause arguments and resentment.
HIS VIEW:
There are several tough and very, very tough topics in life and religion is one of them when you are not believers in the same type of faith. Personally for me this is something I wanted to avoid so finding someone with the same beliefs as me was a requirement on my list. I do believe in the equally yoked theory. In addition I took into consideration problems that could come up with raising our children etc… Now you’re already married so this is a totally different ball game. Check out this article on how some people deal with inter-faith marriages by clicking here. It’s not telling you how to do it, just what some couples do and experience. In this situation like many others I think communication is definitely the key.
BMWK readers, are you or have you been in an inter-faith marriage or relationship? What did you experience? What advice would any of you give our reader? Was religion a factor in you choosing your spouse?