I have been in several disussions about this with friends and family. I am christian and have always experienced different opinions from mine about this subject. I am currently in a relationship with a non believer, it has posed no problems thus far. I was not raised in a christian family, this path has been chosen by myself. I was never pressured into following Jesus Christ, nor pressured into the opposite. The decision was mine. And that is how I will pose it unto my children. As much as I would want to know that my wife and kids will be going to heaven with me, It is in no way, at all, my decision. They will have their own say in it. My current girlfriend is my first nand a lovely girl. She is not Christian but has nothing opposed to it, and in a sense, is open to it. I havnt asked her to come, and she hasnt asked either.... IF we were to get married and have kids, she has no problem with the kids coming to church wth me for the first few years, once they hit an age where they can make an educated decision on the situation, they can decide to participate or not. What are your opinons?
I really admire your attitude to others not believing the way you do and being open to allowing your children to choose for themselves... As for the GF, I think if you love her and it is truly not an big issue to you or her then I not only commend you both but think you should continue with the one you love and allow her to choose her own spiritual / or non-spiritual path. If you see it as becoming a real issue, I would think you should tell her this and see what happens. My wife believes in some kind of god, she is just not sure what it is...I dont believe in a god...makes for some interesting conversations...but in the end I dont care what she believes and she doesnt care what I believe regarding the divine so it works out...
Snaz, Are you happy with the relationship? If so then that answers your question. I, nor any other man should tell you what to do. Of course there will be some that don't like it...but the decision is up to you. I know this wasn't the answer you were looking for..lol...but that is what I would do. Ain't no pastor, friend, nor family member that is going to tell me I shouldn't marry someone because they aren't christian. If they make me happy, then that is it... She can have her beliefs and I will have mine. stainless PS: Very well put Drusus...as usual
Being born in Italy, my wife and her family are hardcore Catholic. I was raised in the Baptist church...it has never caused a problem for us at all, we do not worry about each others choice of a church. We have been to both on different occasions, also no big deal.
I think the biggest dissent actually is betwixt one creed of Christianity vs. another creed of Christianity, ie Methodist vs. Catholic etc. Frankly there are not enough people around in the USA of other non Christian religions for them to be a huge target.
I hate those people. You know those kind. They really have nerve with the stuff they do which we don't. Love thy neighbor and I don't mean his WIFE!
Snaz, This is obviously getting serious dude. Good for both of you and the open minds you're sharing. It's not that difficult my friend. Before I met my wife she was raised Lutheran. She went through a Baptist phase and left that church. I was raised to know the difference between wrong and right. No "forced" church or preaching going on in my house. My dad thought we should go although I honestly can't tell you what church we would have gone to. He "found" Jesus much later in his life. Mom, said NO. Let them think for themselves. My sister attended a Lutheran church for a while. My two oldest brothers went at times as well. My next oldest brother and myself never went. Five kids in my family and none of us are murders, cheats or out to harm others. It was how we were taught at home that made the difference. My wife and I have been married for 19 years now (together for 22). Several years I came home and found a "Dear Clembo" letter on the counter. Heart damn near stopped. What did I do wrong? Well, it wasn't anything that I did. Just turned out that she was hanging out on religous boards and having a ball. Good for her (after my heart slowed down). She's sharing opinions in a civil way (most times as there are always trouble makers) with people of all faiths. Jews, Muslims, Hindus even Wiccans and the various forms of Christianity. I only see one flaw in your "plan" should you get married and start putting out little Snaz's and Snazzettes. I personally wouldn't take them to church so they could "form an opinion". They are too young at that point. They want to please daddy and mommy. Teach them right from wrong. Talk to them about Jesus if you feel so inclined but putting a child into a "fear of God" atmosphere has never set well with me. JMHO. Teach them loving values as parents first. When they are old enough they can decide. Seems that happened to you. clembo
Holy Mel Gibson!!! Are you kidding? You have an opinion on it for sure. A non-believer? Isnt that a phrase they used during the crusades? Is that how you introduce her? Get out of before she falls in love with you, and you have to douse her for her witchery. But no, you guys will be fine.
Coming from a non-believer, I would say the description is apt...though I would prefer skeptic. I would think the crusader term would be more like 'infidel' seeing as muslims believe in god just as much as christians...just the wrong one
