If you're an atheist, would you have a relationship with someone with a faith?

[IWantToBeLizzieNotCharlotte]

I've just started using Bumble and there's an option to show if you're atheist/Christian/Jewish/agnostic.

A lot of men are atheist so I've assumed that it's a no-go. But it's really quite a lot of men. Am I being too picky? I wouldn't know if I met them in a bar if they were atheist

If Trump can pretend he's Christian, then why not BJ?

His Wikipedia entry says that (I think when a teenager) he renounced his mother's Catholicism and joined the CofE. So at least then it seems made a conscious choice on the matter.

Why do you think Trump is pretending to be a Christian?

Ragwort that's not what I said though is it? I wonder why you decided to incorrectly paraphrase me? I said the traditional C of E religious tradition in which I grew up isn't interested in social justice and used the still very popular among that religious tradition hymn as an example.

People are not "studiously avoiding" one comment on an 8 page thread, it's one comment out of 200 or so! Michelle Obama is universally admired but that doesn't mean that those who admire her have to believe she's right about everything, and as others say context is key - in the American political context she pretty much has to be seen as Christian, it'd be a step too far outside orthodoxy not to, especially given the racists who didn't want a black president invented stories about Obama being Muslim. The religious climate in the USA means there's no chance of popular/ mass political acceptance for non Christians.

No, I wouldn't - and I speak as someone who got married in church and is a church bellringer.

I like the vicar of dibley aspect - ie the idea of helping the community etc, I just would struggle with the believing idea.

I tried the alpha course, until I realised the others did actually believe in god etc.

I am atheist and never thought I would marry a man with religion until I met my husband who is catholic.
Yes, there's always got to be compromise, but I knew he was the right person for me and I knew we were both reasonable people who could understand each other's point of view.
My DC are baptised or christened or whatever it's called, but I just see it as a opportunity for them to be a part of a community. DH and I have agreed that it will be their decision when they're older as to what they want to do.

It's a very personal choice as to where your limits are and what you're happy to compromise on.

No I wouldn't.

It wouldn't be a deal-breaker for me, unless if they insisted on that no sex before marriage stuff. Or were otherwise very strict.

But someone being nominally of a religion is fine.

I never said people had to agree with everything Michelle Obama has said

But there have been a number of comments along the lines of believers are stupid or they are unable to think critically - religion and faith tests you and your beliefs constantly

I doubt anyone would say that about Michelle Obama and most admire her intelligence and compassion I certainly do

She is a woman along with many other believers who are able to think critically, who have been very highly educated and have not led a sheltered life where they know no different

But no doubt some shall tie themselves in knots over her believing and those people they know nothing about is different

To not be able to understand why people have or have come about being faith/religion or share a different political view (as often go hand in hand with being dismissed with comments of stupidity) lacks critically thinking

I don’t think being religious means you must be stupid. I do think it means that in one specific area of your life you have decided to suspend your critical thinking. That’s perfectly fine- so long as you know that’s what you’re doing- the “nevertheless I believe” school of religious thought.

But not every religious person had the same beliefs and people interpret religion differently

If every Christian/Muslim etc had exactly the same belief none differed that would be the case but they don’t

I don’t have a faith, my husband is catholic although not practising. Hasn’t ever been an issue for us.

Perhaps if he was practising it would be but I can’t see how, as long as he wasn’t continually preaching to me then no, it wouldn’t be a problem.

Yes, if he was absolutely red hot sexy. I could put up with a lot for a sexy man! Otherwise no.

No. Ive no objection against other having a faith but in terms of relationship, to me, it would be like living with someone obsessed with thinking fairy stories were real. They wouldn't be happy with me as I would put up my argument. So, ultimately, a relationship wouldnt work for me.

I have in the past. It didn't go well.

@MaltedWheats- that is a very strange post. Do you think people should only ever post once on each subject?

And no, I am not an “evangelical atheist”. There’s no such thing. If I was going to be an evangelical secularist. That way people of faith I don’t know personally wouldn’t bother me and I wouldn’t bother them!

A

*If I was going to be an evangelical anything, I’d be an evangelical secularist” that should read.

It’s also possible to be very interested in and knowledgable about religion and faith without having either. The Professor of (I think) Biblical Studies at Exeter is an atheist. So is my dd- who has a MA in Theology.

If I were to base my choice of date on reading this thread I don't think I would want to date an atheist.
Keep it up though - doing a great job of turning people away from atheism with your displays of kindness and tolerance

“Keep it up though - doing a great job of turning people away from atheism with your displays of kindness and tolerance”
Atheism isn’t about tolerance or kindness or the opposite. Or any other personality trait or behaviour. Atheism is simply about not believing in god. Atheists can be wonderful or arseholes - their atheism is irrelevant!

I'm really surprised by the number of people saying this is a no-no.

I'm an atheist; DH is a person of faith. My DF's 100% atheist, but married first my mum (Church of Scotland) and then my step-mum (who's Catholic, with an atheist mum from the Protestant community and a Catholic dad).

The notion that you need to share the same religious views as your spouse smacks of intolerance. With a bit of respect for difference, openness to debate (occasionally lively), and a willingness to negotiate and compromise occasionally. it's fine. Like most of life and relationships.

Some proper condescending atheists on here. I think atheists are generally pretty unattractive because they tend to feel superior to religious people and I hate that, I'm agnostic and truly do not know what to believe, but wouldn't look down on someone for what they believe.

Pretty much that, but I'd say some atheists, and I'd look down (a bit) on some of the very judgmental and narrow minded evangelicals.

I know two highly esteemed scientists who are religious (not evangelical) and who can completely align their faith with their science. So pouring scorn on people with a faith because they're "stupid" is frankly...stupid.

I don’t feel superior to religious people and don’t think I’m intolerant.

But I wouldn’t want the father of my DC to encourage our DC to practice a religion - there is more than enough of that at school.

What’s most important to me in a partner is kindness and tolerance. Can’t be doing with intolerance or bigotry - whether from an atheist or person of faith. In other words it’s not about where they stand on God or Religion, it’s whether they respect me and my right to have my own beliefs / opinions.

In my personal experience I see a lot more intolerance from atheists.