It’s not particularly easy, because the focus/key values in life aren’t aligned.
That doesn’t mean it can’t work, but it’s not always easy.
So, for example, there can be some conflicts over time. Non religious spouse can resent time spent by religious spouse involved in religious activity,nor the people time is spent with, especially if it’s a significant amount of time. It’s not to be compared to a hobby.
It can cause conflict over values and behaviours. A newly religious person will often change and modify their behaviour. This can feel difficult.
The newly religious person is likely to want to share their enlightenment, which doesn’t always go down well.
All of these issues aren’t necessarily large scale or not things which can be overcome.
Finding faith can be hugely hugely rewarding, but usually has some costs involved too. People do need to be aware of that, but the reward is usually worth it. Those who can’t face the cost, don’t pursue faith and that’s where their heart really lies.
For the non religious person, being accepting and encouraging can be really important. Trying to understand and showing an interest is important.
People muddle along, but if this is a long term religious conviction and focus, essentially the 2 people aren’t in the same page. For a close relationship like marriage, it’s better if people are ‘on the same page’ on fundamental issues. That doesn’t mean people have to be the same or like the same things and be identical, but religion is more than just a hobby…it’s a fundamental life value and direction and if your partner isn’t going int he same direction as you, it can be tricky. There is more joy in going in the same direction and both following God together.
Most religious texts call people to join with others of faith. This is why. However, if people are already married when one becomes religious, they aren’t called to separate. Sometimes the other will find faith too. Sometimes they won’t and in that case, the difficulties which can be small or large if one being religious and the other not, have to be faced.
On one level, being religious is a choice and some people will choose not to follow that path if they can see there will be difficulties with their spouse. Often those, people feel callled and compelled to become religious…that they simply have to. It is important to recognise the choice of the non-religious person. Religion can’t be forced on anyone. That isn’t the same as saying you can’t talk about it or to explain your faith, but ultimately each person has to choose for themselves. Sometimes new religious converts can be very zealous because of their own recent religious conviction. That is both a positive and can be a negative as their enthusiasm isn’t always welcomed or always very sensitive.
Countless millions live in relationships where one has faith and the other doesn’t. Most work well. There can be some sadness in the person of faith that their spies doesn’t share the faith, but also acceptance and a good relationship. If the relationship isn’t marriage, it is often a time for the pair to consider if they will remain together.