Is a persons religious beliefs or lack there of important to you?

I'm curious how important this is to people. Romance and friendship

Posted 3 months ago

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wetfan

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In my friendships, no it's not important to me at all. I have friends of many faiths (or none at all) and it has no bearing on our relationship. We just don't really talk about that side of things, unless I am curious and have a specific question.

I mainly just respect their beliefs and follow my own (which don't happen to be religious). It's never prevented us from sharing conversations or activities for actual common interests.

Speaking on common interests, my view regarding romantic relationships is a little different. I won't get into a huge discussion on my opinions of love, but I do think you have a greater ability at success when you share the same view on things. Little stuff doesn't matter, but there are a few key ideals I think are important to share. An obvious one would be whether you want kids or not. And another would be the same religious belief.

As I have already mentioned, I'm not a religious person at all, however I do recognize it's value to other people. For some it is a very important aspect of, not only their lives, but also their personality.

I think the intimacy (not just sexual here) felt with your partner deepens when you share a greater number of beliefs (common interests) with them. That could be anything from favourite foods, music, movies, hobbies, etc. And the greater the importance of that interest to you, the greater the intimacy you feel with the other person when they share that interest.

I would actually feel bad if I was dating someone who was really religious as it would be an aspect of her personality I could never fully embrace. Sure I could be understanding and go to church with her, but it would never be the same as someone who wanted to be there and could have great conversations on the subject.

So do I think it's hopeless? No, not at all. I have a friend who shares my view point but married a religious girl. They are incredibly happy and it's not hard to see the love they feel for one another.

So what exactly is my view then? Well I think with romance a person's religious beliefs are important, but with a caveat. It's importance is reduced when 1) you share a lot of other common interests and 2) you are both naturally empathetic and understanding towards the other person.

Wow that was a long answer.

Posted 3 months ago

Other 17 Answers to Is a persons religious beliefs or lack there of important to you?

lost12345	Posted Aug 20th, 2009 at 10:13AM In friendship, no. Religion is not usually a topic that is discussed, only with my close friends that are Catholic as well. Everyone is free to have their own beliefs and spiritual choices and I am not one to judge them on that.. I can still like the person. I only get angered when religion, especially my religion, is disrespected. In a relationship I do think it is important to share religious beliefs. In a relationship you are looking for a "soul"mate and a person to have a family and life with. All those things would be nearly impossible to do when you do not share the same beliefs (You religion affects your morals, your values, your thinking process, your actions and reactions).. to each other religious beliefs and spirituality wouldn't it be taken seriously and would ultimately cause problems. (where to get married, the confusion your children would feel when both parents don't adopt the same beliefs, etc...) Rated: +3Vote for this!
snowlady	Posted Aug 20th, 2009 at 9:46AM To an extent, yes. Buut it is more important how they act. Rated: +2Vote for this!
sammylou4u	Posted Aug 20th, 2009 at 9:46AM Yes but only because i refuse to spend the time in a relationship, that i no doubt would, being lambasted for my atheism. I don't need a lecture from someone i see every day on what they want me to believe. Outside romance, i'm happy to argue with friends who are believers and then agree to disagree. Rated: +2Vote for this!
steveshurtleff	Posted Aug 20th, 2009 at 12:28PM I wouldn't want to be with someone who wasn't grounded in reality. I have no time for someone who based all their actions on possible repercussions from one invisible friend or another. Rated: +2Vote for this!
jerrica	Posted Aug 20th, 2009 at 10:14AM i consider myself to be more spiritual than religious, but i don't think i could be with someone who didn't believe in god. Rated: +2Vote for this!
SoftCoreBoy	Posted Aug 20th, 2009 at 9:44AM I would respect an open minded girl who believes in God because she has a real reason to but not if she was brainwashed by parents and forced it upon others. Rated: +1Vote for this!
jend1979	Posted Aug 20th, 2009 at 9:46AM As long as they don't make it important, than it doesn't bother me in the least. I'm with snowlady -- it's actions not words that seal the deal. Rated: +1Vote for this!
maxxcrash	Posted Aug 20th, 2009 at 9:48AM Not for me. A person’s character and personality are what’s important to me. This goes for both romantic and platonic relationships. Rated: +1Vote for this!
tonyt53	Posted Aug 20th, 2009 at 9:48AM No. With most people you get what you get anyway, regardless of their religion or lack of. Rated: +1Vote for this!
abhi35007	Posted Aug 20th, 2009 at 9:49AM No we should not be. Different parts of the world people have different background, we should never use any comparisns or ideals, what is good for me may not be good for others. Rather we should keep our focus on common challenges and interests, ignore the rest. We should never draw any stereotype for any behaviour as universally accepted. Rated: +1Vote for this!
jillian222	Posted Aug 20th, 2009 at 9:52AM No I'm concerned about the type of person they are inside. Rated: +1Vote for this!
nomedeplume	Posted Aug 20th, 2009 at 10:11AM Not at all, as long as they keep it like their bathroom habits- to themselves Rated: +1Vote for this!
NANSELTAR	Posted Aug 20th, 2009 at 10:18AM Yes, because I am interested in spirituality and how people express it. I believe people should be able to practice the religion (or no religion) of their choice. Tolerance of other people's spiritual choices is the key. I am saddened by zealots and proselytisers. Rated: +1Vote for this!
sarajean	Posted Aug 20th, 2009 at 10:24AM Nope. Every person has their own views and beliefs, i dont push mine on anyone else and i expect the same from them. I have friends of all religions and my boyfriend is an atheist while im a christian and we dont argue over it or try to change the other persons view. Rated: +1Vote for this!
Entr0py	Posted Aug 20th, 2009 at 10:25AM If they use their beliefs or lack thereof to justify discrimination or cruelty in any manner. Rated: +1Vote for this!
shf84	Posted Aug 20th, 2009 at 12:49PM only if they believe some evil whacked out crazy **** than I wonder about them. Rated: +1Vote for this!
SamOnHisSoapbox	Posted Aug 20th, 2009 at 7:56PM Only the severity ... you just can't have productive conversation with some-one who keeps screaming "end times, end times - the end of the world is niiiiiiigh" You just know they wont be offering to shout the next beer. though in all honesty you'd think they'd be perfect candidates to be offloading their worldly goods. Rated: +1Vote for this!

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