Some atheists are able to date and even marry other atheists, but most have relationships with theists -- after all, theists are in the majority. Being in a relationship with a theist isn't always easy and there are lots of extra places where conflicts can arise. So how do some atheists manage it? How do they overcome the problems?
How many of you (atheists and agnostics, mainly) are married to, or in a long-term relationship with, a theist? How 'religious'? Has either of your beliefs changed since the start of the relationship? If so, did this cause problems?
If you have children, how do you reconcile your different beliefs when raising them? For those of you who are not currently in a relationship, or in a relationship with an atheist, would you ever consider getting involved with a theist (feel free to qualify this term as you wish)?
Everyone's situation is different so how people handle these things will also have to vary, but at the same time your experiences might help others better deal with their own personal relationships. So if you've been in a relationship with a theist, how did it go and how did you deal with problems or conflicts?
Add your thoughts to the comments here or join the ongoing discussion in the forum.
I am married to a wonderful woman who was raised with both Catholic and Muslim influences (one religion from each parent.) We have absolutely no quarrels about religion whatsoever. Why? We each respect the others opinion on matters of theism. I have never pushed her to give up any of her notions about religion – and she has never tried to push her religious beliefs on me. Granted, we do not have any children yet, but I believe we will be able to handle our differences in a similar manner when we do…with a healthy dose of respect and civility.
For me it has not been harmonious. My wife became a born-again Christian 3 years ago. She says I drove her to it. May be. We have been together 19 years, but the last 3 have been tough. It has driven us apart, not closer together. During this, I have studied and learned all aspects of this dynamic as well as the Christian doctrine – it hasn’t brought me closer to Christ but it certainly has schooled me in theology-out of necessity – debating is useless. I sometimes think Christians are more interested in salvation than they are getting to the truth – not that I know what the “truth” really is.
Perhaps we adopt our findings and call it the “truth.”