Religion differences...

[El21]

My partner is a 100% devoted, practising Christian and I am a Catholic (by name - I do not practice, it's just the school I went to!). We have a different outlook on life, naturally because of this. It frustrates me that he is such a beliver as he goes to his meetings two-three times a week. I know my last question was on age which I think we all agree is not a problem at all - but what about something like this?? I do not believe in God and such (well, I sit on the fence with it). He says I'm wrong in what I say about existing from the Dinosaurs and not Adam and Eve and the world being made by God, but particles in the universe forming...I'm so confused by it all as a whole!!

[andy hughes]

My wife and I have differing beliefs - she is a practising Catholic, I am an atheist, but this is not an issue for us. I had no objection to our children being raised as Catholics, we attend Mass every Sunday as a family - i enjoy the atmosphere of the church, if not its beliefs. It appears to be more of an issue for you. If you cannot simply agree to differ in your perspectives, then this is going to be a stumbling block. You need to talk it out seriously, and see if he is able to accomodate your views within the relationship. I'm afraid it's the dreadfully superior "I've got something you don't have, and you are lacking as a human being becase of it ...." attitude that Christians have that has always been my main stumbling block. Arguing the semantics of evolution is pointless - belief in God is based on faith, which by definition is not provable. Have a good talk, and see what shakes out. Good luck.

[nicola_red]

My fiance is an atheist whereas I was brought up as practicing Church of England, but we've never had any problems. We have had a couple of healthy theological debates but we can always agree to differ at the end. I don't really attend church anymore, but I know he wouldn't have a problem with it if I did. However we don't plan to have kids so I haven't had to deal with that issue. I agree with andy hughes that if you can't agree to differ that will be a serious problem - and not just on the religion issue! But I really hope I don't have that superior attitude he mentions. I just figure, each to their own. Good luck!

[El21]

Thanks guys!! :-)

[tartanwiz]

You're not a Catholic if you don't believe in God. You're an atheist. There's nothing wrong with that, but get it right. I mean if your parents were communists, would that make you a communist? Of course not. That said, tolerate his faith, and I hope he tolerates your views too. My wife is agnostic, I am a believer. My great grandmother (on my mother's side) was a practicing Catholic, yet her husband was a staunch Protestant Orangeman! Yes, people can get along, if we just live and let live.

[Cetti]

I've read your question three times before answering, and I could be totally wrong here but what I'm seeing is actually nothing to do with religion - more with your partner not treating you with respect. You say he is a devoted, practising Christian - but to whom is he devoted...? This might sound an odd thing to say but my husband and myself are both Christians and from this point of view devotion encompasses everything we love - God, our partners, family, the whole package - and not in separate little boxes. A lot of talking through the real problem is needed here, and not as I see it the unimportant stuff such as Dinosaurs and Adam an Eve. You'll come through this I'm sure with a deeper understanding of each other.

[El21]

Yes Cetti, i agree. It is the deeper discussions and thoughts not the little riff raff tittle tattle! Maybe I'm jealous though? Jealous that he spends time doing that (regardsless if i'm with him or not). Saying that in his defence, he has asked me to maybe one day go along to these church meetings consisting of around 300 people!! and just to see what i think - i suppose he's sharing in that respect, but is it to try to convert me into something I'm not??

[penshk]

For God's sake to you love this man or not. If so get off the computer and stop asking stranger's for answers you will find in his arms. By the way Christian married to Muslum for 29 years.

[El21]

I was only asking an opinion, hence the point of this programe.