Mixed Marriages with Atheists & Theists
Question:
Can mixed marriages between theists and atheists work?
Response:
This question is asked equally by both atheists and theists. Marriage is one of the most intimate and most serious relationships a person can have in their lives; it is thus understandable that people wonder if the gap between atheism and theism will create further differences which prevent individuals from making a marriage work.
Similar questions are legitimately asked with regards to gaps created by social backgrounds, race, and many other issues.
This isn't an easy issue to address because so much depends upon the particular situation which people find themselves in and the nature of the people involved. Thus, the most direct answer must be: "it depends." A mixed marriage between a theist and an atheist can work, but their success depends a great deal upon their ability to overcome certain barriers which may, but need not, arise.
« Advice for Atheists | Importance of Respect & Tolerance »
Can mixed marriages between theists and atheists work?
Response:
This question is asked equally by both atheists and theists. Marriage is one of the most intimate and most serious relationships a person can have in their lives; it is thus understandable that people wonder if the gap between atheism and theism will create further differences which prevent individuals from making a marriage work.
Similar questions are legitimately asked with regards to gaps created by social backgrounds, race, and many other issues.
This isn't an easy issue to address because so much depends upon the particular situation which people find themselves in and the nature of the people involved. Thus, the most direct answer must be: "it depends." A mixed marriage between a theist and an atheist can work, but their success depends a great deal upon their ability to overcome certain barriers which may, but need not, arise.
- Importance of Respect & Tolerance
One barrier which can prevent a marriage between an atheist and a theist from working is the issue of respect and tolerance. Without some minimal amount of those two factors, it is difficult for any relationship to survive; when such fundamental matters like the existence of god(s) is at issue, they become even more critical.
- Differences over Religion & Religious Doctrines
If anything comes between an atheist and a theist it probably won't be theism itself. Instead, one of the things most likely to cause problems will be religion - not every theist is religious, and not every religious person is a theist. What this means is that specific doctrines and dogmas are most likely to cause problems and will have to be watched closely.
- Dating between Atheists & Theists
Of course, most marriages are preceded by dating and courtship, a time in people's relationship with each other when matters are less serious and more provisional. At this stage differences over theism and religion are less likely to cause problems, but that doesn't mean that they shouldn't be watched closely.
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