Is it ok to change religions because you love someone?

[AlienParasite]

Each religion comes with a certain set of values and ideological beliefs. Unless you naturally agree with all the values and beliefs, I don't recommend converting.

Partners are more likely to success if they share similar values, but forcing yourself to have the same values as her won't make it. That would only lead to arguments once the initial infatuation stage of the relationship ends.

However if you like a faith because you've read about it and see yourself beign part of that religion it's fine. I think the question to really know would be: Would you like to join this religion if it wasn't necessary to marry this girl? If affirmative then converting isn't that bad idea. If negative, bad idea.

[hahahmm]

You'd presumably be forsaking the religion of your parents/ancestors just to get a girl who is unwilling to do the same for you. Even if I had zero belief at all & just pretended to share the religion of my parent (s) I wouldn't do that because it's like slapping them or their memory in the face. I would only change if I truly believed it was a good thing for reasons that had nothing to do with getting a girl.

To me it's in the same boat as saying something bad about your ancestors JUST to please a partner who's unwilling to say anything bad about hers. No thanks.

Secondly, if she is into some radical form of muslim stuff then you are condemning your future kids to be brought up in that system too. Maybe your wife's uncle/dad decides to kill your daughter because she kissed a boy they don't approve of. Maybe your son gets killed for kissing a girl. Not a road I'd go down.

[TheorionMage]

PRAGMATICALLY, even atheist science ascribes to the idea of an originating 'big bang' creation event, BEFORE WHICH we humans have NO conceptual data upon which to speculate regarding the nature of... or ethics of the sentience whom 'authored' it. "He moves in mysterious ways..."

'Religion' (not to be confused with 'faith' ) is but the humanly-postulated inferences of that Sentience's purposes 'grand scheme'...
then 'dressed up through ritual' and spoon fed to Those uncomfortable taking personal responsibility for seeking their role in this 'grand scheme'.

The Japanese have a mantra: "There are MANY routes to the top of Mt. Fujiyama, but only ONE summit"

So... 'cognitive dissonance', how deep a zealous 'fundamentalism' can you justify participating in for the sake of your Love?

[sejla]

I didn't change but my ex wasn't really a practicing Muslim though he believes in God. In your situation under Islamic rules the father has to be Muslim for the children to be Muslim. I personally wouldn't change religions for someone. Faith should be an individual choice not dependent on one's partner.

[OlderAndWiser]

It really depends on the religion that you currently have and the religion to which you would convert. Some religions, such as Islam, are as much a culture as they are a religion and you would need to embrace an entire cultural shift as well as a change of religious beliefs. That is a huge, huge change to make.

It would be much easier to change from Methodist to Presbyterian.

[scholastic_vibez]

Her family can’t be as strict as you might think if they are permitting her to date before marriage. Understand that there are Muslim fathers or brothers who would murder a daughter if she dated before marriage because it’s considered an insult to the prophet, Muhammad, and a stain on their honor. I knew a Muslim girl from Morocco that this happened to. If she had dated another Muslim they might have tolerated “dating,” but after they found out she was dating Non-Muslim men, her family pulled her out of university, and she disappeared. She was renting a room from my mom, and warned her that her parents would probably murder her if they found out.

[SystemOfTheMachine]

It is your preference on whether you want to change or not. If you think the religion that you believe in is more important than marrying this woman then don't convert. If she is more important, then convert. If you're part of any of the abrahamic religions already then converting to Islam will at least have some similarities and you believe in the same god. My mother converted to Catholicism to marry my father, even though she was only a Lutheran before so it was not a huge jump. I'm an atheist, but if I loved someone and they needed me to convert, I might do it.

[Don-__-Don]

Typically, that's a personal choice that shouldn't have outside critics.

But since you've asked:

Changing religions because you love someone sounds like a nive gesture in terms of showing how much you love someone, but other than that it sounds pretty bad.

Not to mention, changing your religion just because you love someone is not only disrespectful to the religion you originally believed in, but even more disrespectful to the religion your chosing to convert to.
It's a bad idea on all cylinders, frankly.

While I'm not religious myself, I believe that if you are religious you should devote yourself to said religion. It's not something that should be treated as something you can change on a dime like that.

When you do that, it just makes religion look like a joke.

With that being said, in my opinion, no it's. not okay.

[MrLuckyStrike]

I'll say that it would be good to respect her religion and wanting to be in her religion. But, there's a catch. If you will switch your religion, there's no turning back so quickly.

Example, you decided to become a muslim which is good. A nice thing to do. But after a while, she broke up with you and you decide to turn back into Christian/Jewish/etc... But to be honest, it ain't easy.

So... I just mean that, it's such a serious and pretty nice thing to do for a relationship so, i'd say, do your research well then decide WISELY, my friend. May The God guide you on your way on the desicion!

[David_Kek]

So you're prepared to accept her as she is, yet she's not prepared to accept you as you are?
Then I hate to break the news to you, but your girlfriend doesn't love you.

My Grandparents was a Jew and a Christian, and that fact didn't stop them getting married, they just didn't require each other to convert for the other, and then raised their children secular; letting them make their own mind up about what they religiously believe as they grew up.

You're only 18. I know you do love her, crying over her and all that, but 10 years from now you'll barely be able to remember her last name. Don't throw your life away for someone who's not willing to do the same for you, it's just not worth it.

[Anonymous]

I suggest you study first the beliefs and customs of her religion. Make sure you understand everything well and accept them wholeheartedly because you believe them and not because of someone else. Religions can affect your entire life from your career to your social life to your self and family. Don't be hasty. It's not a shirt which you can change anytime you please. It's okay if you really want to do it and understand everything about it. So goodluck!

Tbh it should be a nonissue if you have different religions but I do understand that it complicates a lot of things. Just make sure you are 100% committed before you do anything. 🙂

[Anonymous]

I don't think you should change your religion for her. It's a very personal thing. Is that a condition she told you, or just something you heard about? Coming from being brought up from a Muslim background (and not religious at all now), her parents are likely going to be strict and likely won't approve anyway at that age (assuming you guys are both 18ish). It's something to talk about with her.

technically Muslims can't date in the traditional sense, though you will see plenty do it secretly, especially the less religious ones. It's becoming more common though, and its with other muslim men usually and an engagement happens fast

[Anonymous]

Religions are meaningless, all that matters is you relationship with Christ. If you don't have one, you are going to Hell no matter what your religion is. God says do not Marry unbelievers, you deny Christ by denying God. Muslims are not in a relationship with Christ, so you are left with a choice, your relationship with Christ or this world. You can only enter a relationship with Christ by repenting of your Sins and Accepting His sacrifice on the Cross. religion only leads to death, so the choice is yours.

[Commander_Red]

No. First off, as a former Muslim myself, I don't know how you can be her boyfriend when Muslims can't date. Secondly, you're "girlfriend" should have educated you more on her religion before marriage was put on the table because it seems you might not know about it if you are asking this question. On her end, if she didn't actually teach you about her religion, that would be a bit careless and dare I say selfish? You shouldn't follow any religion unless you actually feel it from the heart, and marriage is a big deal, especially in Islam.

[hellionthesagereborn]

Why can't she change her religion for you? Or better yet, why can't she accept you for you and you for her? Its "okay" in that you can do it, but if you don't believe it then your just paying lip service which is at the very least disrespectful to yourself (as you are pretending to believe something you don't) and to the religion (because you are just playing along and not a true believer).

Personally I would be weary of any one who would demand that I have to change my views in order to be with them, after all why am I the one who is being forced to change for them? If they loved me why would they demand I change my values, if they loved me why would I have to make that sacrifice instead of them? Seems pretty selfish on their part.

[Zannika02]

My friend did she has been happily married for prob 10 years, my other friend found a guy to convert and they also been happily married for longer than that. It would appear if ur open to this idea its cuz u truly are in love and want to incorporate their beliefs as u are agreeable w those practices and dont want to limit ur relationship going to that next level.

[JBinIdaho]

The logic seem a little off to me. If you have to change religions to marry her, then clearly, for her, changing religions is not okay. So, your very first major decision in your relationship goes against her values. She would not change her religion to marry you. You would change yours to marry her. It seems you both have contradicting values. Of course, perhaps love will win! I hope it works out for you!

[robusn]

Fuck that is hard. Life should not be that hard. Literally ask her is she can love you after changing who the. fuxk you are. That family just said change who you are. I just left my girl because of this. I hate it and it has made me hate religion. I will never believe in god because of this and I have a lot of anger still. BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF.

[Alyssa11]

It really depends on how religious you are and the circumstances. If I wasn't super religious to begin with, and I fell in love with someone who was and their religion required me to be that particular religion, then I could change just to be with them.

As for Islam, bear in mind that converting to Islam isn't necessarily going to be accepted in the eyes of the religion because you are converting with the wrong intention and for the wrong reasons.

[slatyb]

Do you truly believe in your current religion? Can you truly believe in Islam? Or will you just be going through the motions? Or do you just think "They both worship the same God but with a different name?"

I wouldn't go there. I'm not religious and wouldn't pretend to be for any woman. But I would never date a religious believer, so I would never have this problem.

[TruthBringer]

Your girlfriend can introduce you to the religion. You becoming a Muslim should be something from your heart. You can't genuinely convert if you're doing it just to be with a girl. Just imagine you divorce her, would you quit calling yourself a Muslim aswel?

This applies to pretty much any religion, by the way. Only convert when you truly find your heart in the religion. Otherwise it's ingenuine.

[Cherokeehp]

Yes and no. You can choose to follow whatever religion you want, but in my opinion it’s disrespectful to claim a religion you don’t actually believe in. My boyfriend is also Muslim, and although I was baptized as a Christian as a child I am now non-religious. Our relationship has caused him to have a shit ton of religious dilemmas and has caused issues with his family. He loves me and I love him, but I don’t expect him to give up his religion for me and he knows I would never convert.

[Anon_deals]

Not for me, no. I am an atheist and I will never not be an atheist unless a huge awakening occurs from the big bad wolf his or herself. However, it won't come from a forced change in thought process to be with someone. As a matter of fact, I wouldn't even date a religious person because we're too different and I am realistic (unlike my very religious ex-bf who seriously believed we could be married and have kids)

[thefamousone]

Yes Totally wrong I'm sorry I'm not really too keen on muslims. Of to murder innocent people you don't believe in Allah A it's OK to rape children and murder them But yet if you're caught in adultery get stoned to death but if you kill an infidel you yet how many virgins in heaven come on really It's heaven or hell it satan or God those your choices The choose one your hate the other it's Jesus or satan

[TessCasie]

Oh ! Well it’s an amicable decision between you two. My personal opinion is try to have a talk with her and see if y’all could meet in between. Whether you’ll be happy with it? Whether you can accept it wholeheartedly? Ask yourself these questions sincerely. Other than that it’s fine as long as your not offended by it or most importantly don’t feel guilty about it.

[Browneye57]

in my opinion it's a bad idea. If your faith and/or spirituality isn't that strong in the first place then maybe it doesn't matter.
Mixed faith only seems to cause issue when raising children. It can become really important at that stage in life. Good to discuss this stuff BEFORE you start a family.

[front2back]

I personally wouldn't but know any wife I had would. My mother converted to Catholicism from Methodism while me and the other kids were already raised Catholic.
I would ideally only date another Catholic woman, but if not there is always time for conversion even after marriage.

[Daniel3035]

Yes you can religion is religion if the love is strong enough religion won't matter. My family is Muslim I'm atheist. Far as I'm concerned if you she loves you and you are her perfect why is she asking you to change perfection? Even if you did convert would you follow that religion?
Also you're 18 are you sure you want to marry? I'm in my early 20's and I'm like I'm not ready.

[Anonymous]

If your partner wants to change your religion this means she doesn't love you. No matter what happens there is no explanation to chaning your religion for someone else. As a former muslim, i can say this a lot of my relatives marry former non-muslim boys and these boys changed their religion for them. Now all of them fighting almost every day because in the reality my relatives never love them. If you love someone then you accept him with everything. If she uncomfortable with this, then she can change her own religion.
And here is a commendation for you: You should break up this girl.

[Unixion0907]

As a Muslim, she shouldn’t have a boyfriend in the first place. If she didn’t tell you this, then she’s dishonest. You should confront her and say, why didn’t you ever educate me on the fact that your religion doesn’t allow this.
Saw a couple of the girls here say that religion should be what you truly believe, and I agree with them. You don’t just pick an religion because of some girl, no matter how much you love her. Religion is bigger than your relationship

[Everyoneisplastic]

Yeah, don't change religions just to be with someone. It will wreck your life. Religion isn't something you just can go "I feel like being this today". Religion is your connection to your God or the lack thereof.

[Levin]

I wouldn't.

Any woman for whom we make that mutual commitment to each other wouldn't be beholden to a slavish religion.

I would not be being true to myself since I would be lying by saying I believe in that religion.

[Liya0078]

Hmmm. You're 18 at the moment, I think that's too young to be thinking about these things. Try to do your research on islam first. It is a kind and peaceful religion even though the image of it has been tainted by certain individuals.
There are people who went through conversion to be with the ones they love, it is okay.
Think how your family would react to it as well.

[Iwasthinkingif]

Talk to her about this, we do not know you, her and your relationship enough to tell you what you can do.
Just know that if you convert to a religion, you need to actually have faith in God and not only do because you have to. So do your research, if you are intersted in finding your faith and you want to marry this girl, focus on yourself and your spirituality. You'll find the answer by yourself.
Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Maybe.

But you will be second class Muslim to them anyway as you converted to it not been born in to it...

Main think it is not same like just changing your coat.
Just doing it 'for the tick' will not do the trick.

Why can't she convert to your religion and stop going to Muslim countries?
Why do you have to move towards moving to Muslim country and be looked with magnifying glass in western world?

[DeeToPlay]

As with any religion it comes down to personal choices. If you're not so devoted to or have a religious belief and you truly love your partner then go for it but with a complete understanding of the commitment to your newly adopted faith.

[skygurl1]

Islam is a way of life. There are expectations and rules that come with that. Questions are do you believe in one god that god is to be worshipped alone that Muhammad is the last and final messenger. Do you submit yourself to god. Do you believe in Angel's? Are you doing it for yourself if so great if not not good. Love god before everything else. God as muslims should be the center of our lives.

[mizachi]

Yea for me relegion doesn't exist but God do, on the end of the day we are humans so it's better to marry someone you love than sacrificing something that doesn't exitt

[RanaSng]

Its not too young if your 18 at all, people who say that simply are stupid when 18 is the age of Adulthood that is the age of total growth. I was 18 when I started doing my search on almost all the religions (Top 10 Populous Religions) it was until 22 that I recognized Islam had the total logical proof. I do not mean to discriminate but I have found contradictions in every other religion else than Islam. Especially Christianity & Hinduism had the most amount of contradictions.

[ramchandra9971]

Dont change religion respect others... follow one... be calm... understand the teachings... u will find that many roads leads to a single destination
Radhe radhe ji radhe shyam

[VanillaSalt]

I don’t believe in god. But I believe in the policies the Bible puts out. Essentially im a christian but I don’t believe in god just his policies.

[DJB72]

My Faith basically defines me, so I wouldn't change for earthly love. It depends how true you are in your beliefs.

[WesBrewer]

yes, it is fine as long as you truly believe the religion if you don't then her family can come to hate you, and she might as well.

[JKingOff]

No. You should pick a religion based on faith, not lust. If your religion prevents you from being with someone that you genuinely love then maybe it's the wrong religion. If someone you love is willing not to choose you over a false religion then maybe it's best that the two of you aren't together.

[Drumlin2001]

Could she not renounce her religion?
You live your life how you want. If that means a new religion then go for it.

[loveslongnails]

Don't do it. If someone asks you in the name of love to change your religion, or adapt theirs if you're not religious, they love their religion MORE than they love you. Without a doubt. Do not do it !

[guesswhoseback]

No don’t do that. I’m sorry you are in this position. But your heart and soul has to be into your faith. If it’s not then it’s worthless. It will cause lots of problems down the road.

[israelisevil]

If you beleive in god itll be easy if you athiest itll be hard. Islam is a more excepting religoin then judaism/christianity.

[iseekpinetrees]

Yes but if you disagree with the beliefs then there's no point.

[Newhead]

Only do things like these if you are sure this is what you want.

[Citizenkirk]

Are you religious for your own benifit, or just lip service to make someone else happy?

[Anonymous]

I am a Muslim and now I have the same thoughts as you. I have a Catholic boyfriend and I was thinking if he would accept being a Muslim We can marry. I can't marry him because it have İslamic rules but I didn't ask him. Whats your religion? Is your girlfriend Turk

[sheikalana]

Yes, it's very okay as long as you're okay with it too.

[Bananaman177]

If you can change religions over a girl, it means you don't believe in either religion.

[MysteriousDarkness]

You will have to want to follow Islam then actually follow it or it will not work out. You will have to follow it as much as she does no less.

[SHREYASH007]

No, it is not ok , neither you convert her nor you convert both should co-exist. If she really loves you she will not ask you to convert.

[B2281]

I don't think anyone should change their religion for someone they want to marry. Only time you should change your religion is if you have done the study of the religion and actually agree with it.

[MareBear93]

No! Never changed your faith for someone. If they truly love you, they will never ask this of you.

[Iamcoming]

I am Muslim ı can married Christian or jewish girl. Because Koran is admit this married between Muslim Man christian-jewish girl

[Mancera99]

I’m muslim and technically you can’t even convert to islam unless you truly want to do so by heart. Its crazy to convert for someone.

[Mehzmeh]

You both need to give up religion. Because that is not cool. That you can't be something you are and marry.

[Whtevernever]

You CAN she just won't allow it. I find the idea of something as baseless as religion getting in the way of love distasteful.

[Barbaric]

I think it's stupid. You should follow a religion because you believe in it, otherwise there's no point. That's the only reason to change.

[Ruenella_]

I don't see how people can just change something like that or even consider it. It's like did you even actually believe your religion in the first place? How does your God feel about that now? Do you even care? Obviously not. So disrespectful.