Could interfaith relationships ever work?

[bonoaplimapp]

This question boggles my mind, especially as someone who is going for a degree in religious studies. At one point in my life, I was deeply in love with a Muslim girl in my class. She was so kind and the connection felt beyond physical and even emotional. There was this pull that I couldn’t fathom and I felt like I was connected to her by an invisible string (sorry if that’s cheesy). The issue in this situation was that I am Christian. So I had to let her go. And the last day of classes was one of the most heartbreaking days of my life because I knew I would never see her again. But a part of me wonders if we did end up talking more and if I told her how I felt, if the relationship would even flourish. To add onto this, my grandparents were interfaith (Muslim and Catholic) and they had a good relationship at first but a nasty divorce when my grandfather suffered an aneurism and went to more orthodox beliefs. So I wonder, is it even possible for these kinds of relationships to work long term? With any religion, not just Muslim and Christian.

[meepmeeperton]

I think it can work sometimes. I’ve heard of some married couples that practice different religions, or in some cases one person is religious and the other isn’t at all. There are some limitations like not being able to pray together, or attend church together, but some people don’t mind.

I also think women are more likely to convert to whatever the man is. I’m not sure muslim girls are very likely to convert, but it’s possible the girl you liked might have if you committed to her.

[CupcakeTheDestroyer]

I knew someone, a friend of a friend, whose parents were interfaith. The mother was catholic and the father was atheist. Both believed the other was objectively wrong for their choices but both also accepted that those choices harmed no one and there was no real issue in it. It worked out great for their kids too, who got to choose between spending Sundays with Mom at church or at home with Dad. It made for an open space for spiritual talking and encouraged their kids to learn to make their own choices about their identities.

[jennifer_bloom]

I think it might be better than a single faith relationship. You have a broader spectrum to bounce ideas off of.

[handsomelad70]

Can't see why not if the religious differences are openly and honestly addressed.

[strateguy632]

family no, friends maybe but if religious, then not a real relationship anyway.

[Anonymous]

Of course it can. Why would you need someone to agree with you on everything? Mature adults should be able to handle it.

[Anonymous]

Personally, I wouldn’t do it. That’s actually a deal breaker for me. If a man doesn’t share my faith, goodbye. Not open for discussion.