How to Make a Relationship Work With Different Religious Views

Differing views on religion don't have to come between a couple.

Every relationship comes with its own set of problems. Sometimes people have to accept and overcome that they believe in two different, often conflicting, religions. While it’s not always quick and easy, it is possible to have a successful relationship with someone from a different religion. However, according to ThirdAge.com, if a religious person couples with a non-believer, they may have a more difficult time than if each person believes in some sort of religion, regardless of how different.

Instructions

1. Think deeply about biases concerning the other person’s religion. They may stem from personal experiences, assumptions or just plain prejudice. Sort out any negative feelings toward the religion before getting deeply involved in a relationship.

2. Ask the other person about their religion, including how they were raised and their current personal feelings on their religion. Knowledge and understanding can be the keys to accepting something that has been relatively unknown and mysterious until now.

3. Decide if the difference in religion in the relationship is something that both people can get over. While a couple may never agree on their beliefs, they shouldn’t be constantly at odds over it, either. Neither party has to change religions, but some sort of compromise should be met, even if it’s only agreeing to disagree.

4. Speak up when it comes to personal boundaries. Both people in a relationship should be clear on the other person’s limits. If changing religions or even participating in certain religious practices isn’t going to be possible for one or both people, they should let each other know as soon as possible.

5. Prepare for negative reactions from family members and even close friends. Certain people may feel so strongly that they dislike someone from a different religion without any other information about what type of person he is. Unfortunately, a lot of this stems from stereotypes and misinformation.

6. Compromise, especially when it comes to certain aspects of a foreign religion that don’t directly contradict personal beliefs. Certain customs won’t make sense or feel comfortable at first, but this doesn’t mean they should be brushed off. Give in from time to time and go along with the other person’s religious customs.

7. Discuss the huge issues that will be impacted by religion in the future. For example, a couple should discuss which religion they want to raise their children in before deciding to get married. If a solution can’t be met, both parties should think about how, or if, they will stay in the relationship. Seeking professional relationship counseling is always an option.

References

• Third Age: Different Religions, How Couples Make It Work
• The Site: Mixed Religion Relationships
• The Community Toolbox: Building Relationships with People From Different Cultures