Do you date outside your faith?

United States
November 20, 2008 4:21pm CST
I have dated guys who are not the same religion as me (I am Jewish). However, I have met many people who will not date someone who is not of their faith or at least a denomination of their faith. When I do get married, I will want to raise my kids in my religion. However, that would not stop me from dating / marrying someone who is not the same faith as me if they agreed to raising the kids Jewish. What are you thoughts on this issue? Do your parents / relatives impact your decisions in this matter?
1 person likes this
4 responses
23 Nov 08
Luckily I haven't had this problem yet. I'm an atheist but unless the other person was a foaming-at-the-mouth fundamentalist it probably wouldn't bother me.
• United States
23 Nov 08
What if the person you were with wanted to raise your children to be religious? Would you be okay with that?
23 Nov 08
Good question. I would personally be opposed to that. I would encourage my children to learn about the religion, but I wouldn't push them into being part of the religion. I don't think it's fair to force religious beliefs on to children. Their brains are malleable and they can't tell the difference between sense and nonsense, so you can tell them anything and they'll believe it. Best to wait until they are old enough if you ask me. What about you? Have you ever been in such a situation?
• Philippines
21 Nov 08
yes, i have encounter and dated a friend not in the same faith. and when we are together we share each beliefs and faith. we talk about religion and doctrines.. As such i invited him/her to listen in our bible study and she/he also do the same way too.
@Ravenladyj (22904)
• United States
21 Nov 08
I'm Pagan Buddhist and have ALWAYS dated outside my faith...Its not a persons religion that attracts me, its them...so as long as there is respect and understanding then I dont see how there could be issues really...As far as raising kids goes..I dont think a child should have religion forced on them at all. They should be free to decide for themselves
• Philippines
21 Nov 08
I'm a Church of Christ member and we really aren't allowed to date anybody outside the faith. It is a religious doctrine alright but even if not, I see the sense on it. I mean, it's kinda difficult to deal with people on other matters, I'm sure it's much more difficult when you have differences in faith as religion is a very sensitive topic. I myself, would want to be in a relationship with a guy who has the same faith with me, at least we won't argue on one important thing and it will help us solve problems in the future, not compounding problems just because my faith is telling me to do this and his faith is telling him to do otherwise. I dated a few non-believers of my faith before and I can really compare -- there really is a big difference no matter what others say about religion not very important as long as you both love and accept each other. But well, that's my experience, I'm sure other people have different experiences as well and I respect their opinions.