So, there is this girl that I think is amazing and I would love to date her. The only problem is: she is an atheist and I am an adamant Christian. Different people have told me different things as to what I should do, and I am really rather torn about the whole issue. So, what do you think, MT citizens? Should I stick to my beliefs and not hook up with girls outside my "religion" or should I take the plunge and go for it, come what may?

absolutely not, beliefs are the only thing you can surely rely on in life

also, if she doesnt have your beliefs, maybe question why you want to date her, cause for me at least, part of love and a relationship is the common bond of beliefs

btw, dont know if this helps, but this is coming from a non-christian

I'm a Christian and I don't think you should give her up if you truly love her. I mean, aren't we supposed to love everyone else, no matter their religion? That's one of the fundamental beliefs. I don't know if you'd like to take my advice, I believe but I don't go to church that often I'd do this if I were you, anyway.

Well, first is if you truly love her, and second is, what extent would you go.

First of all, contrary to what Splorg said, beliefs aren't something that can't be surely relied on. Most if not all things can not be relied upon.

Plus, beliefs though, they're supposed to be beliefs, not something in which love should bond by. If you let something other than love itself bond two people, what happens when that something disappears? Its the same as with beauty and such, if you let beauty as something to bond love, then once it disappears, theres practically no point.

Personally speaking, I'm an atheist and I have fell in love with someone thats Christian, and it didn't bother her or me one bit really. (Don't really know about her, I can't read minds)

Though one issue is, that you said you're an adamant Christian, which actually, for the sake of the girl, you do realize you should not do anything in the realm on conversion. Cause, if you get into a relation with her, but you act like you're just trying to convert her, to her, it may just seem like shes not really being loved and shes just a target.

Also, I'm not sure if you're using the correct word as adamant, because there are different ways to describe someone's belief.

A friend of my mother got married a few years back. He is devote Christain and his wife is a devote Wiccan. He has a hard time with knowing (according to his religious beliefs) that he will not get to spend eternity with his wife and that pains him. He loves her very much, enough that he married her even though their religious beliefs were so different... and the fact that his religion condemns her religion and all its practices.

I think that if you're willing to take that risk, or are willing to overlook it... then go ahead. However, she may not want to date you because of your beliefs. Also, she may be worried you will try to convert her. Be prepared for her to say no.

I will say in marrage (I know you're not THAT far ahead... but still you should know...) AND serious relationships... having the same beliefs makes EVEYTHING easier. Conversations, morality discussions, friends, or questions about life... they'll be difficult to deal with to talk about with someone who may not undestand or agree with your own personal beliefs. I will say it won't be impossible though. I have many atheist friends. They're wonderful people. I have great conversations and discussions with them. I hope they have great lives.

Its your life and your decision, make it a good one. Good luck on whatever you choose. ^^

Religious beliefs are a powerful thing. And as yothsothgoth says, the more similar two people's beliefs systems are the easier their relationship will be. I think that when two different belief systems come into play, like this one, unless both people have a very light hold on their beliefs, it won't work out. Two radically different belief systems trying to hold out for their own way of thinking will never end well unless someone concedes in the relationship.

I have some atheist friends and religious friends, and then there's me who's stuck somewhere in the middle of all their beliefs (lot's off different religion's aspects appeal to me, but I don't buy into any one). The subject of religion pops up and all hell can break loose real easily. So, if both people have strong beliefs on either side of the fence than that will cause problems for each person no matter what. Because all of us as human beings don't want to be told that how we believe is the "wrong" way. Which is essentially what is the underlying theme when anyone is worried that their beliefs won't jive with someone else's. I'd say that if you are an adamant Christian, that her beliefs will always be a thorn in your side no matter how much you try to convince yourself otherwise. And as others here have said, she may feel like she's trying to be converted farther down the lines whenever discussions of religion pop up. I think that for your own sanity you should look elsewhere.

As a side note: I'd highly recommend reading George Burn's autobiography "In His Own Words". His religious beliefs were Jewish and his wife was a devote Catholic. He has whole sections which touch upon this subject and it's an interesting read.

well, I think you should just go for it, I don't think you two will talk much about belief in your early days anyway, belief problem may occur only if you can pass through other differences you may find along the way, other problems will reveal itself before you can think about belief

I'm not saying things won't work out for you two, but it's not like you're gonna get married a month later, no?

I am going to state that on the first few dates you should talk about the religions, sure we all know which is which, but don't back down from wanting to date the person...and don't jump on the bandwagon to try and convert, and don't argue about the difference of religions, simply talk and you never know you might learn something, as to why they became this religion and you could talk about why you became your religion...but coming from a non-xian too trust me don't make it sound like a convertion or trying to get the person to "join your side" and if that doesn't work out then either live and learn or don't be pushy...other religions, sometimes, are on edge when it comes to xian...but if you show love and compassion then other religions aren't that bad towards them and above all else do not end it with "I will pray for you" try to end on a good note like "cool", "far out" or something like that...hope that helps

Thanks, everyone; good advice, all of it. I definitely am not going to "try" to convert her. Stuff like that always ends poorly. Honestly, I still am a bit torn on the issue, so I am going to let my thoughts and feelings run around in my head for a couple of days before coming to a conclusion.

for Goddess sake...

The fact that she's an atheist n you're whatever adamant christian is, won't lead u to dismiss your beliefs.

Look at my example: My boyfriend is Crhistian, not a devoted one but a christian, and I'm kinda Atheism/Deism supporter.

I cannot touch the theme of children becuz we would embrace ourselves in a never ending story about wich religion they should be on, if they have, or not to follow a religion.

The thing is just dont focus your relationship in that. Religion is part of ur life, right, dont try to demand it in your couple.

Let it be, i assure u'll have a great relationship as a great view of things, and u should know better the possition of other pple when it comes to religion issues.

Good luck, pal!

Take the girl. There are thousands of false gods but we only get one true love.

Love, most definitely. And even if it doesn't work out, it's still important to be tolerant and try to understand and respect other people's beliefs, so it's good practice in that ^_^

I think I ve heard somewhere something about being a good Christian means understanding non-Christians or something like that.Personally I don t let religion,make a barrier between me and the person I love.