Question by Christy: How to deal with interfaith relationships?
I am agnostic and currently (and recently) single. While getting back into the dating world I’m finding that I am asked quite frequently about my religiouis orientation. Many of the men (and boys) I know are and meet Christian. It seems as if I tell them that I am agnostic, it sends up red flags for them since most people do not necessarily understand (or care to understand) agnostic and atheist beliefs.

I always want to be upfront and honest because I do not want to pretend to be something that I am not or believe something that I don’t but once I say that I am agnostic, it seems I instantly get labeled.

How does one go about dealing with this? And, once in a relationship for example with a Christian, is it possible to have a lasting relationship and/or marriage? My last serious relationship was with a Southern Baptist and, needless to say, this caused a lot of problems therefore I am hesitant about getting into relationship with another person who will not accept my beliefs.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not exclusively interested in Christians whatsoever. It just seems to be the majority and I would never rule someone out because of their beliefs. I respect their beliefs but get the feeling that they never respect mine – this is the problem.

Best answer:

Answer by Kathryn B
When I first met my husband I told him right off that I was an atheist. I knew that he believed in God, but he was not following a specific religion at the time. After we got very serious, he began struggling with his own religious beliefs, and was considering devoting himself to Christianity. We both knew that we could not remain together if he devoted his life to the Christian God. To make a long story short, he chose me instead of Christianity. He still believes in God, but is probably more of a deist than anything else. I think it’s essential to be up front and honest in any relationship. I know that my atheism surprises and scares some new people that meet, but that’s who I am and if they don’t like me there is nothing that I can do about it. I don’t know if my story helps you or not, but I hope so. Hope it wasn’t too rambling. Peace.

Edit – I would not be able to be in a romantic relationship with a Christian because our beliefs would be so completely different that it would be almost impossible to have any common ground upon which to base our lives together.

Eant’s comment below – no stroke, was typing a novel.

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by Symic

Question by Jerry: Does the Church have ANY real advice for the single (I.E. unmarried, NOT dating) Christian ?
When I hear all these grown-ups talking about how fornication, masturbation and premarital sex are all sins no matter what; I sometimes wonder if the people who preach those things are Christians who never had a problem getting a date during adolescence and married in their early 20′s … and therefore never felt true sexual frustration.

I also wonder if these people think of “single” as only unmarried. The so-called ‘single christian’ advices are usually aimed at people who are already dating.

But do they ever stop to think about the Christian who simply has not dated ?

What is their advice for these people ? Just wait ? It will happen eventually.

Well, I will tell you what. The only thing “absolutely not masturbating” while one remains completely single causes is – jealousy.

And In my mind, jealousy is a more dangerous sin than all others combined.

I want to hear you. What do you say to the young adult Christian, who has not been blessed with marriage or a dating partner ?
Here’s simple prayer :

“Lord help me to make a good impression of myself when I meet new people”

Every time I find myself in a new situation with new people I pray for this. Yet the only thing i succeed in is embarrassing myself.

I cannot go straight from being single to being married. I know that I have to date first.

All I wish from the Lord is that he help me not to make such a bad impression of myself when i meet new people (especially new women).

It is a rather simple prayer

I cannot even give younger teens advice, because I have no experience from which to draw it from.

Best answer:

Answer by mnowitzky – E Pluribus Atheatum
Nah, just fake advice, just like for everyone else.

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by D.C.Atty

We know it all too well: as Christians, it can be quite difficult to find a compatible Christian partner. And being selective IS a good thing when you’re serious about a God-centered Christian relationship. I should know, as I’m very blessed with a husband who knows God and wants his children to, as well.

On the other hand, I know quite a few Christians who, sadly, have married and dated non-Christian spouses…and seen their relationship fall apart quite devastatingly as a result. As Craig Groeschel writes in the excellent Going All the Way, there can only be one #1 in a successful marriage–and that #1 MUST be Jesus, not your lover. Only with Him as your #1 will a relationship last and bloom.

It’s just as important for any children you may raise, to put Jesus first in your life and theirs!

So hey, if you’re going to go all the way–do it right. And when you have that focus down, you can start looking for a mate who shares that value and focus.

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If you feel you’ve made God your #1 and want to find a compatible partner who’s OK being #2 (if he/she loves God he will respect that), I suggest a useful site called ChristianCafe.com. Online dating is a tricky thing, but if you’re serious about finding a Chrsitian partner, I highly recommend sites such as this one that are dedicated to finding you compatible Christians.

Of course, prayer and closeness to God are just important! I can’t emphasize enough submitting to God’s will and ensuring that the person you meet believes in Christ just as much, and RESPECTS your beliefs.

If they don’t, tread carefully. And don’t commit to any long-term relationship until they accept Jesus as Lord as well. A relationship without that commitment is doomed–even if things seem OK. Because you will only enjoy the fruits of love MORE when Jesus is the focus. God will reward you for seeking HIM first!

I don’t have to tell you any more about the importance of entering a relationship with someone just as committed to a life of love with Jesus. So take a look at ChristianCafe.com, and God willing, you may just find the Christian mate you’ve always wanted!

I hope this article helps you.  May your Christian walk be a great one!

Viewpoint Broadcast with Chuck Crismier www.saveus.org Chuck Crismier interviews Author Dr. Joseph Webb, Th.D, Ph.D about his new book and how the church has been deceived in regards to divorce & remarriage. Marriage and Divorce The Trojan Horse Within the Church Whom Shall We Then Believe? Authors: Dr. Joseph A. Webb, Th.D, Ph.D & Patricia L. Webb, Ph.D www.cpr-ministries.org The purpose of this book is to expose, in a non-judgmental way, where the church is today in dealing with the divorce and remarriage issue. It will also explain how we arrived at this juncture and give a clear distinction regarding the secular and Christian worldviews on this vital subject. The bottom line will be; whom shall we then believe?

Question by : Are all single Christian guys as weird as he is?
How is the chastity belt comment inappropriate? I agree he’s a creep but I wanna know how or why the following is just creepy and inappropriate and are all single ‘Christian’ guys as creepy as he is?:
This guy I met, he keeps telling me that if I’m his wife I’ll be all dolled up, have to wear pigtails and makeup!

I don’t wear any of those! Also he said he’d buy me dresses!

We’ve been talking for a month. He also says that if my dad says no on him marrying me then he’ll keep asking my dad until he says yes. Also he says that his mom is very picky and will need her approval if he were to marry me.

I don’t want to rush into marriage. We haven’t even met in person yet!

What do you think of this guy? control freak? he says he’s joking on the pigtails but he keeps bringing up the joke! ugh!

Also he keeps talking negatively about his mom saying that she’s panicky and cynical, and that she physically abused him as a child but they’re close!

When I told him that I give people plenty of chances except physical abuse he says that divorce is no reason for an abusive spouse. You are to remain seperated until he changes, if he doesn’t you’re seperated for life.

Also my friends say that it’s creepy and inappropriate that he kept suggesting I wear a chastity belt he showed me on ebay. Also they say he’s lying that he’s only aroused when someone is sitting on his lap(I didn’t ask he just told me). Do you agree with my friends? How so?
No I am NOT communicating with this weirdo anymore.

Best answer:

Answer by SCARY JERRY
Get out of dodge evey once in awhile you sick bastard

What do you think? Answer below!