Some would have you believe that all religions are equally good - just
different strokes for different folks.
But picking a religion is not like going to an ice cream parlor
with 32 flavors to chose from. At the ice cream parlor you might
go for vanilla while the person you are dating chooses fudge
ripple. In ice cream, there is no "correct" choice. By nature of
religion, there are many wrong choices.
Here are just a few of the religions and their teachings on eternal
life.
Christianity teaches that the only way to eternal life is through
believing and accepting the gift that Jesus Christ gave to the
world -- being sacrificed so that all might have eternal life.
Islam teaches that Jesus Christ was only a prophet and that to
claim he is God is blasphemous. To go to Paradise one must repent
of his or her sins and then strive to live a life of goodness.
Judaism believes that Jesus Christ was not the promised Messiah. To
worship Jesus Christ is blasphemous. A relationship with God is
built by following certain rules and laws as outlined in Old
Testament scripture.
Hinduism teaches that one is reborn over and over again and based
on good works, one might achieve a higher level each time.
As you can see, all these religions cannot be correct as almost all
contradict each other. Therefore, most people who are truly
convicted in their religious faith cannot possibly believe that
"all spiritual roads lead to heaven/nirvana/paradise." Now that does
not mean that God can't love everyone and desire a relationship with
the whole world regardless of religious errors/knowledge/mistakes.
Even within religions there are subsets of traditions and beliefs.
Some groups stay near the core beliefs of the faith while others
venture out to the fringes, emphasizing practices and teachings
that are not embraced by most in their religion.
So, how does religion affect relationships? If you are convicted
that eternal life rests in doing things a certain way, would you
not deeply desire for your sweetheart to understand that concept so
you could share eternity with them? And if the two of you had
children would you want your mate teaching them one way to live
their life while you instruct your children to do things much
differently?
Just because your sweetheart isn't practicing his or her faith now,
it doesn't mean they wont in a year or two. Many men and women
suddenly have a yearning to reconnect to the religion of their
youth once they have children. Also, tragedies can cause some to
suddenly realize that there is an emptiness inside them that can't
be filled by material things and they begin a spiritual quest for
real meaning in their life.
While tolerance, love, joy, peace and understanding are hallmarks
of most of the world's main religions, someone with deep religious
convictions must put God/Allah/Buddha etc. first, even before
family. A truly dedicated follower would never loosen their
religious morals and value just to keep peace in a relationship.
If you are considering dating or marrying (or have already married)
someone of a different faith, think about doing these things:
* Commit to do a formal study into each other's religion. Try to
see if the church has some sort of "new believers" class or
workbook. "Converting" without fully knowing what you are
converting to shows that you really don't care about your spiritual
life.
* Attend several religious services with your sweetheart. You
might find the traditions and teachings rewarding or revolting.
Better to know sooner than later.
* Pray to your Creator to guide you to the right spiritual path -
not just the one that seems the easiest or most interesting.
* If you are intimate with your girlfriend/boyfriend and you curse,
get drunk and have a mean streak, don't expect them to think highly
of your religion. On the other hand, if you chose to remain pure,
and you are gentle, loving, kind and giving, it will be far easier
for him or her to be interested in finding out what makes you that
way.
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