LovieDove24 Posted May 5, 2009 Share Posted May 5, 2009 I am curious how many of you believe that having faith in the center of your relationship keeps things running smoothly? And I'd like to clarify, I do not want this to turn into a debate about how bad "religion" is and the terrible things religious people do. In my mind, religion is man-made. Faith in something greater and spirituality of any denomination is what I'm referring to here. In my experience it seems as if the couple who prays and/or meditates together has a stronger chance of making it rather than those who do it all on their own. Of course I must edit I am not implying this is the case for ALL, but MOST. What do you all think? Any relationship examples to reflect on? Link to post Share on other sites
Lovelybird Posted May 5, 2009 Share Posted May 5, 2009 I believe that faith is the VERY important part in a loving relationship. I've heard that among the couples who pray together, there is only 1% divorce rate. Personally I know how I can be caught up with own self-centerness, but Holy Spirit gets through me that let me know where I did wrong, or what I can do to improve. If in a marriage, a couple both willingly and humbly listen to God and willing to change and improve self, that must be a beautiful marriage. Three cords cannot be easily broken, God, husband and wife, 3 cords. Link to post Share on other sites
quankanne Posted May 5, 2009 Share Posted May 5, 2009 honestly can't admit that we pray together, but I know that my strong faith keeps me centered in my marriage, even when there are times I just want to throw in the towel. Or pinch his head off and I think it makes a difference, having that belief in a higher power, in God, because it makes me focus on what lies beyond for us as a couple, rather than just trying to make it day to day. Link to post Share on other sites
Enema Posted May 5, 2009 Share Posted May 5, 2009 People who identify as religious have higher divorce rates than non-religious people. So no, I don't think faith helps a marriage. Perhaps if they spent more time working on the marriage themselves instead of looking to jebus for answers they'd do better. Link to post Share on other sites
knaveman Posted May 5, 2009 Share Posted May 5, 2009 People who identify as religious have higher divorce rates than non-religious people. So no, I don't think faith helps a marriage. Perhaps if they spent more time working on the marriage themselves instead of looking to jebus for answers they'd do better. Can you back up your claim with some sort of reference? A linky perhaps? Link to post Share on other sites
Enema Posted May 5, 2009 Share Posted May 5, 2009 Can you back up your claim with some sort of reference? A linky perhaps? Sure thing buddy. http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_dira.htm Divorce rates among conservative Christians were significantly higher than for other faith groups, and much higher than Atheists and Agnostics experience. Further references regarding the study, and more articles about it are at the bottom of the page. Link to post Share on other sites
Lovelybird Posted May 5, 2009 Share Posted May 5, 2009 honestly can't admit that we pray together, but I know that my strong faith keeps me centered in my marriage, even when there are times I just want to throw in the towel. Or pinch his head . :laugh: I understand the sentiment Link to post Share on other sites
quankanne Posted May 5, 2009 Share Posted May 5, 2009 People who identify as religious have higher divorce rates than non-religious people. easy to extrapolate whatever you want from statistics. *I* think it'd make a lot more sense to say people in unhealthy relationships have a higher divorce rate than those in healthy relationships, period. Religious or not. Link to post Share on other sites
knaveman Posted May 5, 2009 Share Posted May 5, 2009 Sure thing buddy. http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_dira.htm Further references regarding the study, and more articles about it are at the bottom of the page. Thanks. It's so nice to find someone on the interbutts that can make a statement and also back it up with a study. Personally, I think faith is not a factor when it comes to making a relationship work. Staying together because of our shared faith is just as bad as staying together for the kids. Link to post Share on other sites
Mahatma Posted May 5, 2009 Share Posted May 5, 2009 I would say it is far more important to be alike thinkers. Whether this is in religion or not, I think it goes deeper than just saying "religion" is all its about. Link to post Share on other sites
Mahatma Posted May 6, 2009 Share Posted May 6, 2009 My faith is me and I believe that couples who share faith and love of God have a stronger relationship. Do I believe it prevents problems, or even divorce, no. And I believe that faith and religion aren't the same thing. I do believe religion is man made (God didn't come up with all those different denominations or doctrines). Good statement. I believe sharing faith is what is needed. Not necessarily any specific denomination. In fact, I would say differing denominations in a relationship may end up having issues because of their subtle differences that are so "important." Link to post Share on other sites
Author LovieDove24 Posted May 6, 2009 Author Share Posted May 6, 2009 My faith is me and I believe that couples who share faith and love of God have a stronger relationship. Do I believe it prevents problems, or even divorce, no. And I believe that faith and religion aren't the same thing. I do believe religion is man made (God didn't come up with all those different denominations or doctrines).[/QUOTE] So Bent and Mahatma did you not thoroughly read my post where I said the same thing or are you just agreeing with me? Link to post Share on other sites
Country_Girl Posted May 10, 2009 Share Posted May 10, 2009 I agree with the OP, religion is man-made & faith is separate. The bible was written by man, so it leaves room for error. I think faith has certainly strengthened my relationship with my current bf. We are long distance & he bought a devotional for couples, for us to do each night. When we finish that we say a prayer each night & I think it has definitely made us stronger. Link to post Share on other sites
justin180 Posted May 10, 2009 Share Posted May 10, 2009 I don't think it's appropriate to talk about religion to any potential girlfriends. When it comes to dating & romantic relationships I keep my religious views to myself. I won't date christians though. Link to post Share on other sites
Author LovieDove24 Posted May 10, 2009 Author Share Posted May 10, 2009 Justin, if you won't date Christians I'd say its very important you talk about religion. Without talking or asking, how would you know if your gf is Christian or not? Link to post Share on other sites
justin180 Posted May 10, 2009 Share Posted May 10, 2009 Justin, if you won't date Christians I'd say its very important you talk about religion. Without talking or asking, how would you know if your gf is Christian or not? The bible says we can tell who is a christian by their fruits. True christians don't even have to open their mouth and profess their faith. Other people can see it in the way they live. So I can tell which one of my dates are christians without them having to say a word. I listen to my intuition too. Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts