<p>If you believe your religion is the one true religion, then yes. If you believe there are many paths to God, then no. </p>
<p>For me, internal value system trumps everythihng else (religion, race, eithnicity - I know values can be born of those things, but it’s important to recognize that people can also think for themselves, outside the group they belong to).</p>
<p>I think what the 11th grader from the 21st century 
means is that we become a more global society more people start to view religion differently (as in, maybe all the answers are not in just one religion - or maybe God and faith are not the same thing as the parts of religion that were shaped by man) that they did before. For me, talking to someone openly about religion does not require they be the same religion.</p>
<p>Perhaps talking openly was the wrong way of putting it… I have many discussions about religion with people who are a different religion than me, but to be with someone of a different religion is sort of like being with someone from a drastically different culture than me.</p>
<p>It’s like how I wouldn’t marry a man who grew up in an Indian rural village. I just wouldn’t be able to relate on the same level.
I need to be with someone who really understands me. And with religion being such a big part of my life, I need someone who shares my religious beliefs. I want to be able to say, “Isn’t it amazing how God does this?” with him sharing my awe, not with him politely nodding and saying “it’s nice that you feel that way.” It’s just not enough.</p>
<p>And especially if you look at having kids, which has been mentioned a few times, you run into major issues.</p>
<p>I don’t think people viewing religion differently is relevant though… That’s just like saying that most people don’t see their individual religions as that important anymore, so they’re not as connected to them, so being with someone of a different religion is not an issue.
What is your individual religion is very important to you? </p>
<p>I don’t think their is anything wrong with being picky about who your SO is, or even who your friends are IMO. They’re your relationships. If you don’t want to be with someone just because their eyes are too blue or something, there’s really no problem. As long as you don’t treat others badly. People may often be entitled to your respect, but no one is entitled to your love.</p>
<p>
believing that your opinion is so superior doesn’t give you the right to be condescending. besides, a condescending tone takes away from the actual points you make.</p>
<p>
I don’t think you understand… religious people don’t force themselves into this uncomfortable, restricting 1 inch by 1 inch box… religious people feel genuinely happier being with someone who believes the same way they do. this isn’t about being allowed or not being allowed. I don’t want to be with someone of a different religion.</p>
<p>I would like to pose the question: would you be okay being with someone who believes you’ll go to hell? I’m sure that you wouldn’t be comfortable being in love with someone of that religious belief.</p>
<p>just to be clear: I’m saying that it’s okay for people to choose their SOs with religion being a factor. I’m not saying that everyone should be forced to</p>
<p>@red you’re right about the background. I suppose I, personally, would want both- someone with a similar background (to an extent) and same religion</p>
<p>in regards to kids, well, they’re going to end up chossing their own religion eventually, no matter what. but you have to resolve conflicts in terms of how to raise them when they’re younger</p>
<p>I have to disagree with you somewhat on falling in love. I couldn’t fall for someone of a different religion… I know that sounds strange, but it’s like (if I may use an exagerated example) how I wouldn’t fall for someone who is, like I said before, a man who grew up in rural India, or how I wouldn’t fall someone who I already know steals for a living. who someone is definitely influences whether you fall in love with them. I don’t think falling in love is a 100% random scenario</p>
<p>telling someone something to their face and believing in something are different things… I have to disagree with you there. I feel like the reasons that religious people are able to handle being around and being friends with atheists is because 1) they have a bit of hope: you never know what someone will be before death until they die, and 2) they don’t really focus on others’ beliefs- it’s simply not their business. what people believe are the rewards and punishments of the afterlife are usually used to improve oneself. most people realize that feeling responsible or sad or anything about others’ futures is a waste of time and energy, because they’re simply things you can’t control</p>
<p>we should probably switch this conversation over to PM now. we’re derailing the thread.</p>
<p>Closing thread due to bickering.</p>