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MARRIAGE: WHAT ABOUT RELIGION?
Most people have fairly definite ideas about religion. Many find that it fills a positive need in their life. In Western lands, it is customary to follow the Christian faith, although in other countries many other religious sects exist, and the adherents can often teach modern society something about faith and adhering to the principles one claims to believe.
The concept of religion is an ideal one, and modern society has based many of its laws on what are basically Christian principles.
If you are a regular church-attender, it is quite probable that your partner of the future attends the same church group. It is very common for couples to meet initially at church socials, or at church-type schools or colleges. I believe this is a good thing, for at least the two will have a concept of living, ideals and morals approximately the same. This may be vital, and I feel it gives the marriage a firm foundation. The risk of the marriage falling apart is generally far less.
Ideally, church-going couples should belong to the same denomination. It always fills me with some trepidation seeing two from widely differing church beliefs marrying. Trouble lies ahead. In some cases, it can bring families close to dissolution. It may not be for some years, but when the children come along, certain religious groups are adamant that the child be baptized and educated according to their beliefs. This may breed arguments, and rifts are possible.
It is wise to have a firm decision made well before children arrive. Ideally this attitude should be discussed and a decision made even before marriage. It is unwise to wait until trouble could flare up.
Is your partner a committed Christian or merely an “also-ran”? Does he subscribe to church beliefs merely to make you happy (if you are a keen church person yourself)? Or is it really because he too is sincere in his religious beliefs?
Going to church a few times merely to please a future partner will not last. There must be an inherent desire to be involved, to become part of the church scene. Unless this enthusiasm is present, there is not a great chance of changing your partner after marriage. As with most other things, his interest will tend to wane. Other things will take over, and you will find yourself attending church alone.
It is well to remember also that, with the passage of time, people who are interested in religion tend to become more religious. Conversely, those who are not interested in their younger days, tend to grow further away from a religious faith. However, this is not always so. The opposite can occur. Sometimes with advancing years, people tend to reassess themselves. ”What is life all about?” they might ask themselves as they look in the mirror one day while shaving. ”Where am I headed? What is the use? What am I working for? Is there something better to look forward to than just old age and a six by two foot wooden box at the far end? Is there a heaven? Is there a God? Is there something to hope for after I’m dead and buried?”
They might become interested in religion, and find that it has real appeal. There is little doubt that it gives a person something more than physical attributes to live for. I personally believe that religion and the Christian way of life have a lot to offer.
Many thinking, intelligent people accept the Christian philosophy and gain a great deal of spiritual help and guidance from it. After all, Christianity is based on the Biblical concept, and if you want some sensible, clear-cut thinking, simply read the Bible.
The language of the old King James Version may be out of date for many people. However, many modern versions abound, and some of the more recent translations are a delight to read.
*27/76/5*
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