I am a 21 year old Methodist and my fiance is a 22 year old atheist. Religion has never been an issue and we have compromised on many things, like raising our kids to go to church. It hasn't been and issue until now. I would like my fiance to start attending a few sermons just so my pastor can get to know him. He refuses. He says he has his beliefs and he doesn't want anyone to try and push religion on him. He knows marriage and weddings are based around religion. The problem is that since my church is about 45 minutes away now that I even rarely attend. How easy would it be if he didn't try to attend church with me? I know that you should or have to attend marriage consuling as well and he doesn't want God being pushed on him there either. I may not be explaining this well but I am so flustered at what to do. Also if we looked for a pastor around here, I don't know many that would marry you unless you attend their church, which he won't do. I just need some help!
In my opinion, religion and spirituality are best spread by inspiration and example. Instead of pushing, BE the Light of God in his life. With a full and pure heart, pray to God to reach your fiance, then let go and let God.
Tolstoi said "When we love someone, we love them for who they are, not who we want them to be." The question is: Are you comfortable marrying an atheist? I have seen many women make the mistake of thinking that they can change their men.
He seems he knows where he stands. If you had come into my office, I would ask you:
Is he a good man?
Is he kind?
Is he honest and reliable?
Do you, in this relationship, feel loved, respected and appreciated?
If your answers were all yes, I would then ask you: "Given all this, can you love and accept him as an atheist?"
He may change his beliefs one day, but I wouldn't count on it.
May God guide you in this, bringing you clarity and peace.
I am okay with him being an atheist and it has never bothered me. I just wasn't sure that my pastor would see it the way I do. He is a wonderful man and he respects me and loves me and that is all I ask. I never want to change him and I would never push him into anything and I never have tried. I just didn't think it would be easy to have a pastor see it as that.
Then the love between you and your beloved is a gift from God.
I think there are pastors who would marry you. Afterall, Jesus turned away no one. Why not begin with your own denomination, as Methodists are known to be one of the more open minded Christian sects? Keep praying, keep seeking, and you will be led to the right solution.
Blessings upon you, your fiance and your sacred union!
Methodist marrying atheist
