I decided somewhere in the middle of my first Catholic dating relationship that I wanted to date only Catholic women. It made the relationship so much easier. Always being on the same page as them with religion was great. I couldn’t imagine dating a Protestant. It just didn’t seem possible to have a truly deep relationship with someone who you didn’t share your main focus in life with. For me, it seemed illogical to date anyone other than a Catholic woman. Then I looked at my mom and dad. My mom is Catholic, and my dad is Lutheran. “How in the heck does that work? How are you able to maintain what you had back in your twenties, now? When all the wrinkles have come, all the weight has been gained, (as I laugh at my own comment…) and you’re left with a relationship based SOLEY on love? How do you keep that love when you don’t share your religion?” Until shortly ago, I couldn’t fathom how two people could become AND stay completely in love without sharing that aspect of the relationship.
I cannot figure out whether I’m “blinded by love” or understanding a truth.
How essential is it to marry in same religion? I used to believe it was the only logical style of dating and marriage. I think I’ve changed my mind, and whether I’ve done it for the right or wrong reasons, time will tell. After meeting Rachel, and spending so much time with her, I have come to see how two people don’t have to share the same form of faith as much as they need to have the faith to possibly create love. Rachel is a strong Evangelical, and I am a strong Catholic. We have so much of the same beliefs when it comes to our Christian faith, but so many differences when we break it down to the specifics. We have our love of Christ, and our love of Christianity. We share many similar views and opinions. But is there too much difference?? I swing both ways. When I’m with her, it doesn’t seem to matter. Our faith in Christ alone is enough to draw us to each other. Then I sit in bed and think about what is going on. I leave for college in a matter of months, leaving her behind, so am I only creating something that is going to crush her? Am I being unfair by allowing something to happen when I know I’m leaving soon? Am I abandoning a part of my faith by even thinking about being with a non-Catholic? Someone once told me to never make a decision while in any state of emotion. That “idea” has saved me many mistakes. So do I go with my gut and decide that every time I allow us to grow closer, I am only hurting her more in the future? Or do I go with my gut and continue what appears so true?

The question seems to be, and this may have a different answer for each individual, how much similarity in faith is required to justify a healthy relationship? As well as, how much difference in two faiths is needed to know that it won’t work? I have got some serious praying to do. Advice/comments appreciated:) Thanks for reading my blog.