(October 15, 2011 at 8:12 pm)BethK Wrote: Ah yes. I forgot the ones who say that "religion doesn't matter" until AFTER you get serious with said theist, then it changes to, "I can't date/marry/live with someone who is not Christian/Catholic/Evangelical/Jewish/etc." So, you're faced with the choice of stopping seeing the person, complete with the hurt of the breakup, or at least pretending to convert to something which you do not believe.I think this is particularly deceitful as a method of making converts! If the person didn't want someone who was not of their faith, they should have said so and declined in advance.
Then, there's always the family pressure to marry within one's own faith... or the faith of the family even if the person in question really is not particularly religious or privately disbelieves.
the sad part is that religion effects those principles of life. such as raising children, i have been married twice, both to theist. and they belived that you should rasie your kid with the fear of god and the fear of parent. and i also believe respect should not be automatially given but earned. and these thiest that i have been with get mad at me because my son does not give them automatic respect. he's not dieresepctful but just does not choose to listen. And this causes so many problems. My son is very headstrong because of the fact he is able to think for himself. and make intelligent deiscions. and i believe as a parent you are to guide his decsions to how he feels comfortable as a person and to gain trust but not fear as a parent. I know so many thiest that strike fear in thier kids have worse issues than a athesit who promotes trust. A theist kid is more likely to not go to their parents for a crisis or questions about life because all they get is a lie. or because that's the way god wants it so don't question it.
this is such a cop out as a parent. as a parent we should be held responsible for our actions throughout our life. even when rasing kids. if a kids sees us being hypocrytical or un fair, they should call us on it. and no where am i saying i'm perfect because my son calls me out on some stuff i do. and letting him have this voice. and respect. gives hime more of a reason to respect me. and we have a very healthy open communication. he has questions about puberty or girls or sex, or beliefs I am completly open. so again sorry for the long story, but dating a thesit when your a atheist. is more than just religion it's about everyday life..
Bill Maher: If you believe that the world is going to come to an end - and perhaps any day now - does it not drain one's motivation to improve life on earth while we're here?
