Dating: Religion Is One Thing, Faith Is Another

I have seen and witnessed how religions affect relationships sustainability of some true loving couples. When that particular thing happens, we might call it as a tragedy. I mean, who ever expects to meet up someone that they could fall in love so hard with each other? They were brought together by destiny, unnoticed, unprepared, and then BOOM, love happens.

Then things start to start. Starting to get to know with each other, starting to know and accept each other's strengths and weaknesses, starting to get comfortable with each other, starting to plan about the future, and so forth, and so forth. All of these would just naturally happen if two people have strong affection, until they face an inevitable dead end called religions.

Two people who love their Gods passionately will not ever trade their religion for anything in this world. I personally do believe in God yet strongly disagree with the idea of "a couple can still get along even if they believe in different God".

That is why when I see some friends of mine  face this sort of tragedy, I cannot do much but feel sorry for them. Their personalities, minds, and feelings might have just perfectly matched towards each other, but for some people beliefs are just so fundamental and non-negotiable.

However, we need to observe it case by case. Because many are just too focused on the status of religion it self rather than in what further extent they are meant to be regarding their faith. Do not get blinded by the religion stated on your ID. We need to think beyond religions and rituals.

Most of Indonesian societies are born with what so called chosen-religion-by-parents without actually having absolute freedom to choose. Resulting many as well end up living their religions like a programmed systematized robot. I might say it would be a big shame for those who choose to end a relationship because of seeing and treating their beliefs as mere formality.

Faith is much more worth it and important to consider, since religions are human made and faith is given directly from the Source. Religions change from time to time, but God does not. Religions emphasize on rituals, but God requires intimate relationship. Religions might create issues, whereas God solves issues.

You can date anyone with the same religion as you but it will not guarantee you to sail in the same boat. People often practice out their religions but do not reflect their faith in God. I am not saying religion is not significant in a relationship, it still matters, but it is better for us to focus on how our partners practice and reflect their faith in daily lives.

A relationship would be much more enjoyable and fruitful for a couple if they have a common ground in faith, NOT common religion.

Cheers!