In this modern age, who could think that religion may be a significant factor in a relationship? Apparently, religion does play a role and, in some cases, could be a major deal breaker.
When you think of someone you could break off a relationship due to religion, you probably picture a deeply devout person, who practices faith on a regular basis. You may be surprised to hear it is not necessarily the case. Just remember the now famous Kushner family and the women that married into it.
The world knows very well of Ivanka Trump and super model Karlie Kloss. According to some articles, the Kushner parents refused to meet the super model for six years, and Jared even broke up with Ivanka due to her non-Jewishness. Eventually both women converted to Judaism.
Even the most powerful and richest of the world have to make sacrifices, conversions and major changes in their lives. No one is protected from religious issues in family.
So how should you confront it if you are in the crossroad of changing religion for your partner, and most importantly, what to do and how to solve this issue? Do you have to convert? Do you feel forced to do it because you think it is inevitable, or do you at the end want to make that change? Perhaps you can even emerge being more faithful and spiritual then ever, and find something you haven’t been looking for?
So, when you consider making this change, confront yourself with these questions:
Am I religious?
If you are religious, perhaps not even practicing one, but still a believer, it will probably be much harder to let your faith go and embrace the new one with open heart. You will have more questions, more comparisons, and more religious baggage and traditions to lose (would you give up Christmas, for example?). Have that in mind before you start the process.
Why am I doing this?
Is my partner religious? Is it my partners family that could not accept me otherwise? Or perhaps, it’s a new country with less of a religious tolerance and freedom than you are used to, and simply making that change will make your life easier.
Am I going to embrace my new faith?
Do you want to make a sincere conversion, or are your intentions purely “bureaucratical”? Do you want to live your life in line with your new faith and its teachings, or do you think it will not play any major role in your life?
Whatever your reasons for considering it, ask yourself those questions and discuss it with your partner. It is a very serious step to take, and definitely not an easy one.
If you are in the process of converting, or had already done it, chare your stories and advise. What is your experience?
