Dating for Atheists and Agnostics (believe, debate, virtual, Buddhist)

[FindTheCure]

This is something I've been recently thinking about quite a bit - dating for atheists and agnostics. So, as an agnostic atheist myself, I have several questions to fellow agnostics and atheists and sharing your experiences to each question is much appreciated.

1. Would you or have you ever dated someone who wasn't an agnostic or atheist?

2. If you're an atheist, have you ever dated someone who was an agnostic and vice versa?

3. If you're willing to date a religious person, which religion would be very difficult for you to understand and date into?

Thanks in advance.

[Bluefox]

1. Yes I have. But most of them were "religious" in name only and never went to church other than on holidays and it just was a non-issue. I probably could not tolerate being with someone who was devoutly religious, and they probably could not tolerate me. But at the same time I don't expect everyone in the world to hold the exact same view as I do. That's no fun

2. Yes. It was no issue. For me, there are so many ways to relate to other people that I'm more interested in. Why would I let atheism dominate my dating life? Why would anyone else?

3. Definitely most fundamental/orthodox varietals of the larger religions whether it be Islam, Christianity, Judaism, etc. Yeah that would be a deal-breaker. Other than that, I'm more interested in whether they are preoccupied with proselytizing other people or pushing their beliefs or whether they take a more "live and let live" mentality. I think I would get along best with Buddhists tbh.

[midwest61021]

1. Yes.
2. No.
3. No.

[jameshardin]

My wife is Catholic, but she is not a practicing one. Her family is deep cajun, and completely shocked about my atheism. It really has not affected our relationship one bit. She will even listen to my Dogma Debate podcasts, and I let her hang her grandmothers crucifix in our bedroom. We are all entitled to our own beliefs, and I believe in loving the person no matter what they are.

[Metaphysique]

Originally Posted by FindTheCure

1. Would you or have you ever dated someone who wasn't an agnostic or atheist?

Well, I'm a relative metaphysical atheist - agnostic pandeist/panendeist. I have dated others who share this or a similar position.

2. If you're an atheist, have you ever dated someone who was an agnostic and vice versa?

I've mostly dated nontheists in some form or fashion. My ex-husband is atheist/apatheist. Current beau is a nontheist

3. If you're willing to date a religious person, which religion would be very difficult for you to understand and date into?

Thanks in advance.

Here's my approved list:

Only if he were one (or more) of the following:

Reform or Reconstructionist Jew (more than likely a Humanist Jew)
Kabbalist (highly unlikely to find)
Neopagan (soft spot of Asatru, Hellenic Reconstructionism and Celtic)
Wiccan
Hindu (though more so Advaitist branch)
Buddhist (not picky about the branch)
Taoist
Pantheist
Panentheist
Pandeist
Panendeist
Theosophist
Shinto
Jain
Christian mythicist/mystic/pluralist (one with a very low or virtually non-existent Christology, otherwise, it is an absolute no-go)
Mazdayasni

Nontheistic positions:

Agnostic (per Huxley's definition)
Agnostic atheist
Agnostic deist
Agnostic pantheist/pandeist or panentheist/panendeist
Atheist (relative, positive or negative) *these are positions held within this category*
Ignostic ^

[ChuteTheMall]

Be not unequally yoked.

[Asheville Native]

I dated some hawt girls, because they were hawt, no other reason. Fun at first, but clearly all the beauty was on the outside.

One in particular I seriously pursued for a while but lost interest in because of her over the top religion (at least on Sunday) came back to town (move to CA due to the guy she married drafted for Vietnam) and all I could think, OMG did I dodge a dumb dumb bullet with this one, and Garth Brooks song "Unanswered Prayers".

Wife of 44+ is probably closer to agnostic than atheists, so much more a partner in life that the flighty religious chick could hope for.

[Asheville Native]

Originally Posted by ChuteTheMall

Be not unequally yoked.

If you view marriage as being yoked, you have my sympathy.

[Nozzferrahhtoo]

Originally Posted by FindTheCure

1. Would you or have you ever dated someone who wasn't an agnostic or atheist?

Of course. I have always judged potential partners based on the entire package and everything about them. Not one single attribute about them. In fact I find the idea of focusing on one single thing about a person when deciding whether to partner with them or not..... somewhat weird.

[jambo101]

Originally Posted by FindTheCure

This is something I've been recently thinking about quite a bit - dating for atheists and agnostics. So, as an agnostic atheist myself, I have several questions to fellow agnostics and atheists and sharing your experiences to each question is much appreciated.

1. Would you or have you ever dated someone who wasn't an agnostic or atheist?

2. If you're an atheist, have you ever dated someone who was an agnostic and vice versa?

3. If you're willing to date a religious person, which religion would be very difficult for you to understand and date into?

Thanks in advance.

These are not questions i would concern myself with because as an atheist the questions are irrelevant to a romantic relationship.