When your spouse doesn't go to church, how do you respond? (prayer, Holy Spirit)

[PuppiesandKittens]

When you love going to church, but your spouse won't go, how do you respond?


* Do you force your spouse?


* Do you just go by yourself (or with children), without minding that your spouse doesn't go?


* Do you go by yourself (or with children), upset that your spouse doesn't go?


* Do your friends whose spouses go to church say anything or act superior because their spouses go and yours doesn't?

[Miss Hepburn]

Then, he better have brunch ready for us when I get home.

[Thoreau424]

I wouldn't wrestle with it, as a starting point, and wouldn't start looking for rules (do this or that, etc.) Every case is different and unique. One couple shouldn't necessarily approach it the same as another.

I'd leave what the church says or indicates out of it. They have their own agendas and pushing / pulling that only complicates matters. This is between the two people and God.

Just discuss it, listen to each other, each side should understand the other person's viewpoint, then take it from there. Maybe the refusing spouse can once a month, maybe they can go together to a different church at times, maybe they can have "church" at home, etc.

Bottom line though, if one feels strongly enough about not attending, his/her opinion should be respected and honored.

[Pleroo]

I'm the spouse who doesn't go. Hubby is secure enough not to care what other people think about that, and thoughtful enough not to give me any attitude about my choice.

[TroutDude]

This is the sort of issue which should've been discussed and settled before exchanging "I dos."

[Pleroo]

Originally Posted by TroutDude

This is the sort of issue which should've been discussed and settled before exchanging "I dos."

Well, people change, y'know. I was a dedicated churchgoer when we got married.

[Thoreau424]

Yes, people change; individually and collectively. Something to accept and even appreciate.

[TroutDude]

Originally Posted by Pleroo

Well, people change, y'know. I was a dedicated churchgoer when we got married.

True enough.

[DRob4JC]

Originally Posted by PuppiesandKittens

When you love going to church, but your spouse won't go, how do you respond?


* Do you force your spouse?


* Do you just go by yourself (or with children), without minding that your spouse doesn't go?


* Do you go by yourself (or with children), upset that your spouse doesn't go?


* Do your friends whose spouses go to church say anything or act superior because their spouses go and yours doesn't?

Just answering in order ...

No

Kids would go, unless there is a larger issue at hand

I wouldn't be upset, but would be in constant prayer about it

I would think most people at church who know your situation would want your husband to be there also.

In the end, follow Christ and the Holy Spirit on any directives you get.

[trobesmom]

Originally Posted by TroutDude

This is the sort of issue which should've been discussed and settled before exchanging "I dos."

Trout, although I agree, people do change. Both DH and I were fundamental Christians when we married. Neither of us are religious now, and thankfully took the same path to that end.