Situation: dating a non believer

[CatholicGirl1]

I am a traditional catholic, and have been seeing someone lately. This is the first time I felt a connection with someone, and could easily fall In love if I let myself. At first, he wasn’t religious but wanted to learn more. Recently, he told me he doesn’t consider himself a Christian anymore. I know I can’t be with someone who doesn’t believe in Christ, the thought of knowing that they may not go to heaven with me hurts too much, and if it leads to somewhere, I don’t want any kids we might have asking why Daddy doesn’t go to church or why he doesn’t believe. I don’t want to loose him, but I can’t be with him if now he doesn’t believe. Please, some advice on how to handle this would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Maximilian75]

How strong are you in the faith? Saint Paul spoke of being equally yoked for a reason.

Is he a former Catholic?

Will he respect your desire to wait until marriage foncerning intimacy?

 

[ajg]

How old are y’all?
Maybe it’s a phase? I know I doubted a lot when I was in my teens. Once you answer I may have more advice.

 

[CatholicGirl1]

I never considered being non Catholic, because I knew it wasn’t for me. It just wouldn’t feel right if I wasn’t. I go to church about once a week, and try to follow the Bible the best I can.

He used to go to church, but never a specific denomination. I only know one of his parents consistently goes to church.

Yes, it was brought up early on. I said it was for religious reasons and personal- he said he wouldn’t mind waiting.

 

[CatholicGirl1]

We are currently going into our third year of college. We both agree that marriage is not for us at the moment, and most likely won’t be for a couple of years or more.

We were friends for 5 months before we started dating. I am his first GF, and I only went out on a few dates with someone else before meeting and dating him -nothing serious. (don’t know if this helps)

 

[ajg]

At that age it’s common to be more secular. Not saying that it’s a good thing, but give him time. Pray for him. If you truly believe he’s the one for you, pray. I Wouk also like to say, your first love is intense, but you have nothing to compare it to. If he’s not the one for you, for whatever reason, move on.

 

[CatholicGirl1]

Thank you. He has/will definitely be in my prayers. I want to give it a shot with him, and he has said he has done a lot of reflecting and trying to make himself a better person. I hope this is a phase of questioning his faith and he returns to God, because he is truly one of the few lovely souls I have come across.

I also talked to my priest today on my way home from class. He also said it was common at that age, especially if there wasn’t a firm grounding for faith when the person was younger. He mentioned not to rush into any decisions now, but to wait a little and wait for God to tell me the right time to bring it up.

Regardless of what happens, I want to be there for him. Even if not as a potential partner if it doesn’t work out, but at least as a friend. If you could keep him in your prayers tonight for guidance, I would be very grateful. Thank you, and God bless <3