He wants me to convert to Islam

Religious differences in a relationship are likely to affect your future and your children. COURTESY PHOTO

What you need to know:

  • Complicated and confused love is not good at all.
  • If the two of you truly love each other, just promise to always respect each other’s beliefs, don’t try to convert the other, and it can work out well for you, too.
  • I encourage you to review your goals and interests as regards this relationship. Know the reasons why you got into the relationship.

Dear Heart to Heart, Dear heart to heart, I am a born again Christian and my boyfriend is Muslim. Although we love each other very much, he wants me to convert yet my parents are against me marrying a Muslim. Should I let him go and move on with my life?
Anonymous

YOUR FEEDBACK
David S. Mukasa. Marriage in and of itself is a huge commitment that requires a lot of thought and planning. Marriage to someone of a different religion may require even more thought and planning. Most marriages are based on a core shared set of values and beliefs, and many of those beliefs have a basis in religion. Marrying someone who is a member of a different religion than you could mean they have a different set of values and beliefs and this might cause issues in future.

Pretty Bright Josephine. Complicated and confused love is not good at all. What agreement does a believer have in common with a non-believer? Open your minds because you both consider the other a non-believer. Please read 2 Corinthians 6:14-15.

Willy Bukenya. Tell him also to turn to salvation. What makes you think it is you to adhere to his commands when you are not married yet? You are too precious before God to be dragged to something you do not believe in the name of love. My advise to you is to drop him for a born gain man who will respect you.

Mutebi Benjamin. Rather than viewing yourself as two people from different religions, adjust your view to be of a loving couple with similar goals and values. Focus on your friendship, working together to make things work and committing yourself to each other. Find or create common ground on which you can both stand, rather than keeping to your own “side.”

Roseline Eunice. Maintaining an interfaith relationship when there are only two people involved is difficult but is a lot easier than maintaining an interfaith relationship that involves children. Some religions require that the partner who follows that religion do everything in their power to promise to raise children as part of their faith.

Cabel Olivia. As a couple, there is no reason why you cannot create a new set of rituals and develop new traditions to follow. These new rituals and traditions can be a combination of your two religions, or they can be something completely new. Work with your families to develop these new rituals and traditions so they can be celebrated together.

Barbie Beatrice. Ask God to change him. Do not act like a non-believer. You know the weapon is your knees.

Isima Hyuha. You should not end the relationship because all ladies do not have permanent religions. Where you marry is where you find your religion. So marry him and as long as there is strong love to bind you together, it shall work out..

Musisi Mindset Phills. You should both remain who you. Leaving your religion to make someone else happy means that you are compromising your values and you will resent him in future.

Abdul Hakim. If it was me, I would rather quit if you are not willing to change, because as a man I would love to lead a family that will travel in the same direction.

Suzan Engelhardt. If the two of you truly love each other, just promise to always respect each other’s beliefs, don’t try to convert the other, and it can work out well for you, too. But if you plan to have children, I would suggest discussing how you want to raise your children. I think exposing them to both religions, but when they get older letting them make their own choice, would be the best way. Neither of you should try to sway them in either direction; it wouldn’t be fair to them or to the other spouse.

Jane Lassfolk. Most religions have the same basic spiritual teachings. It is just the social teachings that differ a little bit in religions but mostly, all religions are very similar.People that do not know how to communicate, forgive, love, be kind and compassionate, have understanding, be passionate, truthful make a marriage fail. Marriage is a lot of work and it takes perseverance and dedication on both spouse’s parts no matter what religion they are. Your religion does not make you a good person, your character and actions do.

Omakwa Baptist. What you are about to embrace is satanism in the names of love. The decision is entirely yours. Why can’t he become born again?

Frank Orikushaba. Religion is one of the factors to consider when choosing a partner and this should be done while in courtship. Since your parents are also against the idea, I think you should let go.

COUNSELLOR'S SAY
Ali Male, A-Z Counselling & support Centre

Talk to your boyfriend

Dear anonymous, you must be filled with fear, anxiety and worry considering your situation. Religion is one of the most sensitive topics when it comes to relationships because it influences the way you think and behave.

The differences are likely to affect your future and your children. I encourage you to review your goals and interests as regards this relationship. Know the reasons why you got into the relationship. Love moves in stages. If you just begin it without proper targets, the end result will not be good.

You need to do a hard task of making a decision that will determine your future. Also take note that although parents should not choose a partner for you, their say in a relationship is important and should not be overlooked. You should sit down with your boyfriend and talk about the issue because it will be hard for you to make a decision without his help.