We all have preferences when looking for a partner, there are strong ones such as age since most want someone of a similar age to themselves, and there are weak ones such as eye colour, where few people have any preference at all regarding the colour of a partner's eyes.

What about the Faith or Beliefs of a prospective partner, are they Religious. Non-religious, Atheist, Agnostic, Scientologist, ...

Do you think this a strong preference for most people, or a weak one, how important is the Faith or Beliefs of a prospective partner?

How important is faith? Well it would depend on how you were brought up. If you were brought up in the church your taught to listen and obey the word of God. People think that sin is a terrible thing. But we all do it, the one thing that we have is forgiveness.

If you were not brought up in the faith, then your life is very different. You could have been taught the difference between right and wrong. And you live a very good life. Some would think that it is wrong for you, and others not. But its your life. what you choose to do with it is your business. And even though I have faith, whatever mistakes or paths we choose. God still loves us. Whether you believe is a personal decision.

And if your partner is a non believer, you choose between the word of God or the feelings in your heart.

I think it all depends upon 'practice'

that is to say, people who live deeply by their faith, would find it harder to join a life with someone who didnt consider it at all,,,,,or who belittled or disrespected it

for me, to be 'equally yoked' is important, to have someone who has faith in God, Faith in Jesus, and who takes the bible as a guide,,,,,is not really negotiable

its an added dimension when there are children involved too, you want the best example you can make for them in your relationship, and the 'best' is probably going to line up at least somewhat with what you value and prioritize,,,,

I agree. But there are many out there that claim to be Christian, or believe in God. But each denomination is different. Each teaches in a different way. which is right? All are right if they believe.

It is also stated in the bible that if a husband and wife are married and one does not have faith that the one who does be a witness to the other in all things. Example, husband does not believe but the wife does. It is up to the wife to share her faith but not put upon him her belief. She needs to pray for him and let God guide her and leave his life in the hands of God.

Thank you all for your comments. I agree with you when you say that you are influenced by how you are brought up, and not only always by your parents, schools here in the UK in many cases have an element of religious teaching. I believe in God and all that is written in the Holy Bible therefore I am religious, but I have not attended for many years. I am of the opinion that a prospective partner's Faith or Beliefs are not a strong preference by the majority of people when choosing a partner. I do not think it is a weak preference either to the extent of being completely unimportant, but it would not be a major deciding factor for myself in choosing a partner, or most people in my opinion. Finding someone with the same Faith or Beliefs as yourself is no guarantee that your relationship will be any more successful, you always have your own Faith or Beliefs and most people are prepared to discuss them with others.

I think every individual is unique in they own beliefs wen it comes to God,I place my faith in God in every aspect Off my life,my belief is without God there would be no me,nO parent,no child,no lOve,no universe nd sO forth,so hOw can a persOn nOt believe. der is no God is in all Off us!

His heart, humanity and moral compass is what's important to me. If his religious beliefs don't harm others or impose requirements on our relationship that cross my own ethical standards, then there should be no problems with maintaining our differences. I can be happy for my partner that he has love for his convictions. I see a belief in something bigger than oneself as not only healthy, but an attractive trait in a humble kind of way.

This is an excellent question and one that is brought up by a gentle-man of years.

To be sure, faith is everything and when we get older it gets increasingly important.

Youth and infatuation don't last forever.

As time goes on there is nothing more important to hang-on to.

Different morals can also be a tremendous obstruction during any part of a couples life.

I have been searching for men who will put God first in their lives. This is very important to me. The majority of my matches are 'non-religious'. I have to pass them by and that leaves me with very few to meet if they are interested.

Why believe when you think it`s nonsense to begin with?

For me it is essential to marry someone with the same beliefs as it says in God word we are not to be unequally yoked.
However I do know people who although they are Christian's they have married non Christians. People sometimes feel desperate for companionship and so deny their beliefs and ignore what it says in God`s word.

Religion is a personal choice. I have no clue if there's a god/something bigger out there, but it's not a part of my life. If the person I was with was religious, that's fine, as long as he realizes I am not going to feel the same.