Love, Issues, Relationships and Religion

Pop quiz (this is my favorite saying): is religion an important factor in relationships?

I got this friend of mine who recently got a job with one of Nigeria's top banks about 5 months ago.During one of the training sessions one of his classmates asked the instructor this question: "Is religion important in a relationship?" Everyone waited with bated breath as the instructor paused before answering.

She then said, "I don't think so.Because religion involves a relationship between man and his Creator, not between two couples." (I'm not quoting verbatim though,but something along those lines)..I thought to myself, hey.....she just might be right.I mean,honestly speaking, it should not be a deciding factor for one to spend the rest of his life with another person...but these days, people make it such a big deal. For instance, I know someone who goes to redeemed and would not date a catholic, not even if her life depended on it. On the other hand i know a number of people who can marry anyone from anywhere, as long as they are in LOVE and are determined to make it WORK.

See, that's just it...Love is a key factor.People always miss this valuable point because at the end of the day, if you are really in love with each other, obstacles can and will be overcome. The thing is, one's orientation, personal pride and overall belief systems always get in the way.

We need to challenge our belief system.Why do we believe what we believe? It's a question we must ask ourselves so that we don't throw something beautiful away all in the name of religion...

What's your take?