We are in the process of preparing for our immigration marriage interview. We have pictures, letters of support from my friends and family, and financial documents (such as bank statements, life insurance policies, credit cards, bills, etc). From what I have read, some things that throw up red flags to the immigration officers are extreme differences in age, income, education, and religion. We are similar in every aspect except religion.
Although I was raised christian, I now think that all religions are ridiculous and absurd. Prior to modern science, religion was necessary to explain natural phenomena such as agriculture, weather, and death. But in the modern world, science renders religion out-dated, unnecessary, and a hindrance to human development. I could go on, but this is not a blog about atheism. This blog is about being married to a person who still believes in religion.
In our interview, I know there will be questions about our differences of opinion on religion. "How can an atheist and a Muslim be together?" "How will you raise the children?" "Do your parents approve of the marriage?" According to the Islamic forums and other sources I have read, Muslim men can marry a Christian or a Jewish girl, but not an atheist. Muslim women can only marry Muslim men. (How sexist!!) This is because the children are supposed to be raised in the religion of the father. If a Muslim woman marries a non-Muslim she might raise them in the religion of the infidel father. So technically we are not supposed to be together. I tell myself that he married me because he loves me so much that he is willing to deny his personal beliefs for love. However, I recently asked him about this and he says that it is ok to be married to me because I was raised Christian and that one day I will come around to believing in god again. Not likely. As a scientist, I believe in data and evidence. There is no evidence for god, allah, or any other deity.
As far as children, I don't even want kids. I want to be thin and sexy forever. (Ha!) If I ever did have kids, I would let them decide for themselves. He says the same, but I have a feeling that he would change his mind if we did have kids. Islam is like that. My mom does not approve of our relationship and my dad "just wants me to be happy". Oh man. I am getting nervous about this interview just thinking about it.
