Love or religion?

Question

I'm in a messy situation and not sure how to handle it. 
I grew up in a wonderful Christian home, but now that I'm an adult, I'm really questioning my beliefs. There's a whole world of religions out there I want to explore, how can I decide the only religion I've ever experienced (Christianity) is the one that's right for me?? So, today I wouldn't call myself a Christian. I have way too much exploring to do before I can settle on a label.
Here's the problem: I'm in love. I'm in love with my best friend who is very strong in his Christian faith. I recently told him that I'm in love with him and we're trying to navigate what that means and what the next step is- his biggest concern is my faith though. He does not want to be in a long term relationship with someone who does not have the same foundational belief(s) as him. 
Fair enough, right?
So, now what? I can't lie and say that I believe something I don't- that would be awful for both of us. But I also can't speed up the process and dishonor this need I have to explore all my options.
But I also don't want to let this guy go. He's my best friend. 
We don't have a timeline, neither of us is asking the other to make any big leaps in the near future but I'm feeling stuck.
I'm asking you what you all think- what's the priority in your life? Is being true to your beliefs most important? Or is being with the one you love most important?
Of course, I'll make the right decision for me but I do want to hear what you all think based on your experiences.

Answer

I wouldn't be with someone who can't respect my beliefs. Today it is religion, Toni it might be something else. Why marry an asshole? Plenty of fish in the sea for me. However if you feel differently do what you feel is right

Answer

As someone who wanted to really understand my faith, I learned about other faiths in addition to my own and settled on something I was comfortable with. 
   
My SO is not religious at all but respects my need for belief in every way. He might change his mind I might change mine. Loving someone is about acceptance not conditions. Love accepts a person's path and honesty. 
      
I think he has told you what he needs and you should listen and find what you do. Why force something or yourself to be someone else's idea of perfection?

Answer

I chose religion/beliefs because if I really believe if your fundamental beliefs aren't the same then the relationship won't work. In high school I dated this guy who honestly believed that women were worth less than a man. He told me this a couple times and I never really acted on it until I realized that he really didn't think much of me because I was a girl. The relationship fell apart after a lot of embarrassment on my part that he put me through.

But, I'm currently dating a man that does have a different religion than myself. Granted we're both Christian (I'm Catholic and he's Pentecostal). We do have differing beliefs, but fundamentally we are the same. And that makes us work. Different beliefs don't mean your relationship is destined to fail- as long as your fundamental beliefs agree and you can respect your differences it can work.

Also I wouldn't walk away. You're questioning your faith and that's very normal. Lots of people question. Some find a new religion while other come back to their original one. I'd give it some time and see how things go. If you really feel like you're going to leave Christianity and he can't live with that then ok end it. But if you find that you can still have a good relationship (even if you stop being a Christian or you become one again) then it'll be worth it. Just keep the lines of communication open and be respectful of what he believes while you question. Good luck.

Answer

My boyfriend is Jewish and I'm agnostic so I completely understand. I don't mind going to church and following his beliefs but I don't particularly agree with it. In my opinion, you should never conform to someone else's beliefs to be with them. I am a firm believer that religion or lack there of can ruin a foundation of a relationship and marriage. For example, a Christian marriage and relationship has strict guidelines. So if it wasn't reciprocated, the foundation of the relationship is cracked. Its so important to be on the same page. I think that you should both try and work things out together. Research and search for answers together. Don't ask him to give up his beliefs but ask him to discuss them with you. Challenge each other. If he's too closed minded for that then that's not someone I'd recommend being with anyways. Ask him why he believes what he does and show him your reservations.

Answer

God is supposed to come first in a Christian relationship. So I would say religion. But your SO comes right after. God blesses you with someone to share your life with and grow in your faith together. There are many religions out there, but I've never been curious. I've also grown up in a Christian household. I had fallen out of my faith for awhile, just being a rebellious teenager. But the older I get, the more and more I find it coming back and being a huge part of my life. It never really leaves you, any religion for that matter. But I definitely respect his view on not being with someone who doesn't share the same religious views, or isn't sure where they stand at the moment. That's a lot if soul searching on your part, but you said there's no rush. I'd say pray about it...but I'm not sure if that'll help you if you're not sure you're a Christian any longer.

Answer

Thanks for your insight, friends. He and I met again and it went really well. I think most of you are right, it would be very hard to build a relationship on an unequal foundation. I totally understand the desire to have the same beliefs as the person you're with.
So, he and I came to an agreement. We're going to keep being friends for now but also with an expectation of perusing each other in the future, mostly depending on my beliefs in the next few years. 
I certainly don't want to be a Christian for someone else, that's silly. But this situation does make me want to be more proactive about figuring out what I really do believe in.
I appreciate everyone's contribution to this topic. If you have any more words of wisdom, please feel free to share!

Answer

I can totally see where he's coming from. Just tell him the truth and see what he says about it.

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If he cant accept you, I am sorry, but he doesnt love you.

I wouldnt want to lie to myself for the rest of my life to be with someone who cant accept I have a different mindset. I want to be true to myself, because if Im not, I will never be truly happy.

I say this because I was forced to believe for a great part of my life, and it has sucked the life out of me. Being true to myself was the most amazing thing I ever did for me. Sonetines we need to be selfish.

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then fulfill your wishes and explore/learn & see what the world has to offer you. never settle - that's putting his happiness before yours, and you both deserve happiness.

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I totally get the being on the same page with your faith before entering a relationship. The only way you can be sure of that, is to take the time you need to figure out what you believe before a relationship. If you feel the need to explore and question, that desire won't go away. Be true to yourself and if he is the one for you, it'll work out. :)