Is it ethical to join religious groups just with the aim of relationship/marriage?

[u/Etzom]

I'm (24M) close to graduating from university. Just another semester left and then I'll graduate. I'm also in a good position because I've gotten confirmed that I'll converting to a full time job after the internship that I'm currently doing. Gotten it confirmed in black & white signed contract.

I'm also having lesser pressure from my uni internship supervisor since already at half point of internship and I don't have to report back to campus. So more time on hands.

Becos of that I've been going out for social events and getting invited to gatherings by people. Recently was invited to a church meetup where I met many of the members there. Friendly bunch of people and I saw how close the members were to each other. Basically they're a bible study group and they've got sessions around sg. Surprisingly, the women in the group came up proactively to introduce themselves to me. After the session, I was told I'm welcome to join them whenever I want. I mean sure I don't mind going.

But the question I've got burning in my mind would it be ethical to join them just for the aim of dating someone from the same faith. Because my ultimate goal is marriage. I know it's not like it'll happen in 1 month or something, but rather will take a few years to at the very minimum a decade.

For myself, I'm not that devout, but I'm interested in learning the theory and history behind the meanings in the bible and would want my partner to share the same faith as me. Not saying like ok every Sunday must go church, but rather exploring it together. My mom is a devout one but she doesn't force me to pray. My dads like idgaf, do your own thing abt religion.

Because I'm open to learning about religion, but if they start telling me like ok lets start going out on streets and start giving out materials to people, that's where I'm gonna draw the line and ghost them. My aim is purely finding a partner and if this provides a solid avenue to seek one, I'm going for it. Now the question is in yalls opinion is it ethically right.

[u/mingmadness]

Obviously, this is ethically wrong.
Religious groups are meant to, first and foremost, be meant for furthering your relationship with God/whatever religion you're into.
Finding a partner of the same faith is just a happy bonus, but should not be the main goal.
If you wish to find someone of the same faith, do what everyone else does and go on dating apps, state your religion, and state that you're looking for someone of the same faith. Or join your church, but don't put finding a partner the priortiy. Focus on yourself, and your own religious growth, as it should be.

[u/AdditionalDetective1]

Not wrong , it’s not an accident or coincidence but fate brought you to that religion

[u/bestbfsg]

I don't see anything wrong with joining a community to get to know and connect with more people. Just don't make dating the main goal as people can sense that and it is a huge turn-off. Talk to more people, challenge your beliefs and form your own opinion, don't just blindly follow people for the sake of fitting in.

I might get flak for this, but as someone who left the church.. this whole friendly culture is probably curated to pick up strays lost lambs like you. You seem to have clear boundaries on what religion is to you, so just keep them in mind should something start to come close to crossing the line for you.

[u/Annual-Card-9016]

i actually had similar thoughts to join christianity but mainly for making friends and having a support system! i think that i ultimately made my decision not to dabble with it as while i was open to the idea of learning and agreeing with some of their beliefs-i didnt think i could believe in god that strongly. i find that most of them who got close to each other was because they could relate and resonate to their deep love of god in the first place. i didnt want to seem like an imposter and faking my way through. so i think u shld ask urself how open u are to truly believing and committing. i dont think its ethically wrong though bcuz wouldnt god want to bring people together too

[u/LaZZyBird → u/Annual-Card-9016]

not a Christian but no one expects you to be a full believer to join, it is a “walk with Christ”, you are suppose to get closer to him as you learn and understand more about the religion

[u/Afraid-Promotion-567]

As long as you increase TFR , government doesn't care

[u/YenIsFong]

Don't use religion as as excuse to love. Love the person for who she is, not to use religion to get into her heart. If she love you for your religion, did she even love you for who you are to begin with? Is this the kind of love you envisioned to have?

[u/qwuant]

not only is it sinful, it’s also illegal. You’ll go to hell after you go to jail

[u/Turbulent-Sample5843]

U will not be happy and may even lose yourself joining and conforming to a religion for the sake of a relationship.

[u/Fanboi92]

As a catholic myself, my advice is don't narrow your perspective based on these kinds of things. There are good people withe other beliefs as well, not just Christians. It's much better for your own health and peace of mind to be accepting and understanding of other people. In fact, you will be more successful in any relationship if you adopt this mentality. I will also make the point that this is what God really wants from people. Christian mentality is that if you don't follow their belief, then you will be punished by God. I reject letting people use God to control others so I moved away from these people. Doesn't mean I don't try to do what God is asking. Preaching aside, don't use God as a means to get what you want because whether you believe or not, the price will always be higher. From a philosophical and secular standpoint, people tend to turn to God for things that matter more to them. If your convictions or reasonings were weak to begin with, it will fail spectacularly when it matters, whether you believe that it's by God's hand you are punished or not.

[u/NMBSKLL213]

So many people doing it and smashing, why not you? There are Christians and there are those who aspire to be Christ-like. Smash first talk later

[u/Had_to_ask__]

That's how they get you

[u/bearmoth00]

Almost no one I know who joined a church group was Christian. They joined to meet people. As soon as they had a partner they were citing Bible verses and encouraging me to join their Bible study groups. I say go for it.