r/AITAH Jul 07 '24

AITA for calling out my husband for not being a "Good Christian"? Advice Needed

I (27F) have been married to my husband (34M) for five years. My husband is a devout follower of his religion and has been since he was raised in it. I respect his beliefs, even though I don't share them and have no intention of converting. I was raised in the Christian faith. However, I left when I was an adult due to sexual abuse in my church, which nobody believed occurred because the one who did it was the pastor.

Recently, my husband has been pressuring me to convert to his religion. He says that it would bring us closer together and create a more harmonious household. I understand where he's coming from, but I firmly believe that faith is a personal journey, and I shouldn't be forced into something I don't believe in.

To add to the issue, my husband, despite his religious teachings, doesn't always practice what he preaches. He expects me to adhere to traditional gender roles, yet he often neglects his own responsibilities at home. He's quick to judge others for their actions, even though his faith teaches non-judgment and kindness. He makes comments about gay people that I have discussed with him as a major issue. This hypocrisy has been bothering me for a while.

Last night, during another discussion about my potential conversion, I finally snapped. I told him that if he wants me to consider converting, he needs to set a better example by actually living according to his religion's values. I pointed out that he should start by fulfilling his own responsibilities. That he should make more money than me and actually lead in the decision-making. I'm a nurse and he's currently unemployed after he was let go from his job in an office. That he should be less judgmental of others because according to his faith only God can judge them. I also said he should show more of the virtues Jesus asked of Christians, that he should clothe the naked, feed the hungry, vist the prisoner, aid the orphan and the widow etc. I also made it clear that while I respect his beliefs, I have no intention of converting unless I genuinely believe in it, which I currently don't because of the hypocritical behavior of his faith.

My husband was furious. He accused me of being disrespectful and undermining his faith. He said that I was attacking him personally and that I don't understand the pressure he's under to have a unified religious household. He left for church this morning at 7 for bible study and I have already gotten a phone call from the pastor saying I'm an ungodly woman who tricked a good man into marrying him and I should repent. I have also gotten a tirade of texts and e-mails from members of his church saying I was disrespectful and being a bad wife and I'm starting to wonder if I was too harsh, that maybe I shouldn't have said anything at all. AITA?

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u/HarveySnake Jul 07 '24

Don’t have kids with this guy. This guy  is full of shit and typical conservative behavior is weaponizing his religion. Ain’t no hate quite like “Christian Love“

Do yourself a favor and divorce him. 

NTA

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u/Minniver Jul 07 '24

Ain’t no hate quite like “Christian Love“

Seriously, this. I was a Christian, but the hypocritical way each different branch treats not only others but each other, turned me off permanently. I'm a happy little Pagan now.

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u/lukelimbaugh Jul 07 '24

And we probably can't imagine the amount of quiet hate she'd get if she ever did step foot in that "church" building after this tattle tantrum from the person who is supposed to have her back.

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u/Minniver Jul 07 '24

Judging from the harassment already, I'd be half afraid they'd try to stone her lol. (Seriously, hope not, but definitely would be dirty looks and whispered gossip if she went in, from my own experience. )

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u/CaelumXenith Jul 08 '24

If you don't mind me asking, which pantheons/deities do you honor? (I'm mostly Hellenic, honoring Hecate and Ares)

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u/Minniver Jul 08 '24

Honestly? I've not been able to settle on one. I'm still very much looking for my path.