Can an Atheist have an arranged marriage with a staunch believer ..?

I have been driven to pen this article triggered by a comment from someone close that she is an "Atheist" and that makes it difficult to consider an arranged marriage with someone who is a "believer".

I could start with  googling for the  definition of both words to set the right context. However, I would rather define the words asunder:

• An Atheist is one who has faith in the concept that there is no God responsible for the creation of the Universe or for the well being of the person. Her fate is determined by her own actions.

• The conventional "believer" however, is one who has faith in a Force external to herself that needs to be recognized and turned to from time to time for the mental strength that is needed to face the vicissitudes of life. This Faith could be based on one of the religions of the world, thereby categorizing her as a Muslim , Hindu , Christian etc. The faith could also be entirely self experienced like the thoughts that emanate from the likes of a Ramana  a Krishnamurthi, or an Osho.

[ My definition does not stress on the ritualistic aspects of religion- for me the rituals are disciplines that help avoid distractions of the external world as one reaches  outside the gross body ( either inwards or outwards) to seek answers to a troubled mind. The daily "Sandhyavandanam ritual in my religion is at once a body purification and a mind control exercise ]

So  what are the prospects of a long term life relationship between an Atheist and a believer? How many of the 50% + divorces prevalent in the western world are a result of differing faiths? A man and a woman are different biologically , emotionally and physically. There is an unexplained attraction that develops from a certain age and perhaps because of the differences ( viva la difference)  the longing for companionship persists throughout adulthood till death.

So when this longing and companionship may not be the only  raison d'etre , it certainly does dominate adulthood significantly and continuously. "Love is blind" is an oft quoted saying , indicating a total disregard for anything other than the physical and mental "love" between two people. Amongst the aspects disregarded are religion beliefs , parental approval etc. Likewise the fact that one is an Atheist and the other a believer.    

In an arranged marriage situation , in contrast to a "love is blind" approach , there are specifications and requirements that one might set forth and rightly so. The prospects of a life long association with a person based on a few hours of chat does worry the mind, At least if there is a meeting of minds on religious and other day to day living aspects it does help to minimize the possible areas of conflict. However, the meeting of mind need not be a similarity in the thought process. It could well be an appreciation of each others space and respect for that space. 

To me what is most critical in an arranged marriage is the compatibility of the two Families. Since the boy and the girl have no previous friendship,and since the parents on either side have set out to find a spouse for their child, it is imperative that the parents are on the same wavelength as far as their requirements are concerned for their respective children. This should not be the final deal maker or breaker. It should aid the boy and the girl ,who lack adequate knowledge of each other. 

07DEC14