Some background information:
My girlfriend and me had never had a relationship or even dating experience before we met each other. We both didn't expect to fall for each other as quickly as we did, but it felt completely natural and right to do so. We instantly connected on a wide array of topics after we met online and began to text and call all day and night. It just felt right and just as if we both finally had found what we had been looking for.
After a few days, the topic that is now going to potentially drive us apart, came up for the first time. She revealed to me that she grew up in a very religious sphere, one which Americans would definitely label as Evangelical (something that is mostly unheard of here). I instantly had concerns about our long-term alignment, yet it simply felt completely wrong to break off this (first) strong connection we both experienced. We both agreed to give it a try.
What followed were, without a doubt, the two most beautiful years of my life. We helped each other grow, mature and our love just deepened constantly. Of course, we had our hick-ups. It was and is our first relationship after all. Due to her upbringing, she also struggled with intimacy, but we never pushed each other to do anything that we weren't completely comfortable with. I tried my absolute best to support her in whichever way, and so did she.
Yet some of my original concerns still smoldered. I found out pretty early that she denied the concept of evolution for the most part, believed in physically existing demons and angels etc. – just the typical set of beliefs found in fundamentalist Christians. This honestly was a punch to the gut for me, as I do not see scientifically proven facts and religious beliefs as equal or even comparable. Subsequently, this lead to insecurities of how we could raise Children together, seeing that we weren't "on the same team" as she put it. Beyond that, we both hoped and do still hope that there is a solution waiting to be found, as our affection for each other is very, very strong still. To me, she is the greatest catch possible and I deeply love her, and she has never given me a reason to doubt that she feels the same. The topic now arose again and we are finally coming to terms with the fact that love alone won't cut it and that we have to decide whether we should end things now, on good terms, or risk growing apart and resenting each other years later and with potential kids and shared assets etc. in the mix.
This leaves me with my question for you all – does anyone see a way out of this besides breaking up, which doesn't leave at least one of us bend out of shape and unhappy? Thank you, I'll take any straw that I can cling to.