You’ve heard of marriages between Christians and Jews, but what about between those who believe in recycling yogurt containers and those who do not. That’s an interfaith affair too.

The New York Times explores marriages and romantic relationships across denominational lines in the environmental movement. It’s not pretty:

Linda Buzzell, a family and marriage therapist for 30 years who lives in Santa Barbara and is a co-editor of “Ecotherapy: Healing with Nature in Mind,” cautions that the repercussions of environmental differences can be especially severe for couples.

“The danger arises when one partner undergoes an environmental ‘waking up’ process way before the other, leaving a new values gap between them,” Ms. Buzzell said.

Michael S. writes:

This in particular jumped out at me:

“Mr. Fleming, who says he became committed to Ms. Cobb “before her high-priestess phase,” describes their conflicts as good-natured — mostly.”

So Mr. Fleming “became committed to Ms. Cobb.” Passive voice, first of all. Formerly, one “committed” oneself. Now, apparently, one “becomes committed.” Is that the same thing as “getting committed,” or is it different?

Also, what’s this nonsense about being “committed” to one’s “girlfriend”? Enough of these people who claim that it’s OK to have sex because they’re in “a loving and committed relationship.” No marriage, no commitment.

Lisa writes:

Oh, pulllease. Everyone “wakes up” to something or other that a spouse may not be sympathetic to during a marriage, or “partnership.” In these cases, it is just enviro-nuttiness that is their chosen point of divisiveness. Under the guise of blaming men for “not paying sufficient attention to the home,” these women have allowed their attention to home to be hijacked by “causes” masquerading as something that would really make a difference to the quality of their homelife, and existence in general. They have been diverted by simply another money-sucking industry. Mutual regard and consideration, in any area of difference of opinion, goes a long way (That isn’t even touching what I see as a wife’s privilege to support her husband and not doubt his every decision about what to do with the stupid trash.)

Laura writes:

Look at the degree to which these people are hounded by guilt. There is no place to obtain mercy. The only way to absolve their sins is to become ever more vigilant. They make the Puritans look like hedonists.

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