<human>: I recently (about a month ago) discovered that I have feelings for a close college friend of mine. It turns out that he does feel the same but he does not think that perusing a relationship is worth while due to our disagreements about religion. Though I am not religious I share the moral beliefs that he does and we are very similar people who get along very well. I care about him so much and do not want to lose his as a friend. However, I also cannot pretend that I don't have feelings for him. 

After multiple conversations we came to the conclusion that I want to try dating and he (partially convinced by his very conservative parents) does not think it is a good idea. 

Would a relationship with him be bound for failure or is there a chance that it could work? If it could work what do I say to him to change his mind? If he did not also have feelings for me I would drop this completely the the fact that he makes it clear that he does have feeling for me are making this impossible for me to get over.

Condense the text into a few key points
<bot>: My religious friend and I (non-religious) have feelings for each other. I think we should date. He thinks it is a bad idea. What should we do?