Nicole Richie and Joel Madden recently had a child together, daughter Harlow, but unlike other celebrity couples they didn't rush to the altar. In fact, now that the child has been born, they seem no closer to tying the knot than they were before. So what's the hold up? According to the National Enquirer, Nicole's lack of religion is a sticking point for Joel.

Joel would like Nicole to convert to Christianity before they get married. And he doesn't just want her to sign on to the beliefs just for his sake - he hopes that she truly finds God and faith before committing to spending the rest of her life with him.

According to a source who spoke with the National Enquirer,

“Joel is determined not to marry Nicole until she asks forgiveness for her sins and is willing to raise little Harlow with the same religious upbringing that he had. Joel may look like a rebel, but the truth is he is an old-fashioned conservative guy with hardcore Christian beliefs.

“… The Bible is a big part of his life - so much so that he has a tattoo of Jesus and a Sacred Heart on his arms. Joel went to church regularly as a kid and he believes that God has made him what he is today. He has seen all the problems that spoiled Hollywood children like Nicole encountered, and is determined to prevent Harlow from being the stereotypical Beverly Hills brat.”

According to friends of Nicole, she has already begun a bit of a transformation... distancing herself from her checkered past:

"It looks like Nicole is on the way to fully embracing Joel’s religious beliefs. She knows how great her life has become thanks to him.”