Joel apparently won’t marry Nicole until she finds God, according to reports.

Madden has been putting off marrying Richie until she finally accepts God and agrees to a Christian upbring for their 5-month-old daughter daughter, Harlow.

“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,” a source tells American tabloid the National Enquirer. “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.”

And Nicole, say insiders, is much happier as she attempts to break from her past of DUIs, rehab stints and drug arrests; and has already begun a spiritual transformation.

The source adds, “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.”

Former Simple Life star Nicole, 26, has had trouble coping with the stress of motherhood, and “Joel thinks God will be the ultimate answer to her problems,” adds the source. “As much as Joel loves Nicole, and is dedicated to being her rock, he feels like their marriage would never work unless they are on the same page with their religious beliefs.

“Bottom line, he wants a Christian family.”

Source: Showbiz Spy