Can Atheists and Religious Partners Marry Successfully?

Sunny Hostin has raised concerns about the viability of marriages between religious individuals and their atheist partners. Drawing inspiration from the Netflix series Nobody Wants This, which features an agnostic podcaster and a Jewish rabbi, Hostin expressed her doubts during a discussion on The View. She suggested that such relationships might struggle to survive unless there is significant conversion involved.

During the panel's Hot Topics segment, cohost Sara Haines anticipated Hostin’s strong opinions on the subject and urged her not to discourage the idea. Hostin reflected on her own experience, noting that her desire to marry a fellow Catholic stemmed from wanting to share common values and raise their children within the faith. She emphasized that shared morals, including religion, play a crucial role in the success of a marriage.

Hostin pointed out the challenges of a relationship that includes both a rabbi and an agnostic partner, suggesting it could be a major issue for the rabbi's family. In response, moderator Whoopi Goldberg countered that the opinions of grandparents shouldn’t dictate the decisions of the parents, which garnered applause from the audience. Goldberg highlighted that the couple, not the grandparents, should make choices regarding their children's upbringing.

Cohost Alyssa Farah Griffin mentioned that the Jewish faith welcomes converts, but Hostin reiterated her stance that conversion would be necessary for the marriage to work. As the discussion shifted, Goldberg attempted to move the conversation to a commercial break, suggesting that couples in similar situations would find their own way, whether that means making it work or moving on.

In her concluding remarks, Hostin cautioned that such marriages are likely to face difficulties. However, Goldberg reminded the audience that many doubted various marriages, yet those relationships continue to thrive. Hostin's faith has often influenced her views on the show, including her personal stance against abortion, though she supports access to it for those who need it.

The View is broadcast every weekday at 11 a.m. Eastern Time and 10 a.m. Pacific Time on ABC.