In a recent episode of “The View,” co-host Sunny Hostin sparked a lively debate about the compatibility of religious and non-religious partnerships, particularly in light of the new Netflix series “Nobody Wants This,” which features a relationship between an agnostic podcaster and a Jewish rabbi.
Hostin’s assertion that such marriages “probably won’t work” without conversion has ignited discussions about the complexities of interfaith relationships and the role of shared beliefs in marital success.
Hostin, who identifies as a devout Catholic, shared her personal experiences and beliefs regarding marriage.
She emphasized the importance of shared values, particularly religious ones, in her own relationship with her husband, Manny.
“When I was looking for a potential mate, number one on the list was that I wanted to marry another Catholic,” she explained. Hostin’s perspective is rooted in her desire to raise her children within the Catholic faith and to share common practices, such as attending church and participating in sacraments.
This emphasis on religious compatibility reflects a broader sentiment among many individuals who believe that shared beliefs can strengthen the foundation of a marriage.
The discussion took a turn when Hostin pointed out the potential challenges of a relationship between a rabbi and an agnostic partner.
“You’re talking about not only a rabbi, but someone who doesn’t believe that there is a god.
I think that’s a little bit of a dealbreaker if you’re the rabbi’s mom,” she remarked, highlighting the potential familial pressures that can arise in interfaith relationships. However, moderator Whoopi Goldberg countered Hostin’s argument by asserting that the opinions of grandparents should not dictate the decisions of the couple.
“Those requirements of grandparents do not hold weight,” Goldberg stated, emphasizing that it is ultimately the couple’s responsibility to navigate their relationship and make decisions regarding their family.
The conversation also touched on the idea of conversion, particularly within the context of Judaism, which is known for its openness to converts.
Hostin reiterated her belief that for a marriage between a religious person and an atheist to succeed, conversion would likely be necessary.
This perspective raises important questions about the nature of faith and the compromises that individuals may need to make in order to maintain harmony in their relationships.
Cohost Alyssa Farah Griffin added another layer to the discussion by pointing out that many successful marriages exist despite differing religious beliefs. This sentiment was echoed by Goldberg, who reminded the audience that many people have defied the odds and made their interfaith marriages work.
“Lots of people said lots of marriages wouldn’t work, and they did, and they’re still working,” she concluded, suggesting that love and commitment can transcend religious differences.
The debate on “The View” reflects a broader societal conversation about the challenges and rewards of interfaith relationships. While some individuals, like Hostin, believe that shared religious beliefs are essential for a successful marriage, others argue that love, respect, and open communication can bridge the gap between differing faiths.
The reality is that every relationship is unique, and what works for one couple may not work for another.
As society becomes increasingly diverse, the dynamics of interfaith relationships will continue to evolve. Couples navigating these waters must consider their values, beliefs, and the potential impact on their families.
Ultimately, the success of a marriage may depend less on religious alignment and more on the couple’s ability to communicate, compromise, and support one another in their individual journeys.
In conclusion, Sunny Hostin’s comments on “The View” have sparked an important dialogue about the complexities of interfaith marriages.
While her perspective emphasizes the significance of shared religious beliefs, the experiences of many couples demonstrate that love and commitment can prevail despite differences.
As society continues to embrace diversity, the conversation around faith and relationships will remain relevant, encouraging individuals to explore what truly matters in their partnerships.
The View‘s Sunny Hostin says a religious person’s marriage to an atheist ‘probably won’t work’ without conversion
“The View” hosts debated a Hot Topic inspired by the new Netflix show “Nobody Wants This,” starring Adam Brody and Kristen Bell.
Sunny Hostin has cast a little cloud of doubt on potential marriages between religious folks and atheist partners.
Inspired by the relationship between an agnostic podcaster (Kristen Bell) and a Jewish rabbi (Adam Brody) in the new Netflix series Nobody Wants This, Hostin said from her post on The View that she doesn’t feel marriages between non-religious people and uber-practicing partners would survive without heavy conversion being involved.
“Don’t poop on this, Sunny,” cohost Sara Haines said Wednesday during the panelists’ Hot Topics conversation, anticipating that her friend would have strong feelings on the matter.
“One in two marriages end in divorce for various reasons, I’m just saying for various reasons. I know when I was looking for a potential mate, number one on the list was that I wanted to marry another Catholic. I wanted to raise my children in the faith, I wanted to have those things in common, I wanted to go to church together, I wanted to have the sacraments together,” Hostin said of finding her husband, Manny. “I did have a list of things, and I do think that those commonalities, including values and morals, but religion is a big one.”
Sunny Hostin on ‘The View’.ABC
Reflecting back on the romantic TV series, Hostin said, “You’re talking about not only a rabbi, but someone who doesn’t believe that there is a god. I think that’s a little bit of a dealbreaker if you’re the rabbi’s mom.”
Moderator Whoopi Goldberg pushed back on Hostin’s example, telling her, “If you’re the rabbi’s mom, it doesn’t really have much to do with you,” which prompted applause from the audience.
“Those requirements of grandparents do not hold weight, it’s the requirement of the people who have the children to make those decisions with and for their children, not the grandparents,” Goldberg stressed. Later, cohost Alyssa Farah Griffin introduced the idea that the Jewish faith is open to converts, with Hostin doubling down and saying, “That’s why she’d have to convert.”
Sign up for Entertainment Weekly‘s free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.
Goldberg attempted to throw the show to a commercial break, telling the audience, “If this is happening with you, you’ll figure it out, or you won’t and you’ll move on,” before Hostin looked into the camera and said, “And you’ll move on because your marriage probably won’t work.”
Haines encouraged Goldberg not to leave the audience on Hostin’s note, and the Oscar-winning star summarized her thoughts before the show cut: “Lots off people said lots of marriages wouldn’t work, and they did, and they’re still working,” she said.
Hostin has long used her religious beliefs to bolster her perspective on The View, including citing her faith as the reason for her personal anti-abortion stance, though she has repeatedly stressed since that she believes the government shouldn’t limit access to abortions for those who wish to get them.