But I say Hurrah! for Brit Hume. Is it not true that Jesus Christ offers forgiveness and redemption? And given Tiger's indiscretions, he seems a good candidate for forgiveness and redemption.
My problem with this scenario is that it doesn't go far enough. Why stop at Tiger? It seems to me there are many people Fox News covers who could benefit from a "come to Jesus" meeting. In fact, it seems to me a good idea for a new show. Come to Jesus with Brit Hume. The first guests can be Wall Street Investment Executives. Brit could chat with them about Jesus' commitment to the poor and his condemnation of the abuse of wealth that wrongly inflicts poverty on others. They could have a round table on Luke 16--the story of the rich man and Lazarus.
The next week Brit's special guest could be the Pat Robertson and Joel Osteen. Brit could introduce them both to Jesus. With Pat Brit could discuss how Jesus would feel about the idea that God causes innocent suffering as a result of sin and with Joel he could discuss how Jesus might feel about his opinion that the power of prayer always gives him the best parking spot.
After that could be a series featuring various congressmen and maybe even the governor of South Carolina and the whole topic of infidelity could be revisited.
Yes, as I see it, the possibilities are endless. Your right, Brit! Bring on Jesus. Because if you are going to confront any newsmaker with the truth of the Gospel, you should confront them all.
Positively brilliant Jim! There'd be no end to the number of guests he could host!
ReplyDeleteI agree, if you are using that argument, there are tons out there that need that meeting.
ReplyDeleteI am a Christian, but I can see why people were upset with the reference. Any religious view, be it Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Tribal, or more.... has a moralistic consequence factor. Unfortunately, much of society has lost this moral focus, or worse, expectation. As an example, people were not upset when Magic Johnson came out and said he had slept with 1,000s of women, or when NFL players are going through supermodels like beers at a college frat party. BUT they were upset with Tiger. Not because he was married (Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, etc were married) but because Tiger presented a front that he had more or better morals than the standards that are now acceptable to society.
I find that the saddest of all in this situation. Morals in our society are not only no longer valued, they aren't even expected, especially out of so called role models.
Love it! Just read it to my husband, we both received such a chuckle, especially with the Pat and Joel paragraph (not a Joel fan at all!!).
ReplyDeleteSeriously...a great post. You are absolutely right. I say that was a bold move on Brit's part. Honest and convicting. Holly
ReplyDeleteI have begun reading and following your blog due to your upcoming move to First Presbyterian Church in Salina, KS. As a former member, it seems you will bring a refreshing, and perhaps challenging, perspective to the congregation. I have been pleasantly surprised, thus far, with your outlook and interpretation of biblical principles. I appreciate the points you make in this blog and indeed think your challenge of confronting all vs. the few should be taken on.
ReplyDeleteMy only thought beyond this is the following. The implication from Mr. Hume is that Tiger should turn away from Buddhism and come to Jesus and Christianity. Is he implying that Buddhism is the possible root cause of the problem? Does he feel Christianity offers a better path than the Buddhist path? Why shouldn't Tiger be supported in finding his moral wholeness via his chosen spiritual/religious view of the world? If Tiger were Jewish, would Mr. Hume have offered the same counsel? I think that's a fair question. As someone who has felt the persecution and hypocrisy of my fellow Christians...I am gay....I find it especially offensive when there's a whiff of "we offer the better or only path" in anyone's verbage or message.
To quote Barbara Hoetsu, "I don't like to point out others' faults, but given the record I would think Christians would show a little more humility about offering advice to the sexually wayward. As Jesus once said, let those who have never sinned throw the first stones (John 8:7).
However, Mr. Hume is right, in a sense, that Buddhism doesn't offer redemption and forgiveness in the same way Christianity does. Buddhism has no concept of sin; therefore, redemption and forgiveness in the Christian sense is meaningless in Buddhism. Forgiveness is important, but it is approached differently in Buddhism...
... the practice of metta, loving kindness, is essential in Buddhism. Metta is extended to all beings, including those who have wronged us -- even Brit Hume -- and also to ourselves."
Forgivenes, according to Buddhanet's basics, counsels:
Have forgiveness in your heart for anything you think you've done wrong . Forgive yourself for all the past omissions and commissions. They are long gone. Understand that you were a different person and this one is forgiving that one that you were. Feel that forgiveness filling you and enveloping you with a sense of warmth and ease.
Thanks for the post.