Conservatives defend, endorse Hume's suggestion that Tiger Woods convert to Christianity to "make a total recovery"
On the January 3 edition of Fox News Sunday, Brit Hume commented that his "message" to Tiger Woods -- who Hume mentioned is "said to be a Buddhist" -- would be to "turn to the Christian faith, and you can make a total recovery and be a great example to the world." Since then, several conservative commentators have endorsed Hume's remarks or defended them from criticism.
Hume to Woods: Buddhism doesn't "offer the kind of forgiveness" Christianity does, convert
From the January 3 edition of Fox News Sunday:
HUME: Tiger Woods will recover as a golfer. Whether he can recover as a person I think is a very open question, and it's a tragic situation with him. I think he's lost his family. It's not clear to me that -- whether he'll be able to have a relationship with his children.
But the Tiger Woods that emerges once the news value dies out of this scandal -- the extent to which he can recover, it seems to me, depends on his faith. He's said to be a Buddhist. I don't think that faith offers the kind of forgiveness and redemption that is offered by the Christian faith.
So my message to Tiger would be, "Tiger, turn your faith -- turn to the Christian faith, and you can make a total recovery and be a great example to the world."
Several conservatives defend or endorse Hume's "message" to Woods
Tucker Carlson: "Recommending that someone in distress adopt a mainstream religious faith is pretty conventional advice." During a January 4 Q&A on washingtonpost.com, Fox News contributor Tucker Carlson had this exchange with a reader:
Jacksonville, FL: When did Brit Hume go crazy? Tiger woods should embrace Christianity and we will forgive him?
You say this on the air?
Tucker Carlson: Crazy? No. John Wayne Gacy was crazy. Judy Garland and Ezra Pound were crazy. Recommending that someone in distress adopt a mainstream religious faith is pretty conventional advice.
NewsBusters' Shepherd condemns criticism of "a gentle Christian evangelistic overture to a celebrity caught in sexual scandal." In a January 4 NewsBusters post criticizing Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Jay Bookman for "lambasting" Hume for his remarks, managing editor Ken Shepherd wrote:
Tolerance is a virtue the Left loves to trumpet, except when the intolerable is set forward. In this instance, the intolerable is a gentle Christian evangelistic overture to a celebrity caught in sexual scandal.
Yesterday, Fox News analyst and professing Christian Brit Hume expressed his spiritual concern for Tiger Woods and urged the golf superstar to turn to Christianity for grace and forgiveness during a segment of the January 3 edition of "Fox News Sunday."
Fred Barnes characterized Hume's "advice" for Woods as "wise and caring." In a January 4 post on Twitter, Fred Barnes linked to a YouTube video of Hume's appearance on Fox News Sunday and highlighted Hume's "wise and caring advice for Tiger Woods":
NRO's Kathryn Jean Lopez on "outrage": "Hume is providing commentary ... that is his practical advice, based on an understanding of what Christianity offers in terms of forgiveness and redemption." In a January 4 blog post on National Review Online's The Corner, Lopez wrote: "Brit Hume is providing commentary on that panel and that is his practical advice, based on an understanding of what Christianity offers in terms of forgiveness and redemption. It's a faith for sinners, and very obviously so (we Christians all too often make it all too obvious). Woods can take or leave the advice, if he happens to watch Fox or pick it up in the frenzy. But Fox does pay Hume to offer his commentary on matters in the news, after years of reporting on politics and culture. And that he did."
Hoft: "Leftists in the state-run media are lambasting Brit Hume for promoting Christianity." In a January 4 blog post, Gateway Pundit blogger Jim Hoft wrote of the controversy surrounding Hume's comments: "Leftists in the state-run media are lambasting Brit Hume for promoting Christianity on a Sunday morning talk show. ... According to democrats and liberals it is no longer acceptable to promote Christianity publicly." Hoft added: "It used to be that liberals didn't want you to mention Christ in schools. Then they banned Christ from Christmas concerts and public squares. Now they are demanding that we not talk about Christianity in public. We should have seen this coming."
So why did Brit Hume jump in the Trough & use his own Nose to Dig?
Maybe during the Holidays Mr. Hume drank a little too much Fox News Punch?
Or maybe he didn't anticipate that Media-Matters would Eat his Lunch.
Speak truth to power.
Mr. News
Woods is an idiot, chasing all those women.
Hume and his amen corner are "Christian" bigots.
FAKE Christians.
But, for the most part, liberalism wants people to act as Tiger has acted. It's his life, he can choose to do what he wants ... as long as he doesn't hurt any child. Was a child hurt? No? Well, there you go ... Tiger is the perfect example of true liberalism. Why would he need any religion? He should be proud that half the nation looks up to him because of what he did, not in spite of what he did.
Please spare the world your holier than though mentality. Last time I checked immoral, behavior didn't follow political beliefs. I would like to reacquaint you with an old cliche - "People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones."
As to "It's his life, he can do what he wants..." I thought rugged individualism was suppose to be a trademark of conservatism? That no one can tell a conservative on how to run their life! Hypocrisy, thy name if Floyd.
I mean really. What evidence at all leads you to believe that a "liberal" would support Tiger Wood's behavior, or want people to act like him? That's total BS.
And besides, what MMFA is taking issue with here is Hume's assertion that Budhism is an inferior religion. It's reprehensible for a news reporter to claim his faith is superior to someone else's, regardless of the transgressions of the person he's speaking of.
Well said, Ruby, thanks.
Ok, let's go on that assumption. He believes in Budhism, and has admitted to multiple sexual excapades that (may!) have endangered another humans life. Does Budhism teach 'marital exploytations' are OK? Probably not. Neither does Christianity. However, within both religions, failure by the individual is possible and potentially forgiven. Actually, I have no idea what sins are forgiven within the Budhist religion or if sin is even possible. Which could be the problem you have with this guy (the reporter). Maybe he doesn't know either. Can you give us a clue as to what is a sin within the Budhist religion regarding marital honesty?
Where does Mmfa insinuate that he was saying one religion is better than the other?
Within the various descriptions I found the following entry regarding cheating on your wife/husband. And, as I expected, Budhism doesn't consider cheating to be a sin, just something you should avoid, but not prohibited. Which could be why so many are suggesting and agreeing that Tiger should switch to Christianity if he wants to be serious about cleaning up his marriage.
"What, it may be asked, of "adultery," i.e., extra-marital sexual relations? The short answer is that, quite obviously, this is something to be avoided. But the point should be made that Buddhism does not regard this, or any other sexual irregularities and deviations, as somehow uniquely wicked."
There isn't a FACT that his wife has contracted a disease. You should have phrased it: "may have compromised ...". Unless you're being dishonest on purpose, then leave it like it is.
Tiger is Budhist. He is taught to find 'inner peace'. You, of course, seem to find his actions very terrible, but Tiger may not. Which is well within his religious teachings. Which is why the reporter suggested he may want to change religions if Tiger is serious about repairing any damage done to his marriage. So, Hume could be correct in the setting that if forgiveness is going to be required then Budhism isn't the religion to have. Since (in Budhism) it isn't required to forgive anyone for anything at anytime. So within the constraints of 'needing forgiveness', Budhism IS inferior to Christianity. Because within Budhism forgiveness isn't required, simply being at 'inner peace' with yourself is sufficient.
Tiger is not a reflection on liberalism at all. He's a reflection of a coddled multi-millionaire society of professional athletes who think they are priveledged, and can do what they want to do.
Oh, you think he 'became' that way after making money? Sorry, but Tiger learned this from his father and went with a religion that allows it. And, Budhism is as close to liberalism as you can get and be religious. The only difference is that Budhism doesn't allow abortion (which the liberal loves). Other than that, both groups allow 'whatever makes you feel good, with no guilt trip from any consequenses of your actions'.
magnolialover-- I don't know of any respectable liberal
Don't feel bad, not many do.
Does this mean that Ensign is a liberal? Vitter? Sanford? I think you got your liberal and conservative mixed up a little.
Although, I do not remember Tiger passing any "faith-based" legislation. So, at least Tiger is not the hypocrite that your party continues to follow and believe in.
Great another right wing robot, wanting to convince the world that hasty generalizations are noteworthy and useful if supported by anectdotal information.
You say all these thing about "liberalism" Floyd, yet you provide no support whatsoever for your argument. In fact, in rebuttal to you": I once knew a staunch conservative who turned out to be a pedophile. Using your protocol, I'm going to insist that conservatives, if not actual pedophiles, want pedophilia to be mainstream. How do I know this? Well, because I knew a conservative who was a pedophile, of course.
A collectivist screed offered absent any evidence - on par with "My experience tells me that neocon blog posters like to molest farm animals."
As long as Tiger turns to Hume's religion to help him through a tuff spot it's OK. Is it a conservative thing to show that much disrespect for someones freedom of religion?
II Peter 20:21 pretty much states that if you sin knowing that you're a Christian it's worse than if you sin and you're not "saved."
It constantly amazes me how they claim stuff isn't supported in the bible or is expressly forbidden to justify their bigotry and yet, twist the bible to cover their own indiscretions.
Of course, Tiger Woods' only hope for redemption is through JESUS! (And he should get rid of that blonde floozy, foreigner of a wife and marry a good Christian girl from Alabama.)
God bless FOX News... Amen.
<sarcasm>
Close, sir, but you lose a tenth of a point on execution. It should have been...
"Of course, Tiger Woods' only hope for redemption is through JESUS! (And he should get rid of that blonde floozy, foreigner of a wife and marry a good black Christian girl from Alabama.)
It's those little details that cost championships... :oD
Implied by Hume so the moe-rons that make up his audience can go out and openly state what he implied...
And Hume is one of the best clods, with extra credit for total cluelessness.
BTW, I don't think Jesus would be a very good Budist, He has moral standards, Budhism doesn't.
You must not be paying attention. Previously Limbaugh and Co. certainly did try to imply blacks were more promiscuous and made a comparison to Obama in the process. Just because you don't see it in today's post doesn't mean it is no longer part of the conversation.
I would have added...."marry a good black Christian girl from Alabama because God does not like the mixing of the races."
Sir...I defer to someone with an eye as sharp as yours. ;>)
Tiger Woods did some stupid stuff . . . he's still an outstanding golfer. He doesn't need my forgiveness or that of any of the ridiculous "news" media who cannot shut up about his stupid stuff to continue to be an outstanding golfer. As a human being, he needs the forgiveness of his wife and his children. Get over Tiger.
Given the behavior of the members of the CHRISTIAN FAMILY VALUES club, Tiger would be much better off staying as far away from them as he can if he seeks redemption and change.
Why would you even make that statement? Did Hume say anything of that sort? Nope, you made it up.
Obviously, fairliberal, you have difficulty with comprehension.
That is assuming Tiger WANTS to find peace (more than the piece he's already had). If he finds cheating on his wife to be acceptable then he would have no reason to convert. If he thinks his actions are reprehensible and feels a need to be forgiven, then Christianity may be what he should seek. However, he is Budist, and forgiveness isn't required or demanded and also not sought. What is required in Budhism is to be 'happy within' for your actions. At which point Hume must be wrong, because Tiger can find sufficient peace within Budhism, since it isn't sinful to cheat on your spouse. He can go out and have as much 'piece' as he wants and still make it into Budhist heaven.
You need to leave Buddhism and become a Christian so you can be forgiven for your extramarital affairs, says the man on his second marriage. The far-right has become so enmeshed with the religious right that neither one of them even recognize any of the principles they originally brought to this political alliance. It is simply amazing.
Randy
Refer to Luke 24: 46-47.
My disdain with Christianity is the people who make up the religion. Hypocrites, war mongers, adulters...who feel they have carte blanche to do whatever they like, whenever they like because the blood of jesus will wash there transgressions away. As Rushbo say's, "That's BS, bogus, hogwash!"
Live your lives and don't project your religious beliefs upon us so called sinners. Love your neighbors, and stop being so damn judgemental!!!
Do you mean your disdain with Jesus Christ? Or, someone else?
Apparantly, both you and shaggles have a reading comprehension problem if that's what you came up with for the meaning of salvation. But, being the good liberals you are ... to each his own (screw everyone who disagrees with us)!
Hume and others belong to a strange cult called churchianity, so unlike anything taught by Jesus...In many cases, it teaches the opposite.
Ensign, Vitter, Sanford, etc are all still playing to and being accepted by the religious right. The party is run by Limbaugh, who clearly hold his marriage vows in very low esteem. And, now they are openly advocating that if you commit adultery you should become a Christian because - then all is forgiven. And it is being advocated by a "Christian" on his 2nd marriage.
This is the reason for separation of church and state. Not only because the moralities of the religious beliefs can cloud the secular morals of any legislation. That is not the real reason. But, because once politics is openly advocated for in your religion, your religion becomes a political party and ceases to have any religious principles. It is very educational to watch the exact reason our founding fathers advocated for the separation occuring before our very eyes.
I would imagine it is "very educational" when you watch ren and stimpy, too. Your educational level has to be taken into account with all of your comments.
Brit's just giving him good advice.
It's what the 'key men' in Doug Coe's power cult (The Family, AKA the C Street House Fellowship) see as a perq.
It worked for Ensign, Sandford, Larry Craig, and Vitter.
As long as you have lots of money and fame, and you admit Jesus (as defined by Coe) is your Lord and Master, you get a free pass for everything from serial adultery to mass murder (see The Family's connections to Suharto (Indonesia and East Timor0, Siad Barre (Somalia), the dictator of Uganda who wants to excecute gays.
You only have to say your sorry if your publicist thinks it's a good business move.
Join the club, Tiger, rich Buddists have to live with their Karma just like everybody else.
Ciskoe
Alubquerque, NM
I'd like to see you try to sell that line anywhere in Asia, Tucker. No, really, I'm serious--I'd like to see you try it. I just want to be around for the reply you get...
Now I'm confused. I thought that only worked on the jews... ;)
Tiger Woods personal life is really not our business...at least it wasn't until his wife took to chasing him around with a golf club for his serial indescretions.
That said....
The problem with Hume's comment is that he assumes that this is something to do with Wood's Buddhism. Does Hume also blame Christianity for all the Right Wingers who have had very similar issues this year? Sandford? Ensign? I doubt it. He would probably call it a "personal failure" and not the failure of a religion or diety.
This statement will probably not result in Woods "finding Jesus" or reconciling with his wife. It has lead to more talk in the press and possibly more embarrassment for the family. IF Hume truly cared about Woods and his family's future, he would have found a way to pass this information onto Woods privately.
2 - Erm roughly what religion would you say Jeremiah Wright's church was?
Quick tip: stop trying. You're very poor at this.
racism and hatred = black people not being quiet
I understand that the Hume could have left out the Buddhism part, but besides that, what is wrong with him suggesting that Tiger should accept religious faith and try to better himself morally?
And exactly how would the right react if a non-Christian "news" person suggested that some wayward Christian should convert to (insert non-Christian religion here)?
Oh wait... I'm sorry... you're far too busy being morally superior to bother having a clue as to what sheer hypocrisy you may be babbling about at any given time. My bad.
Wow, why are you defending Hume? You usually just defend yourself . . . I mean, Beck.
Perhaps if a few more of them actually read about Buddhism, we might have a more civil and peaceful society.
As for Tiger and his domestic problems, all I can say is, "Karma is a b*tch!"
- Mark Sanford isn't a Christian
- Rudy Guiliani isn't a Christian
- Jim Bakker isn't a Christian
- Rush Limbaugh isn't a Christian
as joel osteen might say (putting words in his mouth), "if you're a wife beater, a child molester or even a murderer, that's ok. god has a plan for you!"...
Which explains why so many liberals think they are Christian, too.
To paraphrase Mohandas Gandhi, "Don't tell me about miracles that occurred 2000 years ago, show me how your God lives through you."
hume pulled what is soon coming to be known as a "doocy"...
Imus was a bit peeved about Hume's remarks.
To which I replied that I couldn't believe I even went to see it the FIRST time because I already knew how it ended.
To which he replied that he was going the 2nd time to take his pre-teen children.
Conversation ended.
I guess all these concerns about Tiger's salvation may have turned a few hearts.
In the FOX NEWS Universe, such nonsense is now openly condoned.