To Proselytize or Not to Proselytize?
January 12, 2010 – 12:38 pmWe don’t typically comment on political news here at MM. But recent events regarding a journalist and his public opinion about the difference between Buddhism and Christianity warrant some coverage.
In case you haven’t seen the clip, Brit Hume, a senior political analyst for Fox News, made a strong statement on “Fox News Sunday” regarding Tiger Woods’ faith in Buddhism. He said that Buddhism “does not offer the kind of forgiveness and redemption that is offered by the Christian faith,” and he proceeded to urge Tiger to turn to the Christian faith.
In a Christianity Today article posted last Thursday (1/7), Brit provided an excellent answer to the following question:
CT: Some people might say, “What about Christians like Ted Haggard or Mark Sanford?”
Brit: I don’t think I would blame Christianity for the failings of people like that. Christianity is the right religion for people like that. Christianity is a religion for sinners. Christianity is not about the salvation of perfect people. Christianity is a way for people who are not perfect to be saved. What Mark Sanford needs is not less Christianity. He needs more of it.
While his view of the local church seems weak, (see page 3 of the CT interview) Hume has confidently stood for the faith in a very unpopular public manner. I trust that he will continue to do so in all areas of his life, not just in front of a rolling camera.
In another well-crafted article, Trevin Wax shoots down 5 possible objections against Mr. Hume’s outspoken opinion regarding the superiority of the Christian faith.
I recommend that you check out Trevin’s points and consider what you would say in a public forum such as that in which Mr. Hume found himself. What would you say to your Buddhist coworker? What about to your Catholic neighbor? Or how about your agnostic uncle?
That is where reality hits home. It is easy to yell, “Amen Mr. Hume” from the couch, but what will you say when the “Tiger Woods” of your world asks you what you think of his faith?
