Another Perspective on Brit Hume’s Tiger Remarks
Watching the video of Brit Hume’s suggestion to Tiger Woods to convert to Christianity reminded me that ordination into Christian ministry means that I represent all of the history and present of Christendom, good and bad. Depending on your theological perspective, Hume was either right, misinformed, doing what Christians are supposed to do, or an embarrassment. I am certain that some of my words or thoughts about Christianity would give those of Hume’s theological perspective pause if not outright problems. But, Hume’s remarks reminds that within the Christian tradition there needs to be a respectful , but vigorous debate, again, about what the character of Christianity is and what evangelism means in a pluralistic world. This Op-Ed in the New York Times by Ross Douthat is an interesting reflection on Hume’s words as well as what the content of a debate within Christianity should consider. If moderates and liberals within the world’s religions don’t inject their voices into the public forum then there is no place for people like Hume to turn when they are seeking compassion or forgiveness or a different way of life. This is particularly true for my brand of Christian witness, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Here are the first and closing two paragraphs of Douthat’s Op-Ed.
Let’s Talk About Faith
Ross Douthat, January 10, 2010 | The New York Times
Liberal democracy offers religious believers a bargain. Accept, as a price of citizenship, that you may never impose your convictions on your neighbor, or use state power to compel belief. In return, you will be free to practice your own faith as you see fit — and free, as well, to compete with other believers (and nonbelievers) in the marketplace of ideas.
If we tiptoe politely around this reality, then we betray every teacher, guru and philosopher — including Jesus of Nazareth and the Buddha both — who ever sought to resolve the most human of all problems: How then should we live?
It’s reasonable to doubt that a cable news analyst has the right answer to this question. But the debate that Brit Hume kicked off a week ago is still worth having. Indeed, it’s the most important one there is.