Brit Hume, commentator on Fox News, told America that Tiger Woods needs Jesus in order to turn his life around, and that has got lots of folks pretty steamed. Hume told viewers of Fox News Sunday that, “The extent to which he (Woods) can recover seems to me depends on his faith,” Hume said. “He is 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 is, ‘Tiger, turn to the Christian faith and you can make a total recovery and be a great example to the world.”
The response from more liberal media and the blogosphere is fascinating — ranging from outrage to disgust. While I don’t know that anyone needs Jesus, or any other particular faith including my own in order to get their lives straight, this should not be such a big deal. Sadly though, I think I know why it is and it doesn’t speak well of people who think of themselves as open-minded even as they critique Fox for being less so.
I fear that the response to Mr. Hume reminds us that when it comes to faith, there is anger, fear and suspicion on all sides, from the most conservative to the most liberal. Based on the shrill objections to Hume’s comments, one can say that the only thing as profound as the contempt which some Christians have for all other belief systems, is the contempt which many others have for Christians and their willingness to speak their faith.
Let’s leave aside the issue of why Tiger continues to be a topic for serious conversation. Once he is, there is no reason that turning to Christ is any less worthy as a suggestion than telling him to head to Betty Ford or any of the other celebrity-filled clinics specializing in rehabilitating not only people’s ailments but their reputations as well.
Let’s face it, many people fear faith and even more genuinely resent it being discussed in public. While there is no question about the damage which religious faith can do, there should also be no question as to the good things it accomplishes in terms of both creating personal meaning and also motivating humanitarian action. So it should be a wash. Instead though, because Hume suggested Jesus instead of rehab, both he and those who support him are attacked as Jesus Freaks and fanatics. That’s not right.
I am especially sensitive to Jewish pundits, journalists and bloggers who decry Hume’s advice as one more example of the Christian Right taking over our culture. There are plenty examples of that occurring, or at least attempts in that direction, but this is not one of them. In fact, this is a moment to see if those of us who think of ourselves as genuinely open people to see if we can open ourselves to others being open about their faith.
The old adage about not discussing religion or politics was lousy advice based on our inability to remain civil when we disagreed in the midst of conversations about the most important issues in the world. So instead of developing an ethic of conversation that allowed us to discuss these things, we buried them. Playing ostrich is never a good idea, often not even for the ostrich!
I welcome Mr. Hume’s remarks even if I think his analyses of Buddhism is shallow, and his claim that it is only through Jesus that Tiger will find a better life, bordering on ridiculous. So why welcome his comments? Because I know that he meant well and because faith matters to people and it should not be banished from public conversation. Not if we are as committed to openness in the way so many of us claim to be. Now we will find out if we really are.
Author, radio and TV talk show host, and President of CLAL-The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership, Brad Hirschfield is the author of 
posted January 5, 2010 at 1:58 pm
When I think of Tiger Woods, this letter comes to mind by Oscar Wilde.
“De Profundis”
http://www.upword.com/wilde/de_profundis.html
posted January 5, 2010 at 4:30 pm
The problem is, Hume didn’t mean well, he was insulting people of a beautiful religious faith. Out here in middle America, Hume’s attitude is not only expressed but often forced upon those of Eastern Asian religious beliefs. It strikes a sore spot with those who have faced such discrimination. What if Tiger were Jewish, and Hume had suggested he find Jesus? I would be curious to see the outcry from such ignorance…if given a larger, more vocal religion had been disrespected.
Let me say it in another way.
Racism is bad, it’s really horrible. Someone on television says that someone should just be more like them, say for example, they suggested that the person simply needed to lighten their skin to fix their personal problems. Would we welcome this ignorant racist person’s remarks just for bringing racism to the table for conversation? Or would we tell them how wrong they were and try our hardest to help them learn a better way?
Rabbi, you have my deepest respect, and I believe if you were to send that message to this ignorant, intollerant man, coming from a place of love….Perhaps then, he could let his heart open and accept that all peaceful paths to God should be welcomed.
posted January 5, 2010 at 4:40 pm
After re-reading my own comment I can only hope someday I can evolve to the place you are Rabbi, you have such a great heart
posted January 5, 2010 at 5:03 pm
Isn’t the problem with Hume’s comments is that he was urging Tiger Woods convert to a particular faith, not so much that Hume thought that faith in general could help Mr. Woods? News pundits should not avoid discussing how important faith is to many people where it is relevant but I can’t imagine assertions about which is a ‘better’ faith taken as serious or beneficial commentary.
posted January 5, 2010 at 7:01 pm
I as a Christian wonder which part of Christianity he was referring to the Christians that massacred the American Indians, brought slaves here from Africa and treated them as farm animals when poor farmers here needed jobs, or our congress that block minimum wage while they receive a raise every three years, and the ones that block health care for all citizens of the USA and the ones that start wars instead of negotiate, and oppose clean water and air and on and on what a track record, I know someone is going to bring up abortion, that and the gay issue is all the so called Christians are concerned about so who will take care of all the unwanted births social programs that they block.
posted January 5, 2010 at 9:36 pm
Rabbi,
Thank you.
R.S.,
You liberal education has not served you well. At all.
You’re a Christian?
posted January 6, 2010 at 10:33 am
As a Christian, I make no apologies for my belief that everyone on earth is in need of salvation through Jesus Christ. I also believe that a lot of the comments I have read on this page reveal a profound misunderstanding or ignorance of what Christianity is and what we believe. YOU may believe that all faiths are equal and that one can connect with God through any means, but WE believe that the only way to God and redemption is through belief in Christ. Why? BEcause that is what HE told us “I am the Way and no one comes to the Father except through me.” So if you reject what we believe you are rejecting Christ Himself. HOWEVER, I do not know of a single Christian alive today who would in anyway force their beliefs on anyone! This idea is completely oppositional to the basic message of the Gospel which leaves each person to choose on their own. HOWEVER we do believe that it is our duty (COmmision) to tell people about Jesus, and again I make no apologies for doing so and if you are offended, well you are not the first person to be offended–so was were those who crucified HIM!
posted January 6, 2010 at 10:40 am
While much of the reaction was, no doubt, based on the ping-pong game of who-has-the-”best”-belief-system, I, as a retired journalist, am otherwise offended.
Viewers, readers, and listeners, have (or used to have) a right to receive news reporting (always) and comment (generally) without being preached at or burdened with the reporter’s personal beliefs. Let us again have news reported without bias and opinion expressed without personal faith-selling.
posted January 6, 2010 at 11:44 am
With all due respect to Mr. Ben Hall; News reported without bias? In the U.S. Are you kidding me? It is either liberal left or conservative right – a neutral news media no longer exists (if one ever really did in the first place!)
posted January 6, 2010 at 11:56 am
Please clarify your statement that “there is no question the damage religious faith can do”?
posted January 6, 2010 at 12:05 pm
Tiger Woods is seriously in need of psychiatric counselling. He is a perfect example of what can happen to a child who is exploited at a very young age. His own fame and fortune have become his downfall. He rebelled, had affairs too numerous too mention, and his automobile accident in the wee hours of the morning was the “exclamation point” at the end of the sentence.
posted January 6, 2010 at 12:09 pm
Are we talking of the same Christianity that has worked so well for Mark Sanford, Larry Craig, Mark Ensign, John Edwards, etc? You know, the kind that says all can be forgiven as long as you believe in the neo-con, uber-capitalist version of Jesus Christ.
posted January 6, 2010 at 12:28 pm
Implicit in Hume’s comment that other faiths don’t offer the forgiveness and redemption of Christianity is that if he does NOT turn to Christianity, he will NOT be forgiven or redeemed, ergo, doomed to burn in hell, or some other not so nice place when he leaves this world. How can anyone not be offended by such a ridiculous assertion?
posted January 6, 2010 at 2:27 pm
I think Brit Hume,like other people offering help to Tiger Woods disaster,simply offered one kind or one way to heal wound,like the science evolution of medicine treating one kind of disease,to me,Wood’s situation is much the same as the disease needing the right
and proper medicine,proven to cure his own.But,unfortunately for me to say,no amount of Science discoveries and medicine can cure a disease unless it is properly diagnosed,both from the patients complains and the doctors utmost proficiency to cure.When Woods disease is more on Spiritual,then he can take those spiritual healing offers,if otherwise,then he must be able to pinpoint what’s his main problem.It will take time for one’s self to recover from a disaster,but while there is the presence of helping hands,nothing is
mission impossible,lol.
posted January 6, 2010 at 4:15 pm
I usually don’t nake comments but I feel I must here. In my group of friends we use the term Namaste meaning the God in me Honors the God in you. God meaning your higher power. Being of Southern Baptist background and knowing the savage history of my faith. i am embarrased by their “our way is the only right way” belief system” many have lost their heritage because of this extremeism. I must say Christians are not the only faith sustem that operates with this mindset. Muslim is now the largest faith system. They have the same “our way is the only right way” attitude. I include many other belief systems but there are too many to mention, just to make the point that just because I do not mention them does not in anyway excuse their actions. We must forgive others for their ignorance, as this is the way they have been taught since childhood. It is really sad for them. Thanks for allowing this input.
posted January 6, 2010 at 4:18 pm
Mere_Me What planet are you living on?? The flat one or the round one…
posted January 6, 2010 at 6:14 pm
Personally, I am very tired of hearing people ‘preach’ of a Savior in an inappropriate manner; instead of showing interpersonal skill and sensitivity owed to the subject (s) in need of perhaps a ‘spiritual’ perspective. Is it obvious that Fox’s Brit Hume, may have quite a following of right leaning Christians.
posted January 6, 2010 at 6:19 pm
Woods would not be forgivin just because he said he was a Christian , he would need a complete turnaround with his problems, the Lord could help him if he was willing to change his ways, to know the Lord JESUS CHRIST is to love Him….doesnt anyone know this?
posted January 6, 2010 at 9:13 pm
Hearing Mr. Hume’s comments, one can tell immediately that his level of spiritual development (Faithful*) is such that the only truth he can see is the literal word of his own religion – hence his recommendations to Tiger Woods. Because many or most people making comments about Hume’s recommendations have already grown beyond the type of spirituality that says “only MY religion is right” some of us read Hume’s trying to convert Tiger Woods as ridiculous.
While it may sound ridiculous to those of us who no longer need that type of religion, (Rational and Mystics*) I am sure Mr. Hume meant well. He was offering the only thing he knew of to help Tiger out.
Recognizing Mr. Hume’s (Faithful) level of spiritual development for what it is, those of us at other levels should be just able to smile at what he said, (just as we might in the case of a child believing in Santa Claus,) and go on with our lives. No hate or anger is necessary.
*terms Faithful, Rational and Mystic fully explained at http://www.exploring-spiritual-development.com
posted January 7, 2010 at 12:32 am
R.S.,
The world is not round.
Time to grow up pal.
Oh nevermind, here:
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=earth-is-not-round
posted January 7, 2010 at 12:33 am
Jesus agrees with Brit Hume. Or rather, vice versa.
posted January 7, 2010 at 1:14 am
Well, I am not surprised by all the NEGATIVE comments for a christian standing up for his LORD JESUS. The Bible says that the WAY to Jesus is narrow, and there are few who find it. Mr. Hume was just sharing the LOVE of Jesus. The AWESOME truth of the Gospel, is that JESUS can SAVE and forgive Tiger Woods for what he did. Now, that is GRACE. Nobody is better than Tiger. We are ALL in need of salvation. We all fall short of the glory of God. In fact, the Bible says our works are like smelly rags. Trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation, by his shed blood on the cross, and he will change your life. The christian life in not EASY, but in the end it is worth it because as believers, we will SEE HIS GLORY. Yes, Jesus can forgive sin because he is God!! Lately the LORD put in my heart the URGENCY to share the gospel. Jesus is the only WAY to heaven. The Bible is the Word of God, and is the truth. One day every knee will bow, and every tongue confess that JESUS IS LORD. Please do not wait, he will be your LORD or your judge. I will be praying for Tiger and his wife.
posted January 7, 2010 at 9:25 am
David
January 6, 2010 6:19 PM
Woods would not be forgivin just because he said he was a Christian , he would need a complete turnaround with his problems, the Lord could help him if he was willing to change his ways, to know the Lord JESUS CHRIST is to love Him….doesnt anyone know this?
————————–
The real question is does anyone PRACTICE as such? My problem with too many of the evangelical right, including ther folks over at Fox News, is that they don’t seem to practice Christianity as a whole. No, they prefer to follow the neo-con, GOP, uber-capitalist version of Jesus Christ and the teachigs that fit with this philosphy only.
posted January 7, 2010 at 10:41 am
Mr. Silverman is absolutely correct — most, if not all, media at least lean liberal or conservative. And that is the misfortune of it all. Having first been a reporter in 1948, I can recall when objectivity in reporting was a quality highly prized and seriously sought after. None of us is, or ever was, wholly objective because we are human — but I honor the time when reporting the facts with accuracy and completeness was the aim. If a journalist wanted to express an opinion he did so on the editorial or op-ed page and aimed to make his arguments with logic and reason, not based on personal religious stance.
Yes, Mr. Silverman, you are correct, and I regret it.
posted January 7, 2010 at 11:05 am
I’m a Christian, but I think Tiger Woods might really be helped by Orthodox Judaism. The obedience, the loyalty, the constant seeking to live out the law might provide him with exactly the rejuvenation and focus he needs to go forward in life. Surely he would not be the first Orthodox pro athlete. And as a Christian, I believe Jesus is not limited to what is believed about Jesus. Other religious disciplines can enlighten us even if Jesus saves us. Orthodox Judaism would be a wonderful place to start. And now that I have offended everybody while trying to express my truth, I will finish. Blessings.
posted January 7, 2010 at 1:22 pm
The anonymous comment above posted about Jesus which is interspersed with all caps makes me happy I’m in the process of conversion to Judaism. All of that forcing Jesus down people’s throats makes them not want to believe in G-d at all – it took me years to recover from that and to want to live to honor Adonai. Robert, you do have some valid points.
The bottom line is, Tiger Woods is a grown man and only he knows what he needs. I certainly am not going to force any religion on him or to know what he needs.
posted January 7, 2010 at 2:20 pm
I have been a ( on & off ) practicing Christian since my teen years, yet I fail to see how simply becoming a Christian / accepting Christ will make all of Mr. Woods’ problems simply dissolve away. That 1st poster ( I wonder why people like that use ALL CAPS ? ) seems to be rather naive about the whole concept of ” accepting Jesus “, like ( forgive me ) it is like brandishing a magic charm or some such thing.
A bit naive.
posted January 7, 2010 at 5:26 pm
It is amazing to me that so much attention and outrage is given and exhibited over the problems of Tiger Woods – an athlete who has made hundreds of millions of dollars, a man who has given his wife and children a life-style that most of us can only dream of (and will continue to do so for the rest of their lives), a man whose moral failings have now become more than “public”… they are fodder for world wide gossip. Yet, the men who abuse their wives and children, the men (like the New York one caught on tape in an elevator) that abuse animals and the elderly, the men who steal and murder walk free or are the targets a media that excuses their actions and efforts to rehabilitate them.
posted January 8, 2010 at 9:31 am
May God bless Brit Hume. I hope that Tiger will take his advice.
posted January 12, 2010 at 5:46 pm
St John 6:44 Jesus said “no man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him… We all need Jesus for we were all born in sin and shapen in iniquity. What Mr Tiger did was wrong but it is no worse than what you or I have done in the sight of God. Man kind make sin big or small, but in the sight of God sin is sin. In order for you and I and Mr Tiger to receive True forgiveness, he will have to be sorry from the soul (not sorry because he got caught and have no other choice). 2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorry worketh repentance unto salvation not to be repented of… So we have to come to God with our heart broken and contrite and reprent and ask God to forgive us of the wrong we have done to Him and ourselves. Only in Jesus can a soul be restored!
posted January 15, 2011 at 12:20 am
La ringrazio per intiresnuyu iformatsiyu