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On Fox News Sunday, political analyst Brit Hume offered some unsolicited theological advice to embattled golfer Tiger Woods.

"The extent to which he can recover seems to me depends on his faith. 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. My message to Tiger would be, 'Tiger, turn to the Christian faith and you can make a total recovery and be a great example to the world."


By talking about religion on a news program, Hume sparked debate across many quarters.

We’re looking at different perspectives on the issue from ElephantJournal.com, MSNBC, The Boston Globe, and The Washington Post.

First, ElephantJournal.com offers a tongue-in-cheek response to Hume’s remarks about Buddhism.

"Little does Brit realize that not only are we Buddhists temperamentally unable to forgive, our various secret ninja societies will hunt him down and unforgive him until he cries out in the dark for his mother."

MSNBC’s Pat Buchanan and Keith Olbermann take opposite positions. Buchanan supports Hume and says that there’s nothing inappropriate about his remarks.  Olbermann says it’s not OK for Hume to bring up the topic of religion -- nor to criticize Buddhism.

BUCHANAN: “A lot of us feel that there ought to be more discussion of religion in politics and religious beliefs and what’s moral and right and wrong.”

OLBERMANN: “This crosses that principal of keep religious advocacy out of public life since, you know, the worst examples of that are jihadists, not to mention, you know, guys who don't know their own religions or somebody else's religion like Brit Hume."

An editorial in The Boston Globe says Hume’s advice ignores misbehavior by politicians vocal about their faith.

“…commitment to Christianity couldn’t prevent Bill Clinton from dallying with an intern, Senator David Vitter from contracting with prostitutes, and Senator Larry Craig from being arrested for solicitation in a men’s room, amid thousands of other examples.”

The Washington Post’s Tom Shales writes that before people criticize Hume, they need to understand where he’s coming from – that he turned to Christianity after his son committed suicide.

“It would be indefensibly insensitive to mock Hume for his beliefs, especially considering the way he came to them, but that still doesn't mean one must cheer him on as he tries to turn a bully pulpit into a pulpit, period.”

So what do you think?  Did Brit Hume overstep the bounds of journalism?  Or is it okay to mix some faith in with the news? 

Politics News

Hume’s Heavenly Advice

January 7, 2010
(2:31)
On Fox News Sunday, political analyst Brit Hume offered some unsolicited theological advice to embattled golfer Tiger Woods.
   
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