Brent Hume and Tiger

Recently news commentator Brent Hume said publically that he thought that Tiger Woods should consider Christianity for his ills, namely because it is a religion that offers forgiveness and reconciliation. Of course, many were offended, especially for some of his comments about Buddhism not having much to offer the man in this regard. So it got me thinking, what religions offer forgiveness and grace and, if they do, how?

Well, I'm not going to go through specifics, but a lot of other beliefs and religions teach forgiveness and grace amongst one another. Finding that union with one another is the ideal connection with god/spirituality/etc. It's a more dynamic role in the sense that it should be worked on with each other rather than appealed for to a higher deity. Of course, I understand a lot of Christianity teaches similar practices but basically just says its out of the ability of man to mend one's self and nature- an excuse if you ask me.

It failed to teach Brit Hume compassion.

Originally posted by TerrierJack
It failed to teach Brit Hume compassion.

Ouch!! Please elaborate.

Originally posted by ua41
Well, I'm not going to go through specifics, but a lot of other beliefs and religions teach forgiveness and grace amongst one another. Finding that union with one another is the ideal connection with god/spirituality/etc. It's a more dynamic role in the sense that it should be worked on with each other rather than appealed for to a higher deity. Of course, I un ...[text shortened]... st says its out of the ability of man to mend one's self and nature- an excuse if you ask me.

Actually I was wanting specifics. :'(

Please, if nothing else, do it for Tiger!!

Originally posted by whodey
Actually I was wanting specifics. :'(

Please, if nothing else, do it for Tiger!!

The goal should be for Tiger to be a better Buddhist and not a Christian.

Originally posted by kirksey957
The goal should be for Tiger to be a better Buddhist and not a Christian.

Maybe his goal should be to love his wife.

But now it appears it's too late for that.

It's a shame.

Originally posted by josephw
Maybe his goal should be to love his wife.

But now it appears it's too late for that.

It's a shame.

How do you know he does not love his wife?

Edit -- and why is it too late?

Originally posted by whodey
Recently news commentator Brent Hume said publically that he thought that Tiger Woods should consider Christianity for his ills, namely because it is a religion that offers forgiveness and reconciliation. Of course, many were offended, especially for some of his comments about Buddhism not having much to offer the man in this regard. So it got me thinking, what religions offer forgiveness and grace and, if they do, how?

The Jewish daily prayers include prayers for forgiveness. Clearly they believe that God in his chesed (grace, loving-kindness) is capable of forgiving.

Originally posted by vistesd
The Jewish daily prayers include prayers for forgiveness. Clearly they believe that God in his chesed (grace, loving-kindness) is capable of forgiving.

Thanks, any other religions like this? Anyone?

Originally posted by kirksey957
The goal should be for Tiger to be a better Buddhist and not a Christian.

But if the man is looking for forgiveness and reconciliation, what does Budhism have to offer in this regard?

Originally posted by whodey
But if the man is looking for forgiveness and reconciliation, what does Budhism have to offer in this regard?

The only Buddhism that I really know is Zen. There is no god to either forgive or condemn. You can seek forgiveness and reconciliation from the ones that you’ve harmed. The guiding ethical principle is compassion, so it is not just about receiving forgiveness, but seeking to repair the harm done to other—when possible.

There is also karma, and the opportunity to repair “bad” karma acquired from wrongdoing by acts of compassion—in this life-round or another (reincarnation). TerrierJack can probably speak to this better than I can.

Basically, the man you refer to would be seeking to do better, to act more compassionately, to undo harm where possible--and the enlightenment that allows one to do so.

A really good book, that offers perspectives from people in different religions is Simon Wiesenthaler’s The Sunflower. I remember finding Harold Kushner’s little essay in that book to be particularly helpful; but there are also contributions by the Dalai Lama, and a range of Christians.

Originally posted by josephw
Maybe his goal should be to love his wife.

But now it appears it's too late for that.

It's a shame.

You don't think she had something to do with it? (just a thought)

Originally posted by whodey
Ouch!! Please elaborate.

I won't speak for TerrierJack, but it seems that Hume fell in to the trap that so many Christians fall in to in their thinking, that is, it is all about sexual sin and the need to be forgiven for it. From a Buddhist perspective on suffering, wouldn't it be appropiate to look at maybe how he has too many "attachments" in his life that may be even beyond women? Is this not an issue that maybe Christians could learn from?

Originally posted by kirksey957
I won't speak for TerrierJack, but it seems that Hume fell in to the trap that so many Christians fall in to in their thinking, that is, it is all about sexual sin and the need to be forgiven for it. From a Buddhist perspective on suffering, wouldn't it be appropiate to look at maybe how he has too many "attachments" in his life that may be even beyond women? Is this not an issue that maybe Christians could learn from?

Too many attachments in his life? Forgive me brother kirksey but this sound awefully self centered. He had a wife and two kids in the mix. This is not just about Tiger. He had obligations and comittments that he fell woefully short of.

Are you saying then that Tiger does not need "forgiveness"?