Brit Hume, evangelist!
January 06, 2010
by Pastor Jeremiah
Should Tiger become a Christian? Apparently, Brit Hume, the Fox news commentator turned evangelist thinks so. He encouraged Tiger (see video below) to turn to Christ and Christianity in order to seek the forgiveness that he so desperately needs in order to reconcile with his wife and family. The media has been having a field day with Brit's bold assertion that Christianity could actually reform Tiger. Could turning to Christ really do golf's superstar any good?
Just yesterday I was listening to a morning talk show that featured this controversy. This particular show has five different commentators and they were clearly upset about how Brit was assuming that Christianity was more effective than Buddhism in seeking forgiveness. Ironically, they were all professing Christians. This raises a whole set of questions in my mind. First off, why would you choose to be a Christian if you think it's powerless? Secondly, in light of the fact that Jesus final command to his disciples was go into the world and make more disciples, how could you be upset, as a Christian, that Brit Hume made a suggestion to Tiger that the cross might make a difference?
Why do we get upset when people try to convert others? Don't we live in a Democracy? Isn't this the land with a marketplace of ideas and free speech? If somebody told me that Buddhism's eight-fold path was going to offer me more than the resurrection of Jesus Christ, I may have a good laugh, but I certainly wouldn't find it offensive. They are merely stating their opinion. They have obviously found it helpful where as I am of the opinion that ...well, let's just say I've looked into it.
At the same time, I get irritated by Christians who arrogantly provide solutions to problems they know nothing about. As a general rule, evangelism is most effective when it is shared as a response, not unsolicited advice. Telling people what to do without the context of a relationship will always come out sounding self righteous. In summary, when it comes to evangelism, let's be more like Jesus. Jesus' love for people led him to ask people questions, extend to them mercy, meet their needs, and hear their stories. Otherwise, our suggestions to choose Christianity and find forgiveness in Christ will be a resounding gong!
*If you live in, or around Seattle, we invite you to come worship with us at Westside church this weekend!
Thu, 02/18/2010 - 5:16pm
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