The Critics of Buddhism

Recently Brit Hume, the news commentator, ignited a small firestorm when he suggested that golfer Tiger Woods would do well to leave behind his interest in Buddhist philosophy and return to his Christian roots, since, he maintained, Christianity offers real "redemption". Understandably, many who admire and respect Buddhism were insulted and saddened by Mr. Hume's lack of insight. His remarks were unfortunate and indefensible.



However, if Hume had simply prefaced his remarks by offering the caveat "In my opinion...", then his critics would simply have to acknowledge that Hume was exercising his rights of free speech, and therefore they could only disagree with his conclusions. However, Hume seemed to speak with an air of absolutism that has characterized Christian apologetics too much across the centuries. If he were to study Christianity and Buddhism in greater depth, he might discover that they are not as far apart as he might think. But the purpose of this article is not to defend one way of life against another; it is up to each individual to make his or her own choices.



Perhaps my goal here is, ironically, to defend--a bit--Brit Hume, and I write these words as someone who deeply loves the Buddhist philosophy and has drawn much comfort (and even redemption) from its teachings. As far as we know, Hume has never killed a Buddhist and has never denied basic human rights to a Buddhist. On the other hand, in many countries Buddhism is not given official status and freedom of expression. Priceless Buddhist shrines and relics, all a part of our shared heritage as human beings, have been mercilessly destroyed, and some Buddhists have had to face discrimination and outright persecution. If Mr. Hume has been guilty of any of these things, then he surely needs to be exposed and censured--but I doubt that he has ever done so, and I even suspect that he would fight to defend the rights of Buddhists everywhere.



It is our duty always to speak out against prejudice and discrimination wherever we find it. Differences of opinion and disagreements do not fall into that category. Those who would defend Buddhism must speak out against the overt acts of political and religious repression that have attacked their way of life, wherever they are found.



Thanks,

Gary