So, Ann Coulter did an interview on CNBC the other day, and the petitions to have her banned from television are proceeding according to schedule. The headlines state that it’s about her saying that “Jews need to be perfected.” Actually, that precise phrase was only used by the host, Donny Deutsch (who is Jewish). You need to read the transcript of that entire segment of the show (which is at this link) in order to get a sense of how badly Deutsch seemed to want to misunderstand Coulter and rejoice in taking offense. Of-course, Ann’s style of debate, via brash one-liners and punchlines, is maybe not the best basis for a theological discussion. But, ask her a question and you get an answer. A portion of the relevant transcript goes:

DEUTSCH: Why don’t I put you with the head of Iran? I mean, come on. You can’t believe that.

COULTER: The head of Iran is not a Christian.

DEUTSCH: No, but in fact, “Let’s wipe Israel” –

COULTER: I don’t know if you’ve been paying attention.

DEUTSCH: “Let’s wipe Israel off the earth.” I mean, what, no Jews?

COULTER: No, we think — we just want Jews to be perfected, as they say.

DEUTSCH: Wow, you didn’t really say that, did you?

COULTER: Yes. That is what Christianity is. We believe the Old Testament, but ours is more like Federal Express. You have to obey laws. We know we’re all sinners –

DEUTSCH: In my old days, I would have argued — when you say something absurd like that, there’s no –

COULTER: What’s absurd?

DEUTSCH: Jews are going to be perfected. I’m going to go off and try to perfect myself –

COULTER: Well, that’s what the New Testament says.

Coulter’s fundamental point is that Christians believe that Jesus died for the sins of humanity, and that believing in Him is the path to salvation. And further, she is saying that while following the laws of Scripture can lead Jews to salvation, it would be a whole lot easier to believe in Jesus and get to heaven that way. The first point is orthodox Christianity — indeed, there can be no Christianity without that belief, surely. The second (actually two points) is a little more debatable, but certainly many believing Christians would endorse it; i.e., it is not so bizarre and radical, and believing such things does not lead Christians in America to persecute or kill Jews (at least not according to my morning paper). And her expressed wish that Jews — or anyone else — would come to believe in Jesus is of-course perfectly reflective of the missionary nature of Christianity. Absent compulsion of any kind, it is just that: a wish.

However, as soon as you get into making statements of theological import in a public setting — let alone on this kind of cable TV show — you’re also going to get into areas where like-minded people disagree. Ann Coulter isn’t representing any particular denomination that I know of. My understanding of her affiliation is that she considers herself a Christian and doesn’t adhere, um, religiously, to one church. When it comes to the question of whether and how Jews can get to heaven, I think it’s fair to say you’d get a variety of opinions from Christians, and a variety of stances from Christian denominations. Some would agree with Ann, that following Scriptural law will get them there (yikes, how many does that help?). Some would undoubtedly say that since the only way to get to heaven is by believing in Jesus, sorry, Jews don’t make it — been nice knowing you, though. Still others would say that while Christians must believe that Jesus is the sole source of salvation ( “no one comes to the Father except through me”) this does not preclude Jesus from ultimately dispensing that salvation to whomever he chooses; i.e., God is the judge, and if salvation is given to those who didn’t believe on earth as you did, then it is not for you to be jealous or offended, but rather to simply be grateful for your own salvation. And then, there are doubtless many more nuanced positions on the issue.

It’s above my pay grade to argue the details of the different points of view. However, I felt I needed to speak up at least a bit for Ann Coulter in this case. After all, the poor woman cannot but be exhausted and dazed from depositing all her book royalties. And now, more publicity. How is she ever going to manage?

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