How could you do that!?!?!?

August 14, 2003 11:32 AM

Dr. Laura Schlessinger renounces Orthodox Judaism: Although Schlessinger said she still "considers" herself Jewish, "My identifying with this entity and my fulfilling the rituals, etc., of the entity — that has ended." I'd link to the show in question but it appears to be available by subscription only.
posted by PinkStainlessTail (25 comments total)

what a sad day for God!
posted by Postroad at 11:39 AM on August 14, 2003

What a great day for Judaism. :) Add Sharon and Kissinger to the list, and we're golden.
posted by Marquis at 11:43 AM on August 14, 2003

"Schlessinger even hinted at a possible turn to Christianity — a move that, radio insiders say, would elevate her career far beyond the 300 stations that currently syndicate her show." (emphasis added)
posted by monju_bosatsu at 11:43 AM on August 14, 2003

I'm wondering why she would make this a public event, and coming up with some interesting explanations.
posted by orange swan at 11:46 AM on August 14, 2003

Dr. Laura...who cares?
posted by mygoditsbob at 11:56 AM on August 14, 2003

Sorry to be a snarky troll, but: "Leathery old bitch renounces outdated superstition, film at 11."
posted by Hildago at 11:57 AM on August 14, 2003

Any word yet on whether she's renounced her position as a shrewish, fundamentalist, half-insane twat?
posted by dhoyt at 12:04 PM on August 14, 2003

Jinx.
posted by dhoyt at 12:04 PM on August 14, 2003

She didn’t feel loved? Is that what choosing a religion’s about, whether it makes you feel loved? Ugh. Her line makes me think of the clichéd low-self-esteem person searching for love in easy sex.
posted by win_k at 12:06 PM on August 14, 2003

a move that, radio insiders say, would elevate her career far beyond the 300 stations that currently syndicate her show.

That is disturbing that if she went the Jesus way, she'd be on more stations. I didn't think in this day and age being Jewish would keep you out of some radio markets. What about the old line about "the jews run all the media in this country"?
posted by mathowie at 12:13 PM on August 14, 2003

What about the old line about "the jews run all the media in this country"?

At least they still have the international banks that will institute the New World Order in the coming century.
posted by nath at 12:14 PM on August 14, 2003

That is disturbing that if she went the Jesus way, she'd be on more stations.

Well, it worked for the President.
posted by stonerose at 12:16 PM on August 14, 2003

It's not that being Jewish keeps you out, it's that being Christian gets you in. Since Dr. Laura's message is very God-Centric, if she was a Christian she would be the ideal pickup for a Christian broadcasting station. The point, Mathowie, is there are tons of Christian stations which have Christian content only, and as Dr. Laura is Jewish and often refers to her religion, she isn't right for a Christian station, most of whom have a mission statement to spread the gospel.
posted by cell divide at 12:24 PM on August 14, 2003

Maybe they meant that Christian radio stations would carry her.

I have to admit I used her program to bring up lots of topics with my teenagers-till the local station kicked her to the curb in favor of Sean Hannity.
posted by konolia at 12:24 PM on August 14, 2003

"Dr. Laura always equated her morals and ethics with Jewish morals and ethics."

I grew up an Orthodox Jew, and she pissed off basically everyone I knew by doing that. It's funny how two people of the same religion can believe opposite things, both justified by the same religion. It reminds me of a quote I came across yesterday:

"Religion is an insult to human dignity. With or without it you would have good people doing good things and evil people doing evil things. But for good people to do evil things, that takes religion." - Steven Weinberg
posted by callmejay at 12:46 PM on August 14, 2003

"From my own religion, I have either gotten nothing, which is 99% of it, or two of the nastiest letters I have gotten in a long time. I guess that's my point — I don't get much back. Not much warmth coming back."

Could that be because, maybe, possibly, just on the edge of plausibility, that she's an obnoxious asshole that no-one personally likes?

I lived as an Orthodox Jew for three years, seeking a conversion, in my youth. I have never been among a more caring, considerate, and supportive community. That she doesn't see this speaks not to the character of Judaism, but rather to the character of Schlessinger.
posted by Cerebus at 12:53 PM on August 14, 2003

I lived as an Orthodox Jew for three years, seeking a conversion, in my youth. I have never been among a more caring, considerate, and supportive community. That she doesn't see this speaks not to the character of Judaism, but rather to the character of Schlessinger

well said, cerebus.
posted by Espoo2 at 4:18 PM on August 14, 2003

Although I've never really given it much thought...I always assumed she was a goyem who married a nice Jewish boy...
posted by dejah420 at 4:27 PM on August 14, 2003

The linked article doesn't seem to be working, but a quick google news search pointed to this article, which, if anything, seems to point towards Schlessinger's return to atheism. It sure sounds like a bright idea to me.

(ducks incoming decayed produce)
posted by LimePi at 5:35 PM on August 14, 2003

. . . which, if anything, seems to point towards Schlessinger's return to atheism.

No it doesn't. She will most likely become a christian of some sort.
posted by dgaicun at 5:49 PM on August 14, 2003

She will most likely become a christian of some sort.

Lutheran, with Calvinist leanings.
posted by kavasa at 6:52 PM on August 14, 2003

Financial, with hording leanings.
posted by five fresh fish at 11:30 PM on August 14, 2003

Damnit, and I used to console myself with the thought that at least she wasn't a member of the same religion as me.

Damn.
posted by unreason at 5:42 AM on August 15, 2003

Speaking as a Lutheran, we'll welcome her but we have some concerns she might want to consider. We have enough problems here in the ELCA without any strong Calvinist streaks, or any other kind of disdain of sinners, thankyouverymuch.

Back when she went Ortho, she joked that giving up BLTs wasn't an easy sacrifice for her. I hope she treats herself to one on toasted sourdough -- the perfect summer treat with a tall iced tea.

I think basically there's a good person in there somewhere but she's also got a control-freak tendency. Pretty unfortunate thing to have when you're giving millions of radio listeners advice.
posted by alumshubby at 11:05 AM on August 15, 2003

Who?
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 7:03 PM on August 15, 2003