Jon Stewart Targets Christians and Scientology in Divisive TV Return

Jon Stewart recently made his return to television with “The Daily Show.” This comes after a nine-year break. During his comeback appearance, he spoke about several topics, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Scientology, and religion.

Stewart’s Opinions On Religion

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During his comeback episode, Stewart spoke about the Israel-Palestinian conflict. He joked that Christians could help to campaign for a ceasefire in Gaza. He referred to them as a “small religious start-up out of Bethlehem,” which was a clear joke about them being one of the biggest religions in the world.

Solutions for Peace

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Amid the serious discussions on how to end the conflict between Israel and Hamas, Stewart offered his own “solutions for peace.” He joked about how ineffective he believes current proposals are at solving the conflict. Stewart also spoke about how divine intervention could prove to be a better solution to the conflict.

Addressing the Conflict

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At the same time, Stewart also addressed the intense military exchanges between Israel and Palestine. He spoke about how dire the situation was and the human toll of the conflict. He also spoke about the international approach to the situation. Stewart questioned how certain measures haven’t “been scaled up yet. And may take longer than we have.”

The Role of International Players

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Equally, Steward did not shy away from criticizing the roles of international groups such as the United Nations and regional powers like Egypt and Saudi Arabia in the ongoing conflict. He argued that their work hadn’t been good enough to secure peace for the area. Stewart implied there needed to be greater efforts in resolving the area’s conflict.

Televangelist John Hagee’s Sermon

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Stewart then highlighted a sermon by televangelist John Hagee. He spoke about Hagee’s dramatic proclamation about Jesus Christ’s return and the alleged following battle. Hagee claimed, “Jesus Christ is going to sweep over that battlefield and to annihilate that army of 200 million people. The blood will flow to the bridle of a horse.”

Stewart’s Reaction to Hagee

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Speaking about Hagee’s sermon, Stewart said, “so that’s the plan for the Prince of Peace? I am not an equestrian expert, but if the blood goes all the way to the bridle, that’s an enormous amount of blood, no? Unless we’re talking about the mini horses. Because that’s still, it’s a lot of blood, but more manageable, and adorable.”

Stewart on Scientology

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Stewart also joked about Scientology during his segment on the show. He spoke about Jerusalem, which was “[God’s] house. He’s the one who started all this. Just ask God. He can tell us who is right. Is it the Jews? Is it the Muslims? Is it the Zoroastrians? If it’s the Scientologists, a lot of us are going to have egg on our faces.”

Stewart’s Greater Role

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In his return to the show, Stewart has also expanded his role. Previously, he worked solely as a host. Now, he is also the show’s executive producer. This position allows him to have a greater influence on the show’s direction, content, and creative process. As such, his vision and voice have become a key part of the program.

The Problem with Jon Stewart

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Before his return, Stewart hosted “The Problem with Jon Stewart” on Apple TV+. The show ran for two seasons but was eventually canceled due to ‘creative differences.’ Some political analysts have argued that this shows the challenges Stewart faces over his political voice in mainstream media.

Moving From Stand-Up

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Before appearing on television, Stewart began his career in stand-up comedy. He worked on shows like “Short Attention Span Theater” and “The Jon Stewart Show” on MTV. Eventually, Stewart became known for his time as a satirical news anchor on “The Daily Show,” which went on to influence several other shows.

Support Beyond Comedy

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Beyond television and comedy, Stewart has been an active supporter of various social causes, including 9/11 first responders and war veterans. His support has led to important legislation. For example, he helped to pass the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act and the Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022.

Global Influence

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Outside of the United States, Stewart has been influential in creating several versions of satirical news shows. For instance, Bassem Youssef, known as the “Jon Stewart of Egypt,” started a YouTube show modeled on “The Daily Show.” This became very important during and after the 2011 Egyptian revolution.

Legacy in Political Comedy

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Stewart’s time on “The Daily Show” helped to transform the program. It also had a lasting impact on political satire and comedy. Many of his former correspondents and writers have gone on to become important figures in comedy. For example, many people credit Stewart with the rise of people like Trever Noah.

Impact on Political Discourse

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Similarly, Stewart’s work on “The Daily Show” has helped to change the way audiences engage with political discussions. Many political analysts have praised his method of blending humor with serious commentary to inform and entertain. His approach to satire has influenced public opinion and engagement, particularly among younger demographics.

Exploration of Political Themes in Film

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After leaving “The Daily Show,” Stewart directed “Irresistible.” Like the original show, this was a political comedy film that explored ideas of campaign finance and electoral politics. While the film received mixed reviews for its handling of political satire, it clearly shows Stewart’s ongoing interest in political themes and his efforts to critique and engage with the political system.