Article By Jamie Johnson // EEW Magazine // Faith Issues

The statement of forgiveness by Botham Jean’s younger brother to the former police officer who shot and killed his sibling has been a hot topic across America.

Brandt Jean’s shocking display of grace also made it to the hot topics table on The View, Thursday, Oct. 3— and co-host Whoopi Goldberg responded by saying, “Now that’s a Christian.”

The 63-year-old actress and comedian, who has been critical of some of the past behaviors of evangelical leaders, seemed impressed.

Her observation was initially met with radio silence from fellow panelists Abby Huntsman, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, and Meghan McCain, as well as the live studio audience.

When 18-year-old Jean told Guyger, “I wasn't gonna ever say this in front of my family or anyone, but I don't even want you to go to jail," no one was prepared for those sentiments.

“I was stunned,” said Goldberg, stammering through her commentary.

“Apparently, so were other members of the family,” she added.

Brandt Jean, whose brother, Botham Jean, lived in the fourth-floor apartment directly above Guyger’s, told the former Texas police officer that his brother would have wanted her to turn her life over to Christ and that if she asks God for forgiveness, she will get it.

The jury convicted Guyger of murder in the September 2018 killing, which Guyger attributed to mistaking Jean’s apartment for her own.

While some have applauded the courtroom kumbaya, others condemned Jean’s actions, saying he should not have offered forgiveness so quickly if at all.

But on the daytime talker, EGOT-winning Goldberg was careful to point out that, because the public is not in the family’s shoes, whether one agrees or disagrees, “None of us can judge that.”

Judge Tammy Kemp, who presided over the trial, also hugged the ex-cop after jurors sentenced her to 10 years in prison. She also offered the convicted murderer her personal Bible and told her to read a specific passage: John 3:16.

“We’ll always have to ask the question, ‘Could we be so big?’” observed Goldberg, who concluded, “I don’t know if I could be.”

Begin watching The View segment at the 9:50 mark.