My Tim Tebow Problem (Tebow Derangement Syndrome)

The Jewish Week ^ | December 12, 2011 | Rabbi Joshua Hammerman

[OddLane]

I’ve got a Tim Tebow problem.

I want to root for the guy, but I’m afraid of what will happen if the hulky Denver Bronco quarterback continues to pull off what is fast becoming the Greatest Gridiron Story Ever Told. Since taking over as starting quarterback earlier this season, the Heisman winning national champion from the University of Florida has been winning consistently and dramatically, in the final minutes of the game or overtime, relying on powerful legs rather than his infamously erratic arm and confounding skeptical fans along with the Bronco management, who, it is said, were hoping he would fail.

A poster boy of the Christian right, Tebow steadfastly thanks Jesus after every game and, while in college, often inscribed biblical messages on his eye paint. Homeschooled in Florida, this child of missionaries turned down his selection as a Playboy All American because it was, well, Playboy. His trademark prayerful touchdown celebration (imagine Rodin’s “Thinker” on bended knee, or your grandfather davening Tachanun with a football) has become a verb. Google “tebowing” and you’ll find 84 million hits, including lots of YouTube parodies. Tebow’s mother, a Baptist missionary, became comatose during her pregnancy and was saved by drugs that nearly killed the fetus. Doctors anticipated a stillbirth and recommended termination to protect her life, but Tim’s mother refused to abort. Trumpeting that decision, mother and son appeared in commercials for “Focus on the Family” during this past season’s Super Bowl.

[SES1066]

Apparently the bit in the original published article that was or contained the following has now been excised from the on-line content.

"If Tebow wins the Super Bowl, against all odds, it will buoy his faithful, and emboldened faithful can do insane things, like burning mosques, bashing gays and indiscriminately banishing immigrants."

I find this fascinating in a horrid fashion, like watching a bad NASCAR wreck. The idea that this was written seriously demonstrates that fanaticism and idiocy are universal.

[reaganaut]

I liked it. It was interesting, having grown up in a Jewish community but not a Jewish family, to see the clash between faith and cultural identity.

[US Navy Vet]

This CLOWN is as much of a “Rabbi” as Caiaphas was a “High Priest”.

[Donald Rumsfeld Fan]

Tebow was only caught about 3 times in the first three quarters. Everyone was dropping the balls. The last quarter they started catching the ball.

That was last Sunday's game against the Bears. ... where the field goal kicker saved the day.....Tebow executed key plays in the clutch to set up the two 50+ FG's ....one in OT....it was miraculous....marred by lot's of dropped Tebow passes in the first three quarters.

[OddLane]

I'm still pulling for them, even if they drive me absolutely batty in December.

[mountainlion]

He is off to a better start than John Elway. I think there will be many exciting seasons ahead. The last game was all I could watch as the government took away TV reception. I may break down and get satellite.

[chesley]

Well, thanks then. :)

And Merry Christmas

[OddLane]

Counterpoint

[reaganaut]

Merry Christmas to you as well. :)

[chesley]

A interesting reply.

As a rule I am a big fan of the Jewish people. I don't like secular Jews anymore than I like secular WASPs, but that's not because they are Jews.

About the only specific complaint I have is the idea that Christians shouldn't witness to Jews. Christians, in obeying Christ, MUST witness to ALL the world.

If a Jew, or anybody, is so insecure in their faith that they can't politely tell the Christian to take a hike if they don't want to hear what he has to say, is that the Christian's fault?

[Hot Tabasco]

You're a class A bigot, Rabbi.

No he's not........he's a closet Christian and a Bronco fan wannabe.......

[rmlew]

This "Rabbi" is a JSTreet board member, a gay marriage supporter (yes, I wrote the first comment), and a prime leftist hypocrite. He preaches tolerence, but tolerates none. He is an anti-Christian bigot and oikophobe who loves the WTC Victory Mosque, and hates middle America.

[OddLane]

The Jewish Week also has a pretty checkered past.

[POWERSBOOTHEFAN]

There are reasons why we Jews cannot accept Jesus.

Doing so is a big,big sin.

[chesley]

There are reasons why you will not, I agree. But as thousands of Jews do, there are no reasons why you cannot. At least IMO.

However, the great thing about America is that you are free to choose as you belive. And one of the great things about Christ is that no one is compelled to accept him. In fact it can’t be done. Sure you can be forced to be baptized, but baptism does not alone Christian make.

Well, as I know you are Jewish I won’t say “Merry Christmas” to you, but may God bless in this happy time.

[POWERSBOOTHEFAN]

There are plenty of reasons why we cannot accept Jesus. According to Judaism he is a false god and false gods cannot be worshiped. It is a grave sin and has dire consequences for the Jew who does so. We are forbidden from worshipping anyone other than G-d,for He alone is our Ruler and our Helper. He is the only Redeemer. Only He is G-d. To say that a man is G-d is heretical and blasphemous.

G-d made it very clear that He is not a man and that He has no human features,which means Jesus cannot be G-d.

My deepest hope is that these wayward Jews turn back to the truth of the Torah and of Judaism.

[chesley]

Well, we seem to have a different theological perspective as to what God has actually said.

I guess we’ll both find out one fine day.

Again, best wishes.

[POWERSBOOTHEFAN]

Best wishes to you,too,and a Happy and healthy New Year.

Stay safe!