Posted on 01/16/2012 11:30:17 AM PST by shortstop
Why do they mock Tebow?
And why do we let them?
In what is arguably the most religiously tolerant society in human history, how is it that, in the modern age, the religious expression of an athlete is the brunt of jokes and the target of mockery?
Why don’t we denounce that for the bigotry it is?
Because our tolerance is in name only.
And it is unevenly applied.
In America, intolerance of the minority is rejected, but intolerance of the majority is expected.
Tim Tebow is mocked not because he is religious, but because he is Christian.
Were he similarly zealous in devotion to a minority religion, his piety would be solemnly respected. If a Muslim playing in the NFL knelt in prayer, or expressed gratitude to his God for his professional success, he would be lionized for his bravery. His religious views would be treated with reverential respect.
He would be seen as a great example of his faith and the nation would honor him and his religion.
The same would be true for a Hindu or a Buddhist or a Wiccan.
But not for a Christian.
Because there is a double standard of religion in this country. Christians, particularly conservative or Bible-based Christians, are treated as inferior oddballs, as benighted Neanderthals with small minds and small views.
You can see that in the coverage of the Republican presidential race. And in the reporting on Tim Tebow.
If the snide player remarks about Tim Tebow had been made about a Muslim player, the commissioner and the league would have levied sanctions. If that same Muslim player had had his religion mocked on a late-night talk show, the nation would be aghast.
But not with Tebow.
Not with a Christian.
That is wrong, and it should be challenged. Instead of silently suffered, it should be publicly denounced.
There should be one standard of respect for religion in this country. The way we treat minority religions is closest to what is right. There should be neighborly respect and tolerance.
But what’s good for the goose should be good for the gander, and all religions – including the majority religion – should be respected.
Too often in the media, there is a condescension toward conservative Christians. That is a reflection of the philosophical prejudices of the media culture and of the liberal agenda.
That is ironic because the best virtues of American society are found in Christian teachings. In fact, American liberty could never have arisen without the seedbed of Christian faith. Not that one must be a Christian to be an American, but that the fundamental worth of the individual, and the moral freedom of the individual, are ideas which philosophically arose as outgrowths of Christian belief.
It was the reading of the Bible and faith in the Christian God which gave rise to the independence of thought necessary to conceive of and fight for liberty.
That is not to denigrate any other faith. It is simply to recognize the reality of American history.
America’s tolerance is fundamentally a product of its Christianity.
Which is why it is doubly disappointing to see American Christianity increasingly facing intolerance.
As evidenced by the mocking of Tim Tebow.
The First Amendment – like all of the Constitution – is both a reflection of and an inspiration for the American character. The First Amendment says two things about religion – that the government shall not declare an official religion, and that the government may not interfere with the practice of religion.
American culture reflects that second guarantee in the accepting attitude of its citizens.
Or at least it used to.
Increasingly, we whittle the freedom of religion down to just the freedom of worship. Yes, you can go behind closed doors on Sunday morning and worship as you please, but if you bring your religion back out with you, into the public square, you will find hostility and criticism.
Especially if you are Christian.
And that must end.
Because a nation is better if its people are religious. Not just on their holy days and in their places of worship, but every day, and in every part of their lives.
Tim Tebow merely attempts to do that.
He is a Christian, and he has chosen to live a Christ-centered life.
And in the land of the free, he should be allowed to.
Without being laughed at.
“....but he that doth the will of my Father who is in heaven....”
Therein lies the rub.
In otherwords.... knowing that they wouldn’t get into heaven, they must pretend there is no such thing.
But PRO football isn't interested in good kids and great role models. Remember, it is run by the government.
What is the national sport of ISLAM?
Thank you so much for sharing your insights, dearest sister in Christ!
Several things come to mind but none of which I’d call “sport.”
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