Tebow’s Religion, and Ours

National Review Online ^ | December 3, 2011 | Daniel Foster

[wmfights]

When the Detroit Lions’ Stephen Tulloch sacked Tim Tebow in the first quarter of their week eight matchup, the linebacker immediately kneeled next to the prone Denver quarterback, in a mockery of Tebow’s habit of praying on-field, most recently seen after his miraculous fourth-quarter comeback against the Dolphins the week before.

The insult coincided with and reinforced the explosion of “Tebowing” as an Internet meme, complete with a Twitter account and web-site. There you can see an act of communion with one’s creator rendered as a bit of pop-cultural ephemera, and you can scroll through pictures of folks striking the pose everywhere from Oxford to Istanbul, with that muddle of irony and enthusiasm that has become my generation’s trademark.

But there isn’t an ironic bone in Tim Tebow’s body. That’s what makes him conspicuous. That’s what makes the fact that he’s managed to stay squeaky clean, in a sport that notoriously is not, conspicuous. And it’s why the power of Tebow’s evangelical-Christian faith, and the earnestness with which he professes it, seems to annoy so many people.

[wmfights]

Tebow is the last Boy Scout. A leader on the field and off who spent his college years not indulging in any of the worldly pleasures afforded to Heisman Trophy winners, but doing missionary work in Thailand; helping overworked doctors perform circumcisions in the Philippines (you read that right); and preaching at schools, churches, and even prisons. This is a young man with such a strong work ethic that, according to teammates, he can’t even be coaxed into hitting the town on a night after a Broncos win, because he is too busy preparing for the next week’s game. This is a young man who even turned the other cheek at Stephen Tulloch’s Tebowing, saying, “He was probably just having fun and was excited he made a good play and had a sack. And good for him.”

That’s way too much earnestness for the ironic. It’s way too much idealism for the cynical. And it’s way too much selflessness for the self-absorbed. In short, people aren’t upset at Tebow’s God talk. They’re upset that he might actually believe it.

[wmfights]

Ping

I thought it might be interesting to look at how our culture reacts to someone of enthusiastic faith. Anyone turned off by his non stop love for giving all credit to Jesus Christ?

[Godzilla]

In short, people aren’t upset at Tebow’s God talk. They’re upset that he might actually believe it.

Take it one step further, unabashedly, publically and unapologetically displays it.

[crazydad]

No but if he said Allah Ackbar after his TD or when he wins a game they would be fine with it.Screw the secularist.And haters will always hate good people and god loving people. Gooo Tebow.

[MuttTheHoople]

Notice the Detroit Lions have gone into the crapper since they mocked Tebow?

[GiovannaNicoletta]

Thanks for the ping, wmfights.

We live in a world that is at enmity with God and that is under control of Satan.

It is surprising when things like this don't happen. Everyone who mocks Christ and those who know Him and love Him and follow Him need to enjoy themselves in their fun because the day is coming soon when they will be kneeling before Christ Himself and they won't be laughing.

[dfwgator]

As a long-time Lions fan, and also after Suh’s thuggish behavior, I have decided to root for the Broncos exclusively for the rest of the season.

[princess leah]

Does anyone know how my 24 year old Christian daughter can meet Tim Tebow?

[wmfights]

Notice the Detroit Lions have gone into the crapper since they mocked Tebow?

I have, but I think that's because they play like a bunch of thugs.

[Salvation]

I always thought that Tebow was a Catholic because his mother chose not to abort him.

Evidently that is not the case.

[AnalogReigns]

athletes’ professions of faith strike most believers, nonbelievers, and agnostics alike as empty ritual, an extended solipsism in which big men with bigger egos congratulate themselves for having God on their side. How could it be otherwise? We see that in fact so many of them are supremely arrogant — materialists, abusers, and lechers.

No, Mr. Teebow certainly isn't one of those, surely he is sincere in his professions of faith.

However, given that football, along with all professional sports, are the closest thing we have to a national religion...with utterly fanatical devotees, engaged in real idolatry (which is why the teams have so much money to pay their players--and everyone else associated with them), for something that is really no more than athletic entertainment...I still feel an ambiguity for players' exhibitions of faith.

If Sunday is the Lord's Day--which the keeping of it is (still) one of the 10 Commandments (and up 100 years ago, nearly no serious Christian would violate...see "Chariots of Fire" anyone?), and something all professional and college athletes routinely violate....I just cannot see what all the fuss is about.

Teebow surely has a strong, real, faith.

He does, however--via participation in that profession--encourage idolatry, time wasting, and Sabbath breaking.

Doesn't sound that devout to me.

[cloudmountain]

I thought it might be interesting to look at how our culture reacts to someone of enthusiastic faith. Anyone turned off by his non stop love for giving all credit to Jesus Christ?

NOTHING angers people more than being SHOWN how frivolous, shallow and empty are their lives without Jesus. THAT is the main reason why Hollywood detests, loathes, deplores and abhors Jesus and Christianity.
That is why all the films that mock Jesus and Christians are made so often there. That is why Mel Gibson was excoriated for making The Passion of Christ. How DARE Gibson make such a movie? I watched it twice and wept through most of it. I can't watch it anymore!

NOTHING is more annoying to them to see the Suffering Jesus. How DARE anyone show those vapid souls The Way, The Truth and The Life?

Seeing the Christian athlete, especially if he's a vanilla, clean-cut guy AND good, is pure fodder for the souls who DON'T want any part of Our Lord.

My opinion.

[caww]

Ok W,fights...I'll bite on this a bit....

There was a time when our nation on a whole attended church every Sunday...prayed before school classes...even some businesses began the day with God. Our money bears his name as a nation under God (christian God...and sports events also began as so. And Governing offices committed our nation to Him. It was normal and acceptable since all knew this country was founded as a nation believing in the Christianity...and the God we serve. We even set aside a day to worship our God.

So what's happened? We don't do this now...and if we try we are fought by the enemy of men's souls using men to destroy the faith of this country...and transferring that faith to things which it ought not. We celebrate other nations holidays here...everyone coming here wants a piece of the pie and the freedom to promote their culture and their religion or ideology.

I don't think that's what God intended for this nation....throughout scripture God draws distinctions....He loves them and so do I....all flowers are not the same but they are all flowers...all trees despite their differences remain trees....and all citizens of this country regardless of their differences should remain or become AMERICANS in the nation under our God of whom they have come to.....and that without Hyphens. But that is no longer happening as mentioned.

Now we have muslims in our streets bowing before an imaginary God of their own creation.....we have environ-weenies bowing down to their mother Goya or whatever their mind wants to conceive.....we have fruit case false beliefs on a rampage with nothing to do about but to destroy the faith of this country....the hoards have invaded us just as they did Europe...but that did not happen until Europe ceased to Honor God. The same goes for us.

So with that in mind, under normal conditions of which we've known...the guy should likely not make such an ado at a sports event...it wouldn't be necessary....but in todays world I have to say go for it! It's about time Christians made it known this is the country we were given...and a country God built up...and we are proud to bow before Him....

and least any be mistaken about who our God is....we celebrate His coming this Christmas, we celebrate His Resurrection..and we will celebrate His coming again... His name is Jesus,.. the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, ..our Almighty God,.. The First and the Last,... the Prince of Peace,.. The Great I Am, ..He is Emmanuel God AMONG us,.. the Great Shepherd of the Sheep,.. the Light of the World, The LORD OF GLORY.. and we lift our hearts and declare..’THE KING IS COMING!

So yes...bow Tebow.....and bow again.. before those who would make a mockery of our country and our God...and let the chips fall where they may...let it be known we serve the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

[WPaCon]

Tebow’s critics have always maintained that he couldn’t be an NFL quarterback due to being inaccurate, having poor mechanics, not having enough talent, etc.

In many ways, they’re right, but that’s the beauty of Tebow.

The way he’s been winning these games in tight situations without much talent makes it seem as if he is winning only by the grace of God. And he may be.

If so, it’s a great way to show the power of God and faith to a national audience.

[cloudmountain]

Notice the Detroit Lions have gone into the crapper since they mocked Tebow?

It warms, I say, it warms the cockels of mah heart. (Foghorn Leghorn)

[wmfights]

We live in a world that is at enmity with God and that is under control of Satan.

You are so right!

Everyone who mocks Christ and those who know Him and love Him and follow Him need to enjoy themselves in their fun because the day is coming soon when they will be kneeling before Christ Himself and they won't be laughing.

Maybe the peer pressure to ridicule Tebow and discredit Christians in general is a way to avoid confronting the bigger questions. Is there a God? Is there a Heaven and Hell? If so where am I headed?

One thing I love about Tebow's witness is he makes it very hard for you not to think about where you fit in.

[cloudmountain]

Notice the Detroit Lions have gone into the crapper since they mocked Tebow?

It warms, I say, it warms the cockels of mah heart. (Foghorn Leghorn)

[WPaCon]

His specific denomination is not mentioned much, but I am pretty sure that I have read that he is Southern Baptist.

[cloudmountain]

ebow’s critics have always maintained that he couldn’t be an NFL quarterback due to being inaccurate, having poor mechanics, not having enough talent, etc. In many ways, they’re right, but that’s the beauty of Tebow.
The way he’s been winning these games in tight situations without much talent makes it seem as if he is winning only by the grace of God. And he may be.
If so, it’s a great way to show the power of God and faith to a national audience.

Reminds me of Joe Montana. His throw, his body...nothing that could predict his ability to win games. He seemed to have always won them in the 4th quarter.

[wmfights]

I always thought that Tebow was a Catholic because his mother chose not to abort him.

You know that's just ignorant. If you look at voting patterns you will find the strongest most consistent Pro-Life group in this country is Evangelical Christians. Your church has been a supporter of the Pro-Life movement, but only about 50-55% of your members vote that way.