TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2011
Jewish Libertarian defends Tim Tebow
by Wayne Root
I'm a Jew. I'm also an American who loves his country. This is the country where a Jewish blue-collar S.O.B. (son of a butcher) wound up graduating from an Ivy League university, married a former Miss Oklahoma, became a self-made millionaire, and then became- against all odds- the Libertarian Party Vice Presidential nominee. Today my home-schooled daughter attends Harvard. As Don King says, "Only in America!"
This is the greatest country in the history of the world because regardless of race, sex, religion, or humble beginnings anything is possible. I am living proof.
The foundation of our greatness is our unique relationship with God, faith and prayer. Whether we are Jews, Christians, or any other religion, together we are Americans. No country has ever based its very being as deeply on faith and God's blessings, nor guaranteed its citizens such freedom of religion as America. The result has been the most blessed and successful country in world history.
A few days ago when I heard that a prominent Jewish Rabbi had written a commentary criticizing Tim Tebow and worrying about the effect Tebow's success as a devout Christian and NFL superstar would have on diversity and religious tolerance in America, I was shocked, disgusted, and disappointed. The rabbi's comments were callous, ignorant, and offensive, and coming from a place of fear, anger, weakness, jealousy, and envy.
Tim Tebow's remarkable, magical, extraordinary success as an NFL quarterback isn't just about sports, or his deep faith in Jesus Christ. It's about leadership. It's about sportsmanship. It's about morality. It's about a foundation of incredible work ethic. It's about, finally having a superstar athlete who is truly a role model. Tim Tebow should be everyone's All American. He is the kind of man every American- of any religion- should be proud of.
Like most Americans I love God, country, apple pie, motherhood, the NFL, and Tim Tebow. Devout Christians in America love Jews and have become Israel's strongest supporters.
I don't know Tim Tebow personally, but I'm willing to bet that he has already forgiven that rabbi. I'm willing to bet that Tebow is a strong supporter of Israel. Ironically, devout evangelical Christians are far stronger supporters of Israel than liberal "reformed Jews" like this rabbi (who made politically liberal comments in the same commentary).
I think every American- including rabbis- should celebrate the values of Tim Tebow.
Photo credit - Smartasssports.com
I'm a Jew. I'm also an American who loves his country. This is the country where a Jewish blue-collar S.O.B. (son of a butcher) wound up graduating from an Ivy League university, married a former Miss Oklahoma, became a self-made millionaire, and then became- against all odds- the Libertarian Party Vice Presidential nominee. Today my home-schooled daughter attends Harvard. As Don King says, "Only in America!"
This is the greatest country in the history of the world because regardless of race, sex, religion, or humble beginnings anything is possible. I am living proof.
The foundation of our greatness is our unique relationship with God, faith and prayer. Whether we are Jews, Christians, or any other religion, together we are Americans. No country has ever based its very being as deeply on faith and God's blessings, nor guaranteed its citizens such freedom of religion as America. The result has been the most blessed and successful country in world history.
A few days ago when I heard that a prominent Jewish Rabbi had written a commentary criticizing Tim Tebow and worrying about the effect Tebow's success as a devout Christian and NFL superstar would have on diversity and religious tolerance in America, I was shocked, disgusted, and disappointed. The rabbi's comments were callous, ignorant, and offensive, and coming from a place of fear, anger, weakness, jealousy, and envy.
Tim Tebow's remarkable, magical, extraordinary success as an NFL quarterback isn't just about sports, or his deep faith in Jesus Christ. It's about leadership. It's about sportsmanship. It's about morality. It's about a foundation of incredible work ethic. It's about, finally having a superstar athlete who is truly a role model. Tim Tebow should be everyone's All American. He is the kind of man every American- of any religion- should be proud of.
Like most Americans I love God, country, apple pie, motherhood, the NFL, and Tim Tebow. Devout Christians in America love Jews and have become Israel's strongest supporters.
I don't know Tim Tebow personally, but I'm willing to bet that he has already forgiven that rabbi. I'm willing to bet that Tebow is a strong supporter of Israel. Ironically, devout evangelical Christians are far stronger supporters of Israel than liberal "reformed Jews" like this rabbi (who made politically liberal comments in the same commentary).
I think every American- including rabbis- should celebrate the values of Tim Tebow.
Photo credit - Smartasssports.com