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1.20.2012

The Tebow Effect



It's been said that everyone loves Tim Tebow...except for everyone who hates him.

His religious displays at football games seem to be at the crux of the controversy and I have to admit, a little much for me too. My Steelers have Troy Polamalu, also deeply religious, who discreetly prays to himself on the sidelines...more my speed.

Just as many people applaud Tim Tebow for exactly what makes me uncomfortable about him, so which side of the fence do you lie on?

It's Feedback Friday...

Are you on the Tim Tebow bandwagon or are you among those who he rubs the wrong way?

Do you find "Tebowing" inspirational or unnecessary?

40 comments:

  1. For me it's the way he's built his brand, and it almost seems like it's more for show than it is about his personal beliefs. I'm more in your camp about this one.

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  2. Great topic!

    I'm pretty religious and think it's great that he is inspiring so many people to come to Christ. I guess it's better than using your fame to sell sneakers or beer. That being said, it is a little much and I'm not sure why it all makes me cringe a little bit. After much thought, here is what I've come up with: a)I feel guilty that I'm not praising God with every breath b) I hold my relationship with God sacred -the whole idea of "not casting your pearls before swine" C) I think we should be trying to everyday be more like the Savior and align our actions with His will, but I don't think we are puppets and that if we pray hard enough He will influence sport's scores. I prefer my miracles to be the healing of the sick variety.
    PS-Mormonism-it's all true :)

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  3. After tim tebow wore John 3:16 on his eye black at the 09 champion ships 90milliom googled the verse. That means 90 million hears the gospel because one man took a stand. Why should we be descrete about loving Jesus when Jesus so openly loves and forgives us. I say yay for tebow!

    Although ain't no QB like drew breese!! :)

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  4. I LOVE Tim Tebow! My son sat on a shuttle for 35 minutes with his mom several months ago and said she was amazing. Unlike most Christians, he is not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God to all those that believe! God will not be ashamed of Tim when they meet face to face.

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  5. Now that I think about it, I'm feeling all guilty. When it's our time to make an accounting of our lives, I don't think anyone will be faulted for praising God too much. (but it's still makes me uncomfortable-so I'm conflicted)

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  6. Totally on the Tim Tebow bandwagon! First, he never made a production out of his faith or praying - the MEDIA did! He was just doing what every Christian is called to do, one photographer captured it, and it became a media frenzy. I give a lot of credit to a guy who doesn't back down his beliefs after all the criticism and jokes that have occurred since! Second, what better role model could I ask for for my children that are just starting to enjoy sports and athletes? Instead of a being talked about for raping women, he's being talked about for praising God? Awesome!!! And third, all of his faith has led to an incredible amount of curiosity about Christianity. While there's no way to know for sure how many lives have truly changed due tip the Tebow craze, it's safe to say the door has been opened for many, many people! Again, isn't that the call of all Christians? To build the kingdom of Heaven? Believe me, I don't think any athlete deserves to be idolized or worshipped - that belongs to and God alone - but it's such a breath I fresh air to see a person

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    1. Living out their faith in such a positive and promising way!

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  7. I find it annoying and I'm not sure I'm buying it.

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  8. Not a football fan - and haven't seen much of the hoopla - that being said I think that each of us is hardwired to behave in certain ways - and some of us are bolder than others. It seems to be the media that has really made a show of this - but I would classify Tebow's reaction as "boldly speaking the gospel" as Paul and Barnabas did in Acts 14:3. However the gospel is preached - it is all good!

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  9. I wonder how it would go over if a Muslim or a Hindu were to make a public display of faith on a sports playing field..... I find it to be obnoxious and scary. I worry sometimes that what has happened in other countries, a strong and very aggressive religious group would demand that everyone else must follow their religious group's orders, women must be veiled and covered from head to toe, mandatory prayers several times daily, that it could happen here, the Christian equivalent of the taliban .

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  10. Great question :)

    Anon has me cracking up...Christian version of the taliban...really?!? People need to get a grip. One guy praying on the sidelines and everyone looses their minds ;) It's funny because I thought the whole basis of our country was founded on religious freedom...which is great, except everyone goes crazy when it's a Christian expressing their belief.

    If you like it, great...have at it. If you don't like it, don't watch it, the "taliban" isn't going to come to your house and force you to wear his jersey...no one cares.

    At the end of the day, he's just a guy. There are plenty of others sacrificing everything they have to bring the love of Christ to people in need...those are the ones who'll get my admiration.

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  11. We are all raised with different religious views, I guess to explain my discomfort I would have to quote the reading that comes to mind:

    "A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew....

    Beware of practising your piety before others in
    order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from
    your Father in heaven.
    "

    I guess I just feel like it is so showy when he should be demonstrating his faith in the way he lives and treats others not praying about a football game. If he did the same thing in regards to the homeless, the sick, the destitute, I probably would have no uncomfortable feelings at all. Does that make sense?

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  12. I totally agree with Shelly. I feel like most Christians are afraid of speaking out about our religion because everyone else will criticize us.

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  13. @Jennifer, if you read more about him you would know that he flies a different family in need (sort of like Make a Wish but he doesn't exclude adults) to each and every game, eats dinner with them, gives them a tour of the stadium and locker room, hangs out with them AFTER the game, and sends them home. This is just one of the ways he lives out what he believes. Makes me sick that the media has honed in on someone for acting out his faith rather than the bad boys of sports who are more famous for dogfighting rings, drugs, domestic violence, cheating on their spouses, etc. Why are people so quick to crucify someone who's just living his faith out loud?

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  14. I consider myself a very "religious" person...but I get so annoyed by this whole thing. Yes, the media did make this a bigger deal then he probably meant it to be however, why can't you pray in the locker room or at home before you head to the game. I'm sure there are just as many religious people on the field and are they all praying on the sidelines? Does God really care who wins the football game (I probably just offended a whole group of people who football is a religion:)?!

    There are bigger things going on in the world for God to be worrying about then any sports event, reality tv show, or who's winning some Hollywood award.

    I, just like the next christian, want people to know God and to hear his gospel...but all of this media attention with Tebow is negative....drives me nuts!

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  15. This article explains it better than I did.

    http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/id/7455943/believing-tim-tebow

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  16. To further explain my point, The Republican primary campaigns are all about who's the most Christian, the most conservative. There have been for many years remarks about several other candidates faith or lack of faith that may or may not be Christian. Kennedy was criticized because he was Catholic, Obama was suspected of being Muslim, Rommney is a Mormon. I agree with Juniper. Religion is a private affair to me.Regarding the basis for the founding of our government on religious freedom, I believe that all religious groups should be included.

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  17. Jennifer, I agree with you..kind of, sort of... ;) That verse is about being all showy to uplift your status instead of your God. At first, I'm sure that before all of this media garbage, there was some pure intention behind this stance....and probably still is. The thing that annoys me is that Tebowing has become so sensationalized that it's nothing more than planking or owling...just the next youtube fad.

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  18. The John 3:16 situation became elevated after the game with the Steelers. For those who don't know, not only does Tebow talk about John 3:16, but in that game he threw for 316 yards and averaged 31.6 yards per pass. Most would argue that those were amazing concidences. Others would say it was a miracle. I felt that it only helped raise the "Legend of Tebow" (as I call it) to a more controversial level.

    I have always felt that people have their own faith and do not need to broadcast it or make a big deal about it publically. I say the same thing about donations - I quietly donate to charities that I deem worthy. But I'm not out there publishing press releases about it. And the same should hold true here. I carry myself and act in a way that is consistent with my beliefs. I have faith, but I choose not to debate it or put it out there for public comment.

    Like Jen, I am a die-hard Steelers fan, but even some of the things that Polamalu does annoy me. He makes a tackle and does the sign of the cross. He goes onto the field and makes a sign of the cross. That's nowhere like "Tebowing" (as it is now called). But to many, it's still just as annoying.

    I think Tebow is young and while he may have great faith, he's eating up the publicity because he believes that he's making a difference religiously.

    I'm glad they lost and that I don't have to hear about him anymore until next season. But he can still be religious if he wants to.

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  19. He loves Jesus and isn't afraid to let people know about it. But I think what has happened is that the media has blown it all up. A good friend of mine mentioned Troy Polamalu to me recently and how he is quiet about his faith. I think the coolest thing is that people are talking about it!

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  20. I am completely conflicted here. I think his faith is real and sincere--so it's not really HIS actions that bother me...it's the way people mimic him for other reasons. He has been styled the "Denver Messiah" by the media which really rubs me wrong (I live just N. of Denver) and while a lot of people have felt a curiosity about Tim's beliefs. A lot of other people are worshipping Tim instead. It sort of reminds me of the early days of Michael Jordan.

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  21. I have a 18 year old brother who, since he was 8 said he wanted to play basketball, and lead people to Jesus using his skills. He's had dream after dream of people coming to Jesus while he shoots the basketball into the basket.

    My opinion of Tebow: Keep it going!

    For those who cringe, and believe he has ulterior motives, scripture clearly says, WHO CARES how the gospel is preached, or by what vessel, as long as the gospel goes forth. The gospel stands on it's own and cannot be changed by it's bearer.

    However, I do trust Tebow's motives, this is who he was in high school, college, and now the NFL. And it inspires young men, like my brother, to continue to be outspoken for Jesus!

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  22. Didn't know about all this Tebow controversy, but that comedy clip made me laugh out loud- in the middle of Starbucks! Thanks for the laugh- I still miss your Sunday Funny series.

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  23. Great discussion with a lot of really good points that I hadn't considered. My thought is similar to that of Mama Thompson in that God has many bigger things to worry about than a successful (or unsuccessful) football game. Same thing goes when baseball players sign the cross and point upward to the sky, like God should be thanked for the player making a home run. I think that God certainly should be thanked for giving them the talent but maybe that should be a private matter.

    I appreciate Tim Tebow and his beliefs very much and while I don't really have a problem with it, it still annoys me. I don't holler out all my praises and thanks everytime they happen...I make a mental list and thank God each night for the day's blessings in private. Maybe I don't do it in public because I don't have a stage?

    Great topic!

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  24. I guess what bothers me is that prayer has been turned into a "touchdown dance" and the reverent act just feels cheapened to me.

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  25. I've never had an issue with Tim Tebow wearing his faith on his sleeve(or eyeblack, as it were.) He's a devout man who thanks the Lord for all of his blessings and does mission work during the offseason.

    My problem with Tebow is that he's not a pro quarterback. I'm not saying that he'll never be one, but right now he just isn't. He has a terrific arm and is certainly tough, but his footwork is sloppy, he doesn't read defense packages well, and he often throws across his body while running in the opposite direction. He's helped by an incredible supporting staff, and maybe with proper coaching(I've heard Elway will be a little more hands on) will someday achieve greatness on the field.

    So to recap: let him "Tebow" as much as he wants, but don't call him a great quarterback yet. Great man - yes, great quarterback - no.

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  26. GO TEBOW! It's the media making him look bad OH and satan. He's a stand up for Jesus dude! He is NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST!

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  27. He lives for an audience of one, not the praise of the world. (And for those who say God has more on His mind than football, they truly don't grasp the magnitude of Him. He doesn't have a one track human mind; He cares about everything on this earth, and to suggest otherwise minimizes His power.)

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  28. OMGosh! Some of these comments! Coming from a non-denominational, God fearing woman. I love the Lord and I love praise and worship. I don't think he's showing off at all. He just happens to have cameras on him. If there were cameras set up around me when I'm driving the kids to school, running errands, I guess you would say that I'm showing off too. Praying, singing my favorite worship songs, etc. But I'm not. It's just what I do. Does that mean we're showing off when we pray before a meal at a restaurant? Just like Tebow, I pray for my daughter to do well before she plays a sport. God WANTS us to do well in everything. I pray for him to give her the confidence and courage she needs to succeed in that task. And just like Tebow, I pray that no matter what happens, that we continue to give him all the glory and continue to honor him in all that we do. And yes, I'm sure Tebow still prays for the sick and the poor and the orphans, and for so many other people out there that need prayer. Maybe not on the football field. I don't know. I guess if you don't have a personal relationship with God (speaking of the media)then when you see someone that does, it's so strange that you gotta make news out of it.

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  29. I'm actually in the middle. I'm not on the bandwagon but I don't hate him. It seems to me that he's just practicing his faith, but the media and other Christians are the ones who've made an obnoxious deal about it. I actually feel kind of sorry for him. His haters are just waiting for him to screw up and since none of us our perfect, that is a lot of pressure! I do think he is genuine as he backs up much of what he says with actions, but the idea some have that God favors the Broncos is absurd. What about all the other NFl Christian players (like Troy P.)?

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  30. Not a big football fan and if that's what he feels he needs to do then fine. That being said, I think a person's religion should be personal and not broadcast for everyone to see.

    Also, I really don't think God cares two hoots about a football game and if you are going to be praying at a sporting event, it should be for all the participants well being...IMHO.

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  31. so just so I understand Kelley.Are you saying God is all powerful, and yet people can minimize all that power just by discussion of public displays of piety?

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  32. Romans 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

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  33. Or better yet...this speaks to what I feel in a better way.

    New Living Translation (©2007)
    So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don't be ashamed of me, either, even though I'm in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News.
    2 Timothy 1:8

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  34. Finally: Regarding the quote
    "A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew....

    Beware of practising your piety before others in
    order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from
    your Father in heaven."

    Translation:

    It's not saying you must always pray in private but saying that you pray to pray, heart and soul. If you pray for the soul purpose of being seen it is no better than giving to those in need simply because you feel you may receive something in return for it. Sadly that quote is used incorrectly far too often.

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  35. UGH - "Thanks Jesus, for loving me more than the other team."

    No, I find it ridiculous.

    And so did Jesus, which is why Tom Brady and the Patriots crushed Tim and the Broncos.

    Just kidding - I'm an atheist. I think Jesus has about as much to do with football as Santa.

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  36. Those who are annoyed by Tim's public appreciation for God's work in his life should ask themselves: Am I just feeling guilty that I'm not giving God the same open praise. I know I feel convicted every time I see him and recall how thankful I am but do nothing to express it. Shame on me.

    If someone gave me a fantastic gift, I wouldn't silently thank them for it later in quiet solitude...I would hug them hugely and proclaim to all what a wonderful and thoughtful gift the giver gave me. Tim thanking God for every athletic success is no different. He's acknowledging that God is his source of talent and ability.

    Don't you blog writers get hot with anger whenever someone steals/posts "your" idea without giving you proper credit? Hmmm. Wouldn't you like to be thanked for the part you played in someone else's creativity? Why deprive God those same acts of appreciation.

    If Tim kept his beliefs in the closet, like so many suggest, how would anyone benefit? How would that further God's kingdom?

    And finally, how dare anyone assume his motives aren't pure...that is mighty judgemental. Don't sit in the seat of the scornful. Rather, rejoice with your brother and join him in praising the God of all creation...who deserves way more than any public or private gratitude we finite and imperfect humans could offer in all of our lifetimes combined.

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  37. I think that to understand Tebow and his motive deeper, one must learn and understand his history and who he is. He was raised in a very religious home, would spend 5 weeks of his summer doing service missions every year since he was a young teenager. He also was homeschooled. As a homeschooling mother myself, I will tell you that homeschoolers view the world differently and usually have different motives than their peers. Homeschoolers usually don't care about popularity nor image. I doubt (but can be wrong) that Tebow ever thought or tried to get his prayer stance to get so much publicity- I believ he was/is being honest to himself and God of who he is and that it is the rest of us that have blown it out of proportion.

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    1. there are a lot of ridiculous statements but ur view that homeschooled children don't care about image or popularity is the most absurd of them all. do you teach your children to think in such generalities? it is human nature to gain the approval of others; whose approval one seeks says a lot about one's character but we are all concerned about image. homeschooled children don't have as large of a pool to broadcast their image to or protect that image from and those are important skills in the real world; learning those skills teaches humility. so perhaps your observation has more to do with not seeing those skills in action as much. but my issue isn't your obvious lack of knowledge about human psychology. it is your holier-than-thou attitude and ignorant statement in which you basically are saying homeschoolers are better (i.e. less shallow, more humble) than those who aren't. who taught you humility? because based on your comment you are in no position to teach it to your children.

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