I'm not a big fan of religious exhibitions in public venues. I'm not opposed to them, I'm not critical of seeing a prayer circle after a game, or a player thanking God for divine intervention. That's what the player wants to believe? Fine. My issue is really one that relates to this - if God is helping the winning team, then what's He doing for the losing team? Are they just not strong enough believers? Did they not say the right prayers or did they not make the correct sacrifices? It's not really a strong argument to say "God allowed/helped me to win" because it presumes God didn't allow or help those on the losing side.
God gives each of us abilities, and how we use them is what determines how well we do at sports, work, home life, etc. Beyond that, God doesn't intervene much, in my view. If I start using drugs and begin to play poorly on the field, did "God allow/help me to use drugs"? I don't think so.
It's a sword that cuts both ways, and in the end it's a personal decision relating to how you choose to use your God-given talents that determines whether you're a winner or loser. When you're playing for the championship against another believer, then it comes down to your mental toughness. Another God-given talent, one which can be developed and improved (just as any God-given talent can).
However, Tim Tebow is an interesting character because I believe he recognizes the role of faith in his life. I haven't ever felt slighted by anything he's said or done on the field, even if I don't believe in a religion as fervently as he does. I like the fact he's a winner, and I like the fact that he holds himself accountable regardless of how much credit he gives the Lord for his skill set. Sure, he prays for a missed field goal, but when I'm rooting my team on, so do I. I'm aware that's not how it works. I take the view this is a natural human reaction rather than a well thought out religious one. So I don't read much into it.
I like that he wins despite what others have said about him. He has unusual throwing mechanics, can't win in the NFL, isn't a leader, etc. It's all been said, and most of it is just a backlash to his religion and his anti-abortion commercial in the Super Bowl. That commercial was legitimate, though. His mother received the suggestion to abort a fetus which was believed to be at high risk. Yet here was a Heisman Trophy winning NFL Quarterback. If anyone has the right to make that commercial, it's him.
I like that he approaches his job as a challenge. He knows others are hoping he fails, others are certain he's going to fail. But he trots out there and finds a way to win, even if it's ugly.
In the end, though, Tim does have to grow up about his religion. Who better to discuss this than Kurt Warner. A former grocery store clerk, called up to fill in for injured quarterbacks, manages to win a Super Bowl and set several records along the way. Then as his prime years are believed to have passed him by, he gets traded from team to team until he takes the lowly Arizona Cardinals to their first Super Bowl. He lost there, but not for lack of trying. Kurt Warner, another winner, and another man of faith. One of the more outspoken men regarding faith and sports.
I hope Tebow keeps winning because I like his style and I like his approach to the game. I don't care how he feels about religion, though I do like that each time he wins, the people who hate religion (and they do exist) get irked even more. I don't like the Broncos at all. I just like Tebow. He's a great story, even if I don't share his views. But Kurt Warner is right, and Tim will find that being just a little less effusive about religion will actually help him be a better messenger.
I'd much rather root for a Tebow than a Ray Lewis (allegations relating to murder), Michael Vick (dog fighting), or any other 'winners' who have tarnished reputations. I can respect players who go through rehabilitation, and I do believe people deserve a second chance. But why are people opposed to a Tim Tebow simply because he has faith? Isn't that better than using steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs? Shouldn't we be pleased with people like him, rather than making him out to be the bad guy? We don't have to share his faith, we just have to be happy that he is managing to do what he does in a very clean and wholesome fashion.
Tracked: Dec 06, 07:56