The Wall Street Journal ran an article in the weekend edition titled, "God's Quarterback: The Tim Tebow Phenomenon.
The article claims "deep-seated anxieties in American society about the intertwining of religion and sports". I disagree with the assessment. Perhaps it is better stated that American media has deep-seated anxieties about expressions of Christianity when in tandem with success and celebrity.
Nobody minds the homeless drunk singing "Amazing Grace" on YouTube. In fact, we applaud like chimpanzees. Who can feel threatened by a socioeconomically impoverished Christian? But when an increasingly popular and successful NFL quarterback proclaims his faith, we go ape sh-t over the whole thing. Read my lips. If there is anything the liberal left hates, it is a successful and popular Christian.
Football is a team sport. It seems to me that perhaps the Broncos are successful with Tebow as quarterback because he exhibits the gift of encouragement. His enthusiasm is caught by the team. He believes in the team and they believe in him. The fact that he also believes in Jesus Christ is merely part of his identity. May he continue to thrill us with the freshness of his vision. Our young people need role models like Tim Tebow. Those who are anxiety-ridden can continue to bow before the altar of the Kardashian family.
Link to Tebow
Tammy Swofford
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