With Denver’s loss in the playoffs, the dust is settling somewhat on the Tim Tebow news hype, and it is time for me to vent a bit at the media frenzy that has made this an event. I have some thoughts about this public praying, football slinging, media promoted, and public adored Tebow event.
First, the good stuff. What I like about the high level of attention in the media and in the public includes the following:
1. The media is talking about something in the religious realm other than political issues.
2. It is nice that the news about a professional athlete is about personal faith and not guns, crime, and dog fighting.
3. That a conversation about prayer and its impact on a person’s life is in the news.
4. It is good to see that people, youth in particular, are finding some hope in faith and prayer.
Then, the stuff that drives me crazy:
1. Do we really believe the somehow Tim Tebow has been chosen by God to demonstrate God’s power through football victories? Does God invest in the outcome of the NFL games?
2. Since when did a nationally televised dramatic display of prayer posture become the symbol of spirituality? I’ve always had a problem with drama around public prayer. Tebow is too much of an exhibitionist for me. Tebowing isn’t praying - it’s parading.
The amazing thing is that apparently the US population, fueled by the media, still has interest in the David and Goliath paradigm. You know the story: small undersized boy, undergirded by God and a simple faith, sleighs the giant warrior of the evil empire. It is an enduring story and one that has been popular for centuries. David, Luke Skywalker, Tim Tebow… ? The problem is that the storyline needs to deal with something that really matters – on a universal and spiritual scale to make sense. I just don’t get how Tebow’s situation is anything more than a passing sentimental David and Goliath story. Is there really anything of godly significance here? This is football we are dealing with – not global military domination or genocide.
When a professional athlete, parading around in prayer and Jesus language becomes the poster child for faith in action we have a real problem. One glance at the lives of some real spiritual warriors - Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King, Jr., George Fox, Desmond Tutu, Mata Amritanandamayi – reveals lives lived in self sacrifice and service of others for causes that were not self promoting. While I have reasons to believe Tim Tebow is a caring person, it appears he has, unfortunately been led to (and willingly followed) a position of a plastic and shallow public display under the guise of spirituality. All the while, we have run screaming to adore the latest rock star of American Christianity (Tim Tebow has over 1.5 million subscribers to his Facebook page).
Forgive me if I wish him well, kick dust on the media and walk the other way while trying to remember something of more substance.
Thank thee for remembering to mention George Fox.
ReplyDeleteDavid - of course. quickly came to my mind.
ReplyDeleteIf you're looking for "godly significance" I would invite you to take a look at what The Tim Tebow Foundation does.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.timtebowfoundation.org/outreach
We are told to "continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God" and "give thanks to His name" (Hebrews 13:15). This is exactly what Tim Tebow does, both on and off the field.
He's a role model, whether any of us like it or not. We should be praying for him instead of judging him. The world is watching and waiting for him to mess up.
"He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters." - Matthew 12:30
"If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels." - Mark 8:38
Tim Tebow loves Jesus. It shows in his attitude, his work ethic and the way he treats other people. Is Tebow too good? That's not possible, since God wants perfection. However, He will "settle" for faith in Jesus Christ. God loves Tim Tebow, but no more than He loves you and I. It is through faith in Jesus that we may enter into the joy that He offers.
Yes, it is better than football.
Scott - Thanks for your response and the link to the foundation. Yes, there are good things going on there and I never said that there wasn't some very good work being done as the result of Tim Tebow's success. I never said I didn't like him, and I am sure I would like him very much if I knew him. I do wish him well.
ReplyDeleteSimply put, my concerns are about: 1. The media has focus so much on the football wins rather than the deeper significance. How much do you even here about the foundation? 2. While I appreciate your quoting scripture, I am also aware of passages that speak against the public display of prayer. I won't get into a proof-text quoting battle, or a exegesis of the context and interpretation of particular passages - but I will reserve my right to understand the theology of prayer differently than you. I find no value in the public and dramatic display and posturing in prayer. This goes not only for this situation, but for many TV preachers, as well.
Again, thanks for your detailed comment and the time you took to share it. This is clearly something you are passionate about.
Perhaps this would be a good conversation to continue over coffee one day soon.
Peace to you.
Oh, to be as bold as Tim Tebow. Shame on me. I am quite confident that Tim will have many, many more stars in his crown than I will. Always up for coffee, my friend! (-;
ReplyDelete