Tim Tebow
 

Great witness for the cause of Christ?

Or in direct violation of Jesus' command to not make a spectacle of ourselves praying in public?

Is he drawing attention to Jesus? Or drawing attention to himself? (however sincere and genuine his intentions may be)



Opinions?

Re: Tim Tebow
 

no opinion

Re: Tim Tebow
 

right now? great witness.

right up until the dirtbag digging in his trashcan finds something that is used to shred his image....

then Jesus goes down with Tibow.

Re: Tim Tebow
 

kinda overboard, IMO.

Re: Tim Tebow
 

I think he is not ashame of Jesus.

Others are.

Some just don't like Christians.

I think he is doing a great job and I admire a young man willing to stand up for his beliefs.

I think it is a great witness for Christ. I don't think he is drawing any undue attention to himself. He has been in the spot light since he was in high school, but people who don't really follow sports are just now hearing about him, but in short he is doing absolutely nothing different now than he ever has. Though he is more popular now than he has ever been, he continues to carry himself humbly.

Two years ago, before he ever played in the pros he and his mother made a pro-life commercial that aired during the Super Bowl, in which he was widely criticized by NFL players, sports talk show host, and the secular media at large. That is really the root of all the Tebow hate.

When he was drafted by Denver, their coach was widely criticized and most sports analysts agreed that Tebow would never be able to play QB in the NFL and was a horrible pick. Denver struggled and Tebow barely got a chance to play, and that coach (Josh McDaniels) was fired in the middle of that season, and one of the biggest reason was that everyone assumed he made a major blunder by drafting Tebow.

Denver hired John Elway to make football team decisions and John Fox to be their new head coach, neither drafted Tebow, and the collective thought was that he wasn't good enough so they used Kyle Orton as their quarterback. Denver lost 4 out of their first 5 games, people were calling into sports talk radio shows, even buying billboards calling for the Broncos to play Tim Tebow. The Broncos decided to give him a chance, even though originally John fox said there was no way, no cicumstances in which Tebow would be the starting QB (all of this happened this season, seems like 2 completely different worlds). Anyway, Elway and Fox give in because they are losing, season is going no where and give Tebow a chance to play, and essentially to prove to their fan base how atrocious Tebow is so they can draft a new QB this off season. Except the team starts playing better, and they win, then lose, then win, win, win, win. At one point they had 1 win and 4 losses with Orton at QB, and 7 wins and 1 loss with Tebow at QB, same players at all other position, well except the fact that they gave up on the season and traded Brandon Lloyd, their top receiver, and one of the NFLs leading receivers the last 2 years.

Anyway, back to the religious aspect. Tebow has always talked about honoring God and that football didn't define his life. In college he was mocked by media (and no doubt students alike) for his faith including the fact that he was still a virgin because he was waiting to get married. Your not suppossed to play on the football team and not go mess around with the frat girls. Much less be the superstar quarterback. Much less win the heisman trophy as the nations best player, and in the process of winning 2 college championships. I heard them on the radio making fun on him on the radio when he was still in college (not viciously, but just kind of mocking him for being naive and simple) because he was on a mission trip in the Phillistines, circumcising babies, when other college quarterbacks were "living it up".

As for "tebowing", kneeling after a touchdown, thats nothing new. I've seen it all my life in sports. It was so common when I was a kid that the characters in the Madden football game would do it. Its been done not just by hundreds, but literally thousands of players in both college and pro sports. The reason its such a big deal with Tebow is he actually lives its, that he is not shy about his faith. That said, he is also not a put it in your face kind of guy either.

I don't think its over the top at all. In everything we do, we ought to do it as Jesus would. If we play football we ought to do so the same. By that I don't mean stats or performance, but a pure attitude which honors God, exemplifies sportsmanship, and keeps the game in perspective. I think Tebow does that. Especially when sometimes players on the opposing team seek to injure him and insult him, he remains kind towrads them. I think he is a great example of Christianity, becuase quite frankly many Christians could not handle the fame, money, popularity and criticism that he has handled without either thinking more of themselves than they ought, or going on the defensive against some of the things people say.

In addition to all that he was homeschooled, which only adds to the stigma in our society, especially for a public figure.

Here are a couple of videos, I think are pretty revealing as to what kind of Christian he is, and I don't understand why any Christian would criticize him. Fact is, if all the Christians who are in the public eye behaved themselves as Tim Tebow christianity would be taken alot more seriously by the people in the world.

An interview with Tim Tebow which includes a response on former Broncos QB Jake Plummer's comment that Tebow talks about Jesus too much:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7JN2gUMtew

Tebow on the field, what he says to his guys, etc. This was the game where Charles Barclay pleaded with the Bears to "stop the madness" and shut everyone up by putting it to Tebow, and the game which the Bears superstar Brian Urlacer paid Tebow a backhanded compliment calling him " a good fullback" after the game, thus implying he is a terrible quarterback. If you watch the video you will notice Tebow being kind to Urlacer (#54)during the game, complimenting him and talking about fishing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grM2sb7VYSs

He is a Christian in everything he does, not his performance on the football field, but his treatment of others, his humilty when receiving praise, his patience when receiving criticism. Of course he's not perfect, none of us are, but his life in the public eye puts the TV preachers to shame.

A shorter video, what he said after beating the Jets
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNBPEEYL6F4

Re: Tim Tebow
 

I don't think theres any dirt on him (besides the imperfection that plagues us all, but not serious scandal). In this age of cell phones with built in cameras and camcorders, paparazii and TMZ, no one had dug up anything on him yet.
Of course any one of us can fall, and all of this could go to his head, but so far, no dirt, and doesn't seem to be any upcoming.

PS-I don't know what Tebow does that is so different than other notable Chrisitan athletes like Kurt Warner and Josh Hamilton. Both are quite outspoken about the role of faith in Jesus Christ in their lives.

Re: Tim Tebow
 

This is the kind of criticism he gets (the clean ones, cant post some of them)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQIJ56rltjU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vm5vHfEeRDo

Re: Tim Tebow
 

Good info, Jason.


What do you all think of the concerns listed in this blog post:


http://thecripplegate.com/tebow-time...cloud-of-dust/

Re: Tim Tebow
 

Oh good grief. I guess you would have said that Peter was making a spectacle of himself in Acts 2 when he spoke to the crowd about Jesus? I mean he had to be "drawing attention to himself".

Pretty good article, I agree with it for the most part. I do think that its worth pointing out that of the 5 negative things listed Tebow that while Tebow gives God glory fr all his wons, he never has seriously claimed direct divine intervention. He has said he plans to honor God win or lose, and as his mother told a reporter "how can I say this? We'd be proud of him if he fails" [as a football player, because godly character is what they emphasize].

As for the other things on the second list of 5, those are all good points, but to be fair Tebow has no control on the actions of others. I think the first 5 points on the list are things Tebow can control, and he's doing those about as well as possible at this point.

Someone posted on my FB wall about Tebows stats the other day, I didn't even comment, I think taking things to that extreme just makes people look foolish.

For the record, I am pulling hard for Denver this weekend, but I think the Patriots will be too much and the Broncos will lose.

But here's why I really like Tebow: He will be gracious in defeat, he will recognize Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, be complimetary of the winning team, thank his teammates for all they've done all year, mention his coaches doing a great job, say how blessed he is, and how much He thanks God for giving him the privledge of playing football in the NFL.

Re: Tim Tebow
 

What about Jesus' command not to pray in public (to be seen)?

I've seen this question come up in a few blogs lately, and I think it's a question that should be addressed.

Re: Tim Tebow
 

I agree. He seems to be a genuinely decent guy and a true Christian.

Re: Tim Tebow
 

Is he doing it "to be seen"?

When we say grace over a meal at Coltons Steakhouse, are we doing it "to be seen" ?

Re: Tim Tebow
 

He doesn't have a prayer meeting on the football field. He pauses for a MOMENT to give thanks to God.

I assume you don't ever pray over your food in a restaurant, even silently if this is the standard you are giving to that scripture.

Re: Tim Tebow
 

I am not a football fan but this sure gives some perspective... we are in America, right?

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net...85289868_n.jpg

Re: Tim Tebow
 

Jason has covered it pretty well....
I don't know if Denver has the firepower to beat NE blow for blow, but no matter the outcome, TT's response will be the same. He will praise the Lord.
Black ballplayers have been giving "glory to God" for YEARS and it never seemed to be a big deal. And isn't it offensive when all those ball players from both teams huddle together on one knee after the game? No, because they aren't getting TT's publicity.
Maybe it's because he's the most outspoken Heisman/NFL player. Maybe it's because he entered the league with a seeming overwhelming bias against him (see Jason's posts) and has succeeded in spite of it. Maybe it's because he is a virgin. Maybe it's because he is white. Who knows. His personal praise is God directed. Why is that a problem? He is sincere. What he needs from the Body of Christ is prayer that the high-pressure game of "gotcha" and entrapment doesn't happen to him in the realm he is working right now.

I was smiling from ear to ear when at the post-game press conference with the Steelers he said, "I thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ"
BOO YA!

Re: Tim Tebow
 

Mmmmm, SOME are. You've never gone out to eat with someone who insisted on praying loud (and long) enough for the entire place to hear? LOL

Different subject though. :)

Re: Tim Tebow
 

You wouldn't be talking about Charles Mahaney of "I was born in the fire and can't live in the smoke!" fame would you? lol

He bragged about this at camp years ago...

Re: Tim Tebow
 

:thumbsup

Re: Tim Tebow
 

I was in a situation where a facility had the game between Denver and KC. I was constrained to remain in the room, and had the fascinating experience of watching Tebow praying. I do not read lips, but he was more than just kneeling the way I heard it described. The media hate anything to do with Christianity, Christ, or the pro-life position, and Tim Tebow is hated because he is all three. That is the only reason that this has been blown so far out of proportion. They have been attempting to destroy him since before he signed with the NFL.

Re: Tim Tebow
 

Good post. I agree. If anybody reading this thread has not seen the Superbowl ad that aired last year with Tebow's mom and him they need to go to youtube and watch it.

It was a pro life ad that was very classy and non offensive but pointed out that Tebows mom had been urged to abort him for medical reasons but refused.

Re: Tim Tebow
 

I didn't like the commercial.

Re: Tim Tebow
 

http://www.btea.org/aboutus.asp

About the Tebow family.

Re: Tim Tebow
 

Why?

Re: Tim Tebow
 

Not true.

Re: Tim Tebow
 

I STRONGLY agree with this!

I think it is interesting that God allowed Tebow to pass for 316 yards exactly in that game against the Steelers-- the same game when one of the Steelers said, "We don't need God on our sidelines."

God opposes the proud, but gives Grace to the humble.

At the risk of sounding like a nut job, is it lost on us-- the significance of what God allowed Tebow to do?

Re: Tim Tebow
 

Also ironic that John 3:16 is a scripture that is never (or very very rarely) quoted by OP's.

Re: Tim Tebow
 

I know.

I used to quote that scripture and point out that the word "should" is used, as in "should not perish."

I would continue with something akin to this:

"If you believe in Jesus, you really shouldn't perish-- but you will die in your sin and go to hell for an eternity if you aren't baptized in Jesus Name and filled with the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues."

Re: Tim Tebow
 

Well now the Salem witches are taking the other side. This is getting freakishly weird.

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-sh...214543161.html

Re: Tim Tebow
 

Actually, I am correct. In the modern secular media, Christians who believe anything that the Bible says are mocked, derided, and rediculed. Newsweek often ran stories that derided the Bible while publishing those that elevated a perversion of Scripture. Gnostic teachings were given credence, while the accounts of the Gospels and Acts were reinterpreted.

This is not the only place that this is done. The History Channel often runs revisionist pieces on Scripture that attempt to discredit the literalist position.

The only places to find more than tepid defense of Christianity and the Bible is on Conservative talk radio, occasionally Fox News, or Christian radio stations (some of them anyway). Overall the media hates the conservative, Christian, pro-life, and pro-family postion.

Re: Tim Tebow
 

:thumbsup

Re: Tim Tebow
 

I do not know whether to laugh or cry. I guess I will just be happy that they are not attempting (as far as they are saying publicly) to curse Tebow. They sound slightly crazy, however I am not going guess as to whether they had an effect on the game or not. Some things are not worth speculating about.

Re: Tim Tebow
 

I highly respect Tebow for his character and as a player. As far as his future in the NFL, I think he play against 60% of teams and have a chance at a W with the kind of D that Denver has.
But when I watch the likes of Aaron Rodgers, Eli Manning and what it takes to get to the bigger dance. He is still a big ? mark. Those guys can thread a needle in double coverage. Sometimes you have to make the play even when the whole house knows what's coming.

Re: Tim Tebow
 

I think Denvers D is overrated.

Re: Tim Tebow
 

Newsweek and the History Channel are your examples? Really?

Re: Tim Tebow
 

Follow up to the previous blog post:

http://thecripplegate.com/tebow-part...our-testimony/

Re: Tim Tebow
 

I could give you MSN, MSNBC, CNN, ABC, CBS, New York Times, Time, etc. if you really want me to go there. I could even dig up enough to give you execs and reporters if you wish. That is without touching NPR. You really want to discuss this?

Re: Tim Tebow
 

Let's do it. But please leave the "every other show about aliens" history channel out of it.

Let's deal with those major news outlets you listed above. I guess the question we should first ask is: what constitutes as being biased against Christians?