Tim Tebow - John 3:16 - Real or Show?
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Tim Tebow has created quite the sensation in the sports world. The Denver Bronco’s quarterback has either revved up his fans or completely turned them off. Why? Because he prays and kneels at games. Being faithful to God is not new to Tebow. Some think he might be “showing his religion” in order to gain notoriety, but Tebow has knelt and prayed at every game since he was in high school. He is showing his faith to God, not the audience. Others think his prayers are misplaced. Really, praying for a football game? Who does that? Is Tebow for real or is it all a show?
Atheists
Atheists, of course, think it is a bunch crap. They do not respect him or like him for showing his faith, especially the John 3:16 he places on his cheekbones where other players normally have a solid black line to stop the glare. Atheists may not be impressed with his “show of religion,” but if they are true Bronco fans or even just football fans, they can’t deny Tebow’s efforts on the field. Can atheists overcome their contempt for religion to admire a football player who strives to do his best? Can they separate the two? If not, then they would fall into that narrow-minded path they claim Christians are on.
Christians For and Against
Now, you would expect most or all of Christians to side with Tebow for his public prayers, but some do not. They compare him to the Pharisee’s who prayed in public just to be seen as “Godly” or “religious.” If Tebow had just started this “ritual” of prayer on the field, whether it is for a win or to give thanks for a great play, then this could be argued as showmanship to get his name in the media. His faith has been with him longer than football, though. As he kneels, he does not care who sees him and is unapologetic. His sincerity is clear during interviews. This guy believes what he believes. In this world of political correctness, you would think he would be lauded for standing up for his beliefs when asked about them, but maybe that is only for those whom the mainstream media feels is worthy. Also, some Christians are outraged that Tebow would pray for a touchdown while there is so much suffering in the world. Now, come on! Christians around the world pray for success. On the field, Tebow prays for a good game and gives thanks for great plays. How is that different than walking into a board room to present a proposal with a silent prayer on your lips for success or a teacher praying for success on the first day of school? How many of us have given praise for an accomplishment that we worked hard to achieve? Seems that some are taking it too far. How do we know Tebow isn't praying for those who suffer around the world in his private moments? It is ridiculous to make the comparison.
Could There Be Something to this 3:16 "Show"?
Hmmm… maybe God is involved. Atheists will probably say it is pure coincidence that Tebow was able to pass 316 yards and had a 31.6 passing average during the "edge-of-your-seat" NFL playoffs overtime game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. There could be “Something” to that John 3:16 that Tebow proudly shows. For a mediocre quarterback, seems he's doin' all right...
Whether Christian or atheist, we are Americans and the Constitution gives us freedom of speech and religion. It goes both ways, and Tebow’s happens to be the Christian way. If you are a football fan, why should it matter that he chooses to share his belief? How does showing that he is a Christian get in the way of his being a good athlete on the field? He is a good guy with a moral compass; something that many of our professional athletes lack.
© sholland10 2011. All rights reserved.
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but will have everlasting life."
43.3 percent of people believe divine intervention plays a role in Tim Tebow's success with the Denver Broncos. (Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE) What do you believe?
See results without voting© sholland10 2012. All rights reserved.
If you would like to read more about Tim Tebow, take a gander at these great hubs!
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Rasta, I think the response you received is correct. Some people just aren't happy unless they are complaining and stirring up things. Yet, we see other people doing things that are intended to show their freedom speech and intended to offend others, yet this guy has a personal moment of thanks on the field and the media tries to turn him into a side show??? Makes no sense.
Thanks for dropping by and reading! :-)
I agree, this kid is just being himself, it is the way he was raised...with a strong faith. For him to now hide it because some find it offensive would be a tragedy.
Tebow is the real deal...if he never played another game, he would STILL honor God.
CMerritt, I think he would still honor God, too. He isn't just doing it for show. He is going to pray on and off the field. Not sure why people are making such a big deal out of it. Up until Sunday, there wasn't that much to talk about yet they did, but the 316 and 31.6 pretty much impressed me. :-). Not the greatest stats, but in relation to him putting that verse on his cheek... I think that is pretty darn cool!! :-)
Thanks for dropping by and reading!! :-)
Thanks for writing this, sholland10. Tebow has been unduly criticized for his showing of faith, while people like Kurt Warner, Troy Polamalu, and others seem to get off scot-free. (Perhaps because Tebow's such a recent NFLer?) I read an article recently by an atheist who seemed to pity Tebow because he attributed his skills to God and not to himself--their "proper" source. I don't know--a pro football player who isn't completely high on himself is actually quite refreshing! We wouldn't want them all to be like Tom Brady, now would we? And as to the 3:16 "coincidences"--Philip Yancey (in "Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference?" quotes a rabbi who taught that "spontaneous moments of grace [are] almost accidental." When questioned by a student as to the point of spiritual practice if God-experiences are accidental, the rabbi replied, "[We do them] to be as accident-prone as possible." God bless Tim Tebow! Thanks for making this wonderful defense of a godly player.
I just love this hub! Finally a Christian in the news that is not portrayed as a bumbling idiot. I was also able to have a great discussion with my husband because of this hub! Thanks so much!
Thanks, SJ! I think it is silly that "they" are trying to turn his faith against him. I guess they would rather have the Michael Vicks, Colby Bryants, and as much as it pains me to say, the Tiger Woods as the heros - I do not want to imply they should not be forgiven or redeemed. It is just that they put their bad behavior on display and their actions are justified somehow. I don't understand why some things that are truly bad are swept under the rug with no apologies, but guys like Tebow are expected to "explain" themselves??? I love your quotes from the rabbi about "spontaneous moments." It is when we least expect them that make them so powerful and spiritual.
Thanks for dropping by and reading!! :-)
Thanks, HSB! I think they are trying to catch him up where he is a bumbling idiot, but it is not working because he is so grounded by his faith. I am glad you have had a great discussion with your husband over the hub. Tebow's story has intrigued me, so my husband and I have had some football discussions before I wrote the hub. He didn't want me to make a fool of myself - lol - I am not the biggest football fan. Tebow is a good guy with work ethic and faith. Those are things we don't see together in many of our professional athletes and it deserves some attention.
Thanks for dropping by and reading!! :-)
I'm rooting for Tebow to win the Superbowl! I always root for the underdog. He's a good guy who could possibly lead by example. Go Tebow!!!!!
I know!! I love the underdog!! He is a good guy who can lead by example. Standing up to the press shows his leadership ability and so does the respect he receives from the his teammates. :-)
I haven't hopped on the Tebow train yet, but he is a good example for others whether or not he is doing it for show. Good debate!
Hey Tammy, since I am not a football fan (I know there are some GASPS), I haven't really kept up with him either. I was inspired to write this hub because I was listening to a local radio talk show one morning and Tebow was the topic. I couldn't believe there was even an issue, so I decided to look into it more and here's the hub. LOL
Thanks for dropping by and reading!! :-)
It is really low to question Tim Tebow's faith. If you want to have a debate over the existence of God or the appropriateness of displaying faith in public, then that is another issue.
I find it strange that every religion other than Christianity complains about not having enough recognition or not having every aspect of their worship catered to by the public, but when Tebow simply thanks God for his successes everyone freaks out.
Great hub! It can be hard for him to deal with the pressure he faces in this day and age of being a role model. Tebowmania has been compared a lot to Tigermania of a few years ago, before his scandal. Tim Tebow has said time and time again that he relishes the platform that football gives him to help people who need it. That seems to genuinely be his true passion in life. Good for him for standing up for what he believes in and then actually living the way he believes.
Adaus, I agree... Really, isn't there something else people can concentrate their energy on that means something? It is like picking him apart because he is a good guy. Whether you are atheist or Christian or other religion, you can't deny his sincerity. I don't get what the big deal is? Then, there are some people who are really putting him on a pedestal too. I don't think that is what he wants, either. He is just who he is.
Thanks for dropping by and reading. :-)
Hey DC62, yes, he does not flinch when he is hit with some type of question that is trying to trip him up into saying, "Yeah, I am just doing this for the attention." Using NFL football and its platform for his beliefs is a courageous step to make today when so many, especially in the media, want to throw Christians to the lions. I admire him.
Thanks for dropping by and reading! :-)
I've been a Denver fan since the 1970s (grew up there) and John Elway's arrival created quite a stir in 1983. But the attention Tebow has received, partly because technology makes media so fast now, really made Tebow a household name. I am so impressed with someone like him, especially playing the quarterback position, who is so positive with his teammates. Some quarterbacks berate teammates who make mistakes. Not Tebow. I saw a clip from the game against the Bears this season after one of his receivers, Demaryius Thomas, dropped a long pass that would have went for a touchdown. Tebow sat by him on the bench and told him to keep trying and believing in himself because he knew he would be the hero of the game. Thomas caught everything thrown to him after that, including a late touchdown that helped the Broncos rally to win in overtime.
He is a special athlete but even more so as a person. I'm so glad he plays quarterback for my team, not only for his talent as an athlete, but the type of man he is and the example he. As a father in this day and age, that means a lot.
Thank you again for taking time to write such an enlightening hub. : )
DC62, you have only confirmed what a good person Tebow is. What a wonderful testimony he has created for himself. God has placed him in his position and Tebow has let go to let God have His way. It is so important for our kids to have good role models today because it seems they are few and far between.
Thanks again for dropping by! :-)
WoW! What a coincidence, I just "heard" of Tim Tebow a few days ago! Plus, my mom was over at my house visiting a few hours ago and she brought him up, she thinks my youngest boy looks like him, so I got out the magazine that I first discovered him in so we could both look at the photo together! Too cool you wrote about this fine young man & I saw it in my updates! I love this kid! Great hub Sue!
According to Jesus its a show. Tebow gets in perfect kneeling position and poses for the crowd. There's children starving all over the world and in amercia we pray to win a football game.
"And when you come before God [to pray], don’t turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat?"Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.” Matthew 6:5 The Message
Tim is the real deal. I also wrote a hub pertaining to him.
Hi Sholland
Great hub. I admire Tebow for sticking to his faith. I don't think he is doing it to attract attention.
Hey Kiki! So nice to "see" you! I must admit, I am not a big football fan, but the controversy surrounding this young man has caught my attention. I think we need good role models for our kids. It is so hard to find sincerity in today's sports' stars or Hollywood stars. This kid is sincere about his faith. Whether people are Christians or not, Tebow is a great role model simply because he is so up front about everything and isn't trying to create a show.
Thanks for dropping by and reading! :-)
Hi Preacher David! Not being a football fan, I did not start hearing about Tebow until the past few months. He was the son of missionaries who taught him that even though he had talent on the field, he was no more special in God's eyes than anyone else. He is very humble, and does not turn away from questions of his faith. He doesn't say that God is on the Broncos' side, which clearly after their loss yesterday, one would see that God has different plans. LOL
I don't believe Tebow prayed for touchdowns or wins. I think before the game he probably prayed for a good game. When something good happened on the field, I think he gave praise and was not ashamed to do so. His upbringing probably taught him not to be ashamed of his faith. You probably know the chapter and verse when Christ said (paraphrased) "If you are ashamed of me, I will say, "I do not know you." Tebow is not ashamed and does not shrink from the hard questions meant to persecute him.
With all the problems we see in professional sports and Hollywood stars, I think Tim Tebow is an excellent role model. He gives credit to God for his talents. I believe all our talents are gifts from God, and there are times when something happens that is wonderful, and I will publicly lift up a word of praise. Not for show but because I can feel the Spirit celebrating His work. That is what I think Tebow is doing.
Whew, didn't mean to write a whole new hub. LOL Thanks so much for dropping by and commenting! :-)
Hi Sue! Thank you! I agree, for a young man who is in a high profile position, I admire him for standing by what he believes. I cannot imagine the pressure he must feel from the NFL or the media. If he is trying to draw attention, he must like the negative. He doesn't seem like that type of person with his gracious responses.
Thanks for dropping by and reading! :-)
Great hub, with a subject that is worthy of the kind of discussion you have promoted here. Your comments are insightful, true and fair. Wish you could replace some of the rather disrespectful people on the television. You would be perfect! Up, interesting, and following.
Thank you, SGL! No, I don't think I could be in the shark tank of media personalities. LOL They would eat me alive and probably make me cry. I don't have Tebow's stamina for insult. That is why he is such a great role model. Grace under pressure.
I love your Tebow/Brady hub and am linking it above!
Thanks for dropping by and commenting!!
What a man Tim Tebow has become and a hero of the faith. Regardless of how the game turned out yesterday, he will only become stronger because of his obedience to his master. Great hub writing.
Hi Teach, I completely agree. His first love is not football, it is God. I am sure he was disappointed, but it is not his world. You can see that by his behavior.
Thanks for dropping by and reading! :-)
Why does it matter what another person believes. Everyone believes in something regardless and should be allowed the same freedom to be who they are.
Oh, ps, Sue, your writing style, they way you laid this out, all the photos and interactive quiz really make this impressive and fantastic! The bar is high here! :-)
SanXuary, I think Tebow was attacked for his beliefs, so I agree that he should have been left alone. America is about freedom, but I don't think the media realizes that.
Thanks for dropping by, reading, and commenting! :-)
Kiki, thanks so much for your kind words. I really appreciate it. :-)
for tim tebow to be even be a starting quarterback in the NFL is proof that god exists. That guy has the worst throwing motion in the history of the world, but, then again, anyone that can beat the steelers is my friend. hate those guys...
LOL, PDX! My husband said basically the same thing, but he acknowledged the kid has potential and it is his rookie year.
Thanks for dropping by, reading, and commenting!! :-)
Hi sholland10! Are there shollands 1-9 as well? Just wondering...
I wrote a hub comparing Tebow to Eric Liddell. I think it comes straight from the heart. I am not sure God is directing his football, but God is certainly directing his heart. Conviction gives one strength for the challenges ahead and he has a healthy dose of it. I appreciate your perspective.
Hi StoryTeller! I absolutely agree. God fills his heart and it shows. Thanks for dropping by! I will go find your hub and link it. :-)
susan, your husband is smart
I know, Justin, but I am not telling him THAT!! LOL
wonderful article. i am a football fan and have seen the tebow sensation and believe for a lot of silent fans they enjoy their football and church separated on sunday.
thanks for sharing
Thanks, SM! As long as it isn't interfering with the game, I don't see a problem with it. I appreciate your comment and opinion. :-)
Thanks for dropping by, reading, and commenting. :-)
I think your article is wonderful and I fully endorse your message. Well done! Thank you for a good read.
Thanks, James! I think Tebow is truly grateful, and that was not for show.
Thanks for dropping by and commenting!
Greetings, Sholland10!
Well written article and I deeply appreciate your viewpoints.
I would like to preface what I am about to say by stating that I love the Almighty and His Son with all my heart and I am a defender of the faith. However, I think Tim Tebow is guilty of religious showboating and is in violation of Matthew 6:5-6.
And please understand that just because someone has been doing something wrong for so long, doesn't make it right (praying like the hypocrites do in order to be noticed).
It is also a fact that Tim Tebow's on field, over-the-top antics are now being met with collegiate legislation to curb this kind of expression in the future. If, and I mean if, Satan was the inspiration behind Tim Tebow's religious arrogance, then we can see that using an arrogant and annoying showboater to put an end to Christian expression at the college level is the means necessary to achieve a Satanic end.
I would also like to point out that many Christians tend to be superstitious at heart.
You mentioned:
"Hmmm… maybe God is involved. Atheists will probably say it is pure coincidence that Tebow was able to pass 316 yards and had a 31.6 passing average during the "edge-of-your-seat" NFL playoffs overtime game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. There could be “Something” to that John 3:16 that Tebow proudly shows."
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Many people began to think that because the Broncos won 6 striaght games that God was behind Tebow's success. Well, if this is the case then God must also be behind Denver losing their last 4 out of 5 games and getting humiliated by New England 45-10 in the second round of the AFC playoffs. If there is a moral to this story of spiritual significance, I fail to see it.
The other problem I have is that there are plenty of Christians on the opposing teams that meet before and after games in prayer. Obviously one of the teams has to lose, so are we to believe that Tim Tebow, who flaunts his faith for the whole world to see, not to mention his body in underwear ads, is a better Christian than they are? Please think about that.
Fact is, in their last 12 games, Denver went 7-5, which is not compelling evidence of Divine intervention, at least not in my book. Then take into consideration that if Tim Tebow is not the worst quarterback in the NFL, he is a close runner up. Again, not a quality indictment of Divine intervention to say the least.
I personally see many things that can explain Denver's turn-around this season, but I do not see where the Almighty played a hand in it. Truth be known, I do not see where the Almighty is involved much in state-sponsored leisure activities especially when football is a contempory version of gladiators doing battle in a Colesium before a Hellenized crowd. I'm sure it brings back some bad memories for our Lord having to watch His children perish in places such as these 2,000 years ago. Yes, we are more civilized today, in some respects, but the idea is still the same.
Finally, whether or not Tim Tebow is faithful to God or not, is only a guess. I mean, how can anyone really know that other than through his flamboyant on-field antics and through his self-promoting marketing campaign. Now throw in his t-shirt sales and underwear ads and the plot thickens.
I for one, do not need a Tim Tebow to show-case his religiousity in order for me to be proud of the God I serve. In fact, I fear negative blow-back as a result of a little man with a football in his hand who likes to bring attention to himself...not God.
Peace be with you - L.R.
Lone Ranger, we will have to agree to disagree. I don't think Tebow was all about winning. He is a rookie quarter back with a mediocre record. When he lifted up a praise to God for something good that happened, I believe that was his faith breaking through during his moments of good. I do believe he is a good Christian with good intentions because he never backed down from one question that was meant to trap him. He never said that God was on the Broncos side for wins. I think a message about John 3:16 was loud and clear though, and Tebow was only the vessel. He has never claimed to be more. With all the bad character athletes, I would want my kid looking to Tebow more than a Michael Vick, Colby Bryant, or even and especially Tiger Woods (whom I loved for years). If Tebow is a fake, God will expose him. I will wait until then, though. I appreciate your well thought out comment. :-)
Thanks for dropping by!!
Interesting - I love football and I have strong feelings about this. First of all - he isn't bothering anyone! Let the man pray if he wants to. I am not religious but I will be dammed if I'm going to tell someone else they can't pray if it is their belief and desire to do so.
I think it is super interesting he threw 316 yards! Although I'm all confused about religion - that was the very first bible verse I learned by heart and it is my favorite.
Kelly, I agree. Thanks for sharing your take on it. John 3:16 is the key. Ignore the zealots. :-)
Thanks so much for dropping by and commenting! :-)
It is one thing to believe in God, but to think that a higher power would concern himself with a football game rather than starvation, suffering, war,....the list goes on .. it seems very irrational and naive .. bordering on delusional!
Hi Jerseys4kids! I think God is interested in all parts of our lives. No one said that Tebow or any other Christian did not pray for those things. I also believe praying for something and giving thanks for something are two different things. We all wish for or pray for little things in our lives, and most of us would like to see all the bad go away - the reality is that those things do exist. Nothing delusional in that.
I would be a little disappointed in your God if he were to take in upon himself to influence the outcome of a football game, I can think of better ways for him to spend his time..
I don't put any limits on God because I believe all things are possible through Him. I just think Tebow prayed for a good game like others hope their day goes well or they have a successful meeting. When something good happened during the game, I think Tebow thanked God for it, just like others are thankful when a day went well or the meeting was successful. Obviously, asking does not always get Christians what that want. Thanks for dropping by! :-)
Well said sholland...
:)
Thanks, CMerrit! :-)
I have read his book. There is nothing fake about what you see. I didn't vote in your poll because you didn't have my preferred answer - he is not fake.... however, he plays well when it counts because he trains and works hard physically and mentally....
I thought your hub was interesting and hope you continue with this one.
Thank you, ProudtoBeaDad! I don't think he is fake, either. :-)
Good hub! I enjoyed reading this. The 3:16 numbers are interesting . . . coincidence? Who knows? I think coincidences like that suggest a greater force at work. The universe and Tebow are in harmony. I am a Tebow fan and I wish him the best with the Jets. I hope he remains the decent good player that he is.
Hi Suzette, I hope Tebow remains the good guy, too. I think there is a greater force at work too, but it has nothing to do with football, and more about Tebow's witness to others showing his values.
Thanks for dropping by! :-)
I hope Tim Tebow can bring his blessed spirit to the JETS and help that program from falling apart. Good Hub!It is hard not to enjoy watching a player as humble and kind as Tim...
Rastamermaid Level 4 Commenter 4 months ago
Great hub!
I wrote a question about this very subject,what's the big deal,he's simply showing his faith in what he believes in. I haven't to date heard or seen anyone commenting that Pujols pointing to the sky referencing God is a problem,so why is Tebow's kneeling any different.
A response I received summed it up.....some people just like to complain.
I believe when you have faith and you truly believe,all things are possible.