Hermenuetics

Comments

I don't watch football. I don't play football. I have never done either. I didn't even watch my home team (the Ducks) at the Rose Bowl this year.

This means that until I read this article, I didn't know what "Tebowing" was. I've seen references to it here and there, but never read the attached articles until now.

That said: How is this different from the Pharisees of Matthew 6:5? Is this not streetcorner praying of the worst kind; not glorifying God, but a servant glorifying himself by using his time in the limelight to glorify God, by making himself a very visible symbol of God - an Idol, if you will?

I ran into the comment earlier that Psalms 31:6 may be better than John 3:16.
"I hate those who cling to worthless idols; I trust in the LORD."

Now, all of this said - I certainly have no objection to him speaking his mind, preaching the word of God, or praying during a football game - I've prayed in hundreds of places and hundreds of times, ranging from Baseball games to Church to bars. But it seems to me that to draw attention through publicity to one's faith, as though it makes them better or more pious than others, is to idolize that faith rather than glorify God.

That's not to say that these don't have their place. It's up for each individual to judge. But I'd rather see him glorify God through good works and discussion than by kneeling after scoring a touchdown.

Posted By: Newly Karen | January 9, 2012 10:18 PM

Bravo! Love this article! It's not that God necessarily cares about who wins a football game so much as that He cares about His witness.

Tebow is unashamedly a follower of Christ in an environment that increasingly opens him to ridicule for being so. He starts his press conference with, "I want to thank my savior, Jesus Christ." How many of us are willing to stand up and say that in a somewhat "hostile" environment.

In our culture it's okay to thank the "Good Lord" or "that Guy upstairs," but few will claim Jesus, unless in church or a safe group of Christian believers, and maybe not even then!

Posted By: Suzy | January 10, 2012 7:16 AM

Karen,

There are so many athletes out there that "kneel" after a touchdown or point heavenward after a home run. Unfortunately, most of the time their walk doesn't match their actions. It seems to be done just because it's the "in" thing to do. I find them to be game time Christians - some call it being a foxhole Christian. The term "fathiness" comes to mind - the act of having faith for political or social gain.

But, in everything I've seen and heard about Tebow he is by far not a game time Christian. He regularly expresses his love for God and is unashamed to do so. His workplace just happens to be in the spotlight. Would it be any different for an actor to thank Jesus after accepting an Oscar? He does it to transfer all the glory and fame from himself to the One who gave it to him. He wants others to know that God is the force that drives everything he does.

If only we all we so bold as to pray and give thanks in public. Not for our sake but to bring glory to God.

--Tomara

Posted By: Tomara | January 10, 2012 9:01 AM

@Tomara

That's good to know. Like I said, I don't follow football; until I saw this article I couldn't have told you what Tebow looked like, let alone what he did in his off time.

And if that is his goal, more power to him. I suppose I'm just cynical; we see so many politicians (both R and D) and other major figures that treat their faith as though it were a tool to gain political office, and it quite frankly disgusts me.

Posted By: Newly Karen | January 10, 2012 10:35 AM

Alicia, I think this is the most powerful sentence in a very well-written article: "There’s a lot to respect about a Christian unafraid to make everything about him represent Christ, so that whether there is one eye on him or a thousand, no one can fail to notice, whether they react with hatred or adulation or interest."

It's the ability to desire to represent Christ whether there is one person watching or a multitude - or, I would add, no one watching at all - that marks being led by the Spirit rather than acting in the flesh, isn't it? Thanks for getting us thinking about what it means to reflect our Savior (2 Cor. 3:18) at all times.

Cheers,
Tim

Posted By: Tim | January 10, 2012 11:34 AM

All the 316 "coincidences" is amazing. How loving our God is strategize Tims steps and every move he makes right to the second ! Ha!! We serve an awesome God !

Posted By: Sonya | January 10, 2012 12:02 PM

Tho I think no one has used the term hypocrisy, sounds like we're concerned about hypocrisy by those who acknowledge Christ's sovereignty when things go well ("game time" Christians), when things get desperate ("foxhole" Christians), and when there's a political advantage.

What about hypocrisy among us when we believe Christ is sovereign but avoid saying so because others might object to a public acknowledgement?

Tebow is to be commended as a role model for the rest of us. We also need a role model who will salute Christ when he finishes second -- or last.

Posted By: George | January 10, 2012 1:27 PM

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/religion/faith-and-values/sfl-fv-religion-blog-tebow-316,0,830112.story

This article was on the front page of today's newspaper. It included the mini gospel, John 3:16 "For God so loved the world...etc"
Agree with Tebow or not, I have never seen a Bible verse on the front page of a So. Florida newspaper.
I like the way he does it better than people who don't.

Posted By: Kristi | January 10, 2012 2:54 PM

My pastor told us a story about a guy who helped him out when his car broke down (my pastor was about 18 at the time). After he helped, my pastor thanked him. The guy responded with, "You don't have to thank me. Thank my Father in heaven for saving me." It really stuck out to my pastor (and me!). We can do nice things "in the name of God," but if we do not acknowledge God, we are merely doing nice things. We must preach the Gospel in both word AND deed.

I don't think it takes too much creativity to be honest about our faith. I think we just need to speak around non-Chrisitans the same way we speak around Christians. If you see an answer to prayer, proclaim it to all who will hear! Talk openly about how God is involved in your life. You'd be surprised how many people are actually listening.

Posted By: rachel @ even one sparrow | January 10, 2012 2:57 PM

Go Brother Tebow! He's getting Jesus into the conversation. He is doing his job -- both of them. We can't control what happens in other people's hearts by what we do, but we can sure proclaim Christ. I understand the ones who say they are cynical, but God doesn't call us to be cynical with our brothers and sisters of the faith. We are to give them (and everyone) the benefit of the doubt. It is easy to be cynical. There are probably thousands, maybe even a million people cynical of Tebow, cynical of anyone who mentions Jesus Christ. We Believers shouldnt' be part of that group (the cynics).

Posted By: Jane Hinrichs | January 10, 2012 3:06 PM

We must also remember that Tebow expressed his faith in a manner that does not coerce others to follow his lead; he did not force any other Bronco to pray with him, and everyone who “Tebow’ed” everywhere did so voluntarily. It is important to demonstrate to people beside you that you believe in Jesus Christ and share with them your reasons why when they bring up the subject (they will, eventually). However, when people are not interested, don’t force the issue. And it is also important to remember that in the workplace, you are there to do your job and bring glory to Christ through your diligence in performing your work duties; if you are neglecting your assigned work if you are spending too much time shoving the Bible down others’ throats after being told to stop and get back to work, then you are in fact damaging the name of Christ and may find yourself out of a job. The British Columbia (Canada) Human Rights Tribunal upheld the termination of an employee who was not doing his job because he was always trying to evangelize despite being told to stop by colleagues and management. His own pastor testified that sharing one’s belief with others mean “to share, not to push religion down someone’s throat. If someone asked, then one would share”. The ruling can be read online here: http://www.canlii.org/en/bc/bchrt/doc/2009/2009bchrt1/2009bchrt1.html

Posted By: Barry | January 10, 2012 3:12 PM

For the critics of Tebow who have the audacity of accusing him of grandstanding his faith, I would ask you to do an internet search of all the projects that Tebow is involved in outside the football world. After you do that and see what this young man has already done, then come back and criticize IF you are doing more or better yet, if you are doing anything! The amount of missionary work this young man has done pales many of our missionary organizations.

Posted By: Wesley Paddock | January 10, 2012 3:32 PM

I think you hit the nail on the head ... it isn't so much Tim Tebow, but the fact that he's doing what all of us who call ourselves disciples of Jesus ought to be doing: telling people about Him, that He loves, that He saves.

I joked with a friend that if the Broncos make it all the way to the Super Bowl and win, it's the Lord's way of telling us Christians that WE need to be telling people about the grace through Jesus just as Tebow has been doing.

And I do think that's what seems to get lost in the Christians' conversation about him. I see too much "did-you-see-what-Tebow-twittered-today" rather than, "what did we do to share the Gospel in deed and word?"

While I may not totally agree with Tebow's specific methods -- that is really immaterial -- I certainly see the value of getting out and making sure that Jesus is glorified.

If we do call ourselves Christians, this ought to be about fulfilling Jesus' commandment in Matthew 28:16-19 and Acts 1:8.

BTW, all the best to Tebow in his NFL career ... just not against my San Diego Chargers ... :-)

Posted By: Alan | January 10, 2012 5:14 PM

The difference between Tim Tebow and the Pharisees is that Tim is not a hypocrite.

Posted By: Jerry Rodgers | January 10, 2012 5:52 PM

The main thing that hits home for myself during this entire ordeal. I also never watch football, but this story caught my eye at EXACTLY THE RIGHT TIME in my life. I have done 'the research' as also written above, and then thought about ALL the times God has worked in my life in the past when I was not aware of it at the time. In fact, he is working in my life as I type this message. I could have had a heart attack 5 minutes ago. Let not one minute pass if sort of a train of thought today, in such a way, I'm almost always in prayer until something more attention driven distracts the train of thought known as 'life's little complications". With that little intro, I can see how and why Tebow wants to make his proclamation..would he feel like hypocrite by not giving credit where credit is due once he has recognized the source of his inspirations and how he has managed to make his achievements? It's about giving credit where credit is due and not directing inward to his ego. Although, should that occur, Tebow might learn a hard lesson in humility...I hope not. The press , as was expected..turned this into a 'crucify Tebow' propaganda ploy. This looked clear to me. Now, perhaps,, the press sees more money in playing the other side. They are wrong both ways. It's not about the press nor is it about Tebow..it's about reality.

Posted By: Steve Sponsler | January 10, 2012 8:02 PM

Just want to address one question posted earlier: How is this different from the Pharisees of Matthew 6:5? My answer is: context! The Pharisees was a well respected group in their society. There was no pressure on them for praying in public. Actually, they were praised by the common people for doing so.
Tebow, on the other hand, is demonstrating his faith in an extremely hostile environment, and he has been enduring tremendous attacks from many, if not all, sides. Even the NFL forbids him to show Jn 316 - while allowing other players showing all sorts of tatoos. (Isn't that real hypocracy?)

I've never been a football (or sports) fan - until now when Tebow comes on the scene. I pray that he'll win the superbowl - not for his fame, but for God's glory. Yahoo sports (?) said that after last week's wins, there were over a million search on the internet for John 3:16. Who knows how many of them will be (or are already) saved because of this? Shouldn't all we Christians be encouraged by Tebow, and and be motivated to be effective witness for the Gospel?

Posted By: Sam | January 10, 2012 8:46 PM

Tebowists in the end will draw more people away from Christ than to Him.

Posted By: Euroman | January 11, 2012 1:06 AM

Thank you for writing an informative article. I do know that the actions of Time Tebow have caused several friends to watch and cheer for Denver (as long as their favorite team isn't playing). This is something that they never would have done in the past. These men generally have snide remarks to make about the "show" of Christianity in sports, but they seem to see this as being genuine.

The other people who make a show of their "faith" need to examine their motives and their lives to see if it all fits together. In Jeremiah God says that He is going to cause some in Israel to be scattered far away and others to be killed because they put on a show of faith but in reality they are worshiping idols. If today's people who put on a show of faith are honest with themselves, and God, they will realize that they could follow in the footsteps of Jeremiah's Israel.

Posted By: June | January 11, 2012 7:25 AM

OK, I am an outsider here-- someone who is working to recover some faith after years outside religion. But when I read these posts, and the original article, I don't know whether to laugh or cry. If I had a co-worker that wanted to "witness" to me in the workplace I would find that extremely offensive. I have known work situations in which a group of not particularly bright Christians created a little religious clique and dumped on everyone who did not buy their particular view of evanglical/fundamentalist religion. I have known people who blamed someone's cancer on their relative's bad behavior. (As in, God is punishing you, co-worker, by giving your son cancer.) And I have known people who talked Jesus and were the worst workplace weasels you ever saw. Oh yeah, and then there are the believers who confused G. W. Bush with Jesus, and whose version of the faith seems to be mostly about hate.

So if you really want to witness to the non-believer, here's a suggestion. Do your work, be kind, honest and just, help people, and let the example of your life be your testimony.

Posted By: abigail | January 11, 2012 9:11 AM

Abigail, it sounds like you've had a run of bad experiences with Christians who may be very immature in their faith. Your suggestions for interacting with non-believers is a good list, and those who are mature in their faith would do those things and also be able to discuss their faith in a way that does not resemble the debacles you suffered. After all, life in the Spirit involves both doing what God's word says (James 1:22) as well as being ready to discuss our faith gently and respectfully when God gives us the opportunity (1 Peter 3:15). I hope these are the type of people you run into more often from now on.

And for euroman, who wrote "Tebowists in the end will draw more people away from Christ than to Him": I'm sure "Tebowists" would, just as Timists and euromanists would. But Christians are not called to be Tebowists, Timists or euromanists. We are instead sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13) in order to reflect Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18), and our acts that do so - whether publicly giving glory to God, or privately comforting someone who hurts, or whatever - will point people to our Savior. Tebow just might be doing that through his actions.

Cheers,
Tim

Posted By: Tim | January 11, 2012 10:40 AM

NFL can censor eye black but not God.

Posted By: bruce sidebotham | January 11, 2012 10:41 AM

Here's the common theme in the comments expressing love for Tebow and his boldness: you are already evangelicals.

For those outside the faith, I really have to wonder if, at best, it seems like a shout out to Jesus as the CMAs and, at worst, it seems ridiculously ostentatious.

Does the call to be bold really mean you no longer need to be sensitive to the context? Imagine how you would feel if someone of a different faith expressed Tebow-style boldness at your own workplace. Would a nice guy who thanked Allah every 30 seconds make you admire him or want to become a Muslim?

Tebow-mania reminds me a bit of the conclusions reached in the book Unchristian. The authors' analysis Barna group's surveys of those outside the church suggested that Christians were sometimes very out of touch with how their actions and proclamations of faith were perceived by those on the outside.....

Posted By: Lynn | January 11, 2012 10:59 AM

So, if Tebow were painting his face with references to the Quran and shouting "Allah Akbar!" at press conferences and leaning down to pray facing Mecca at every touchdown -- would that make you likely to embrace Islam as your religion ... or would it just strike you as an absurd, embarassing and offputting display of religiousity?

Posted By: Kathleen | January 11, 2012 2:05 PM

Kathleen, it would evoke neither view in me. I'd just see it as a person expressing their faith.

Cheers,
Tim

Posted By: Tim | January 11, 2012 3:01 PM

Kathleen - If he practiced what he preached I have to say I would be impressed. It would definitely influence my, and probably others', conception of muslims.

Posted By: N | January 12, 2012 10:59 AM

Just to add - However, no I would not be more likely to embrace Islam, because I have my own faith and already am familiar with the tenets of Islam and don't agree with them. Many people don't know anything about any religions, however, as evidenced by the number of people googling John 3:16, probably the most cited Bible verse.

Posted By: N | January 12, 2012 11:02 AM

I believe the reason God created Man is to glorify him. Tim Tebow is a big inspiration at this. If you have not seen the YouTube video "Tim tebow mic'd up Chicago Bears" you need to see it. Win or lose Tim is all about glorifying God. He realizes that God is not interested as much with whether we win or lose but what kind of character we demonstrate. Tim gives God all the glory and is the ultimate humble leader.

Posted By: Marcus | January 12, 2012 11:04 AM

This is football! And my household rejoiced when the Patriots trounced him and we hope it happens again on Saturday! I think we all need to keep a little perspective, have fun, and keep a healthy separation between faith and games.

Posted By: Pam | January 12, 2012 5:07 PM

Pam,

I believe that you are missing the point. the goal is to glorify God in whatever avenues He gives us and understand that we are called to use even something trivial as a game to bring glory to God and share his Word.

There is not a single verse in the Bible saying that we need to "keep a healthy separation between faith and" anything else we do in this life.

Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1Co 10:31)

Posted By: Alan | January 12, 2012 7:30 PM

Alan, I was not missing the point, just making a different one. The evangelical community is way over invested and way over reading into this. Maybe he's just having a good season. Maybe he's secretly a horrible person. Maybe God hates football and wants him to quit. We really have no idea. Let's not go overboard about a young man and a game.

Posted By: Pam | January 13, 2012 7:19 PM

...i really like watching sport like this and after reading this article im so amazed with this team,because they played with Gods grace that really good example that we should really engaged in every things that we do not only on here...

Posted By: al | January 13, 2012 9:40 PM

Abigail,

Your comment can be answered as following...its easier for Christians to "talk" than to actually love & serve the people around them.

Posted By: chickadee | January 23, 2012 4:03 PM