Oct
16
2009
Separation of Church and Sport?
Erik Raymond and Kevin DeYoung (among others) respond to a USA Today editorial critiquing Florida quarterback Tim Tebow for believing Jesus is the only way to God.
About Justin Taylor
Follower of Christ. Editorial Director at Crossway.
Elder at Grace Community Bible Church.
Husband of one, father of three. More…
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9 Comments
Al Mohler has also chimed in: http://www.albertmohler.com/2009/10/16/time-to-separate-church-and-sports/
In the words of Ryan Dobson, when commenting on John 14:6, “Don’t blame me. I didn’t say it.”
According to USA Today, it’s okay to be religious as long as you don’t act as if it your beliefs are true. So, at the end of the day, unless Christians treat their own beliefs as secularists suggest, then they ought to remain silent, sit on the back of the secular bus, and speak only when spoken to. Why does tolerance seem so totalitarian? Answer: because it is.
[...] to Justin Taylor, who has linked to Erik Raymond and Kevin Deyoung, who have commented on the “cheap” [...]
What is assumed in this public discussion is that religion is not subject to the verities of truth and falsehood. If we took the same view of math we would expect teachers to grade papers based on the intent and sincerety of students rather than the answers supplied.
Damien,
Any Christian will gladly have a discussion about veracity and truth. However, Krattenmaker isn’t looking at whether Christianity is actually true. He’s just saying “I and a large portion of the public think that Christianity is false, and Christians shouldn’t be allowed to publicly say that they believe Christianity is true.”
In other words, Christian athletes say that Christianity is true and Krattenmaker is offended by it and wants it to stop. I don’t recall any law saying that being offended by something is a reason to shut down someone’s free speech. Certainly no one worries about making truth claims that might “offend” Christians.
“How then can I blaspheme my King and Savior? Bring forth what thou will.” Polycarp was burned at the stake for refusing to burn incense to the Roman Emperor.
How much easier it is in our culture to love our Savior and Lord, and show the world our unashamed gratitude for what Christ has done by granting us repentance and faith unto life eternal. None of us will have to worried about being burned alive, as Polycarp was. But we will be mocked and scorned.
How can one who loves Christ foremost not tell others of his devotion to such a Redeemer and King? And yet at times I do become timid, because I know it would cause strife and conflict.
I think it’s only going to become worse in our pluralistic culture. And in the future maybe the Church will have fierce persecution once again. And God’s remnant will shine forth, as all the apostates blend in with the world.
[...] http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2009/10/16/separation-of-church-and-sport/ [...]
And this from Brant Hansen. Hilarious.
http://branthansen.typepad.com/letters_from_kamp_krusty/2009/10/gird-yourselves-large-man-with-cartoon-alligator-on-costume-also-refers-to-religious-text.html