Dec
19
2011
Tebow: Too Big to Fail?
Despite losing to the New England Patriots on Sunday, Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow continues to be the talk of the NFL and all of professional sports. Since taking over the starting role a few weeks into what was looking like a lost season, Tebow has led the resurgent Broncos to a 7-2 record that now has them sniffing the playoffs.
Much has been made of Tebow's ability to overcome naysayers on the field---many thought he was more suited to star as a professional fullback than quarterback---and of his penchant for engineering dramatic fourth quarter, game-winning drives. He has also drawn attention because of his outspoken faith.
But what about the gospel implications of the Tebow phenomenon. Has he been an effective witness? How could he grow and use his platform in ways that would more fully glorify God? Have we Christians turned him into an idol? What if he fails on the field, or worse, off it? I explored those questions and more with Christian sportswriter Ted Kluck in a recent interview.
You can stream the interview or download it here.
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31 Comments
Just got done listening to the interview...
I feel for Tebow...it's like Matthew 11:17, if people felt like he didn't speak enough about his faith he would be criticized and if he speaks "too much" about his faith he gets criticized...and sadly enough by the people who should be supporting him (his family in Christ).
I feel like those who are being critical of his outspoken faith simply need to examine whether it's just his personality or profession that rubs them the wrong way. Because if it is something other than that, basically what they are saying is "You can love Jesus and talk about Him too much and that's negative and it needs to stop." This doesn't sound like what Jesus said about how much you are required to love him...
Very well said Paul, thats exactly what I took from that interview. Amen.
I don't understand why Mark or Ted keep trying to act like all Tim has done or said is vauge and uncontextual? At every news conference he says something to the extent of "First I need to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!" How much more specific do you want him to be given the platform God has put him on? It wouldn't really work for him right there in the middle of the media to pull out his Bible and give a sermon. Seems to me he is doing so much more than the vase majority...why even within the body are his motives questioned? That being said I totally agree that we all as Christ followers must guard against giving our praise and worship to anyone but God but it is not like that is what Time seems to be seeking?
I'm glad it doesn't feel like persecution to you. Kluck's cynicism is palpable. Tebowmania is a cultural phenomenon that, like all fads, is tiresome. But you cannot say that Tebow is making a spectacle of himself--any more than any other player celebrating a first down or a touchdown. Watch the games and listen to his interviews rather than what the talking heads say about him. I get the distinct impression that, because Tebow has not preached Calvinism, you don't respect his testimony. Your attitude toward a person who is experiencing greater temptations than you or I cannot imagine is prideful and arrogant. Rather than add to the static I suggest that we pray for him.
Dirty, rotten, tricksy Calvinists.
What I appreciate about Tebow is that he doesn't seem to equate losing on the field with losing God's favor. When he prays, he asks for grace in victory or defeat.
The problem seems to be with the rest of the community, both idolaters and naysayers. Frankly, I'm a little tired of all of the concern that he'll stumble becuase he's such a public person. That phenomena actually seems to be higher among ministers in the public eye than devout sports figures, and there are more than enough of those to worry about amongst the new Calvinists.
This mentality of holding our breath waiting for Tebow to fall is telling of our own lives as well. How many of us treat the sanctification of our loved ones as if it were the most tenuous thread immaginable? How often do we anxiously insert ourselves into the role of God trying to keep others from stumbling?
I was going to listen to the whole interview but I found it "incredibly boring" and "at my age I just think the kids doing the interview were immature and need time to deepen their message." What condescending rubbish. Thousand of people disagree with you. You will call me shallow for saying how thrilled I am to hear the name of my Savior, the Lord Jesus, honored as it should be.
All Tebow provides is an opportunity for us all to speak to others about Christ. Whether Tebow wins or loses, whether he stumbles and falls, we will in this moment have an opportunity to speak of Christ with everyone.
A plea to the bloggers. Please include a transcript of items like this. Some of us would like to skim such an item, but have not the time to invest in listening to an interview. Thanks for your consideration.
I love sports and I love Jesus. A book that has fascinated me lately is Good Game by Shirl Hoffman. A verse he mentions, Zech. 8:5, has become my sports verse. It would be fascinating if you two would do an interview on the book, if you haven't done so already. But something puzzles me: What if Tebow reads John 5:40 and goes on to John 6:44 does he have to follow one less than the other. Can't he be both Calvinist and Arminian and be a good Christian? He's such an intense guy, what if he became radically Calvinist and radically Arminian? What would be wrong with that?
These are mutually exclusive positions. I mean, either way he's obviously a strong believer. I think that's fabulous and I think he's doing a good thing. I don't really care if he's an Arminian OR a Calvinist, but how are you thinking he can be both?
Hi Heather. I agree with you that it really doesn't matter whether he's Arminian or Calvinist. It just seemed to me that Mark's Arminian-Calvinist question seemed so incongruous. In using the verses from John I was merely quoting John Stott. (Mark by the way is right on in considering John's going on to glory to be one of the top ten stories of 2011). I'm quoting John Stott to show that my idea isn't something I made up. John was an incredible theologian, and in layman's language I think that what he was saying is that we are to be Calvinist on our knees praying that God would work in a person's life and Arminians on our feet being sensitive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in talking to this person about Jesus. We are to do all that we can to win people for the Lord. That's all I'm saying.
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven" Ecc 3:1
Tebow's witnessing would be better if he brought it down a notch or two. I love Jesus and I love my brothers, but few things are as annoying as a Christians who impulsively says "christian" things over and over again...
There is a time for everything. I dont know if Football is the most effective time/place to "testify." After all it is just a game. It is entertainment.
You can't compartmentalize a person's job and their faith. The gospel has implications for every person in EVERYTHING they do. The normal joe who has a desk job must do his work in light of his relationship with Christ, and that will show in his work and give him the opportunity to 'testify.' The same is true for Tebow. He shouldn't just play football and not use the opportunities that he has to declare Christ. I think he is doing a great job and using the opportunities that God has given him.
I agree. We ought to give glory to God in everything we do, whether we work at a desk or QB for the Denver Broncos. HOWEVER that does not mean that the normal Joe who has a desk job has to say "I love my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" every five minutes. Neither does it mean that that same normal Joe has to be all over his workmates' faces about how much he loves Jesus.
Tebow is avery good guy. He works very hard and he is a tremendous leader. He has earned avery good reputation because of his leadership and outstanding work ethic, he doesn't have to be so cliche in the way that he testifies. Being to in-your-face about how much he loves Jesus on turns people off, it is not effective and it could even be counter productive.
WOW, Imagine telling that to Paul the apostle? Maybe Jesus too was to much on the face of all who He encountered.
Jesus called people to repentance. I've never heard Tebow called people to repentance.
Come on, I am not trying to demonize Tebow. He is a great guy and great example. ALL I'M SAYING is that saying "Christian sayings" and repeating them over and over again on every other sentence is not the only way to give glory to God.
Tebow's testimony is stronger by his hard work ethic and his strong, wise character. His words not so much.
Tebow is a good example of solid Christian faith, but so is his fellow Heisman-winning Gator QB Danny Wuerffel. He didn't have the NFL success that Tebow is experiencing, but his Christian witness has been no less bold and impressive as he battles a debilitating illness.
http://www.desirestreet.org/dannymsg
As someone who is related to a moderately famous person in the sports world, I've learned a few things over the years. One, people (even Christians) are often cruel, spiteful, cynical and flat-out vile when it comes to celebrities.
Two, it is very difficult to be in that spotlight. It will make you sick to your stomach reading and listening to people blasting someone you love. (Yeah, I know it's bluster for the most part, but sports fans are often the worst because their idolatry is lauded by the culture as being "manly." Isn't it strange that men sitting around watching other men play is considered manly?) Being famous has its perks--but for the most part, in this internet age, it's horrible. It's especially difficult for a young man like Tim Tebow.
Three, if Tim were my son, I would be incredibly humbled and thankful to God that my boy was such a faithful witness to Christ. I know Ted Kluck battles being cynical--he has shared that in one of his books that I enjoyed--but I think he needs to battle it a little more.
I love this website and I love good theology. But the subtle bias against all things not fully Calvinist are disappointing. I'm there. TULIP all the way. But why can't we drop our reformed arrogance and exude some sense of sincerely being "for' people? It's like a gospel of grace that denies the grace thereof. If Tebow is an inch deep and a mile wide (very possible!) I pray he does't find this interview. Not enough truth with grace-love.
It's not about Tim Tebow. It's about Jesus and His command to all believers to spread the Good News. Tim Tebow is way ahead of the rest of us. Don't judge him. He knows what Jesus wants him to do. Get off his butt and support him if you are not capable of doing what he is doing. Jesus doesn't use critics, only disciples. Paul was not ashamed of the Gospel (Rom.1:16) and Tim Tebow is not ashamed either. Spend more time working on your own pathetic witness, and leave him alone.
WOW! Totally amazed to hear the comments of Ted Kluck about Tim Tebow, I'm sure you all can listen to it. I could not help but hear time & time again Mr. Kluck mention the Money word, saying that it will change Tebow; That Tim Tebow is riding a wave of fame & we should first look at him for the football player that he is; That how can he be persecuted when he is making so much money; That its so hard to to keep an eye on Christ with all that money & fame; To enjoy Tim Tebow for his ability to play football and keep it that way; That he does not think he can win a super bowl, because he is not a good QB. And its just a matter of time before he falls. A note about the person that was doing the interview; He said that Tebow & his thanking God/Jesus was like vanilla. These two so call Christian professional men of God have a huge problem with envy, jealousy, money, and dont believe that God/Jesus can do the same things through chosen servants like the old days; God/Jesus is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow; So your telling me that He is not manifesting Himself through Tim Tebow? What bigger platform then that of the NFL to win souls for Christ or to allow people to see God/Jesus behave by His Spirit through chosen men; 2 CHR. 16:9 What bigger audiance then the millions of people around the world watching the biggest event; The Super Bowl live & having Tim Tebow share the gospel of salvation to all the world & give all the credit & glory to God/Jesus. They sound just like the Pharisees. Tebow is not about money and fame, he told everyone on national TV that football is NOT the most important thing in his life, but that God is using it to share the gospel & help the poor & needy. Its hard for you to understand but its happening before our eyes. Its all about Jesus!
Hey, Martin S.--
Liked your comment. We must be willing to recognize that God had used stranger situations in the past--check out the Bible-- to get his message out. Of course, we don't know the whole story yet but we shouldn't count Tebow out just because he doesn't fit our--or the NFL's mold.
Now, does God cause the Broncos to win sometimes just because He wants to glorify Himself through someone like Tebow? I don't think any of us can answer that for certain--only God knows.
So... as long as Tebow glorifies God, I'm thrilled and I think all Christians everywhere should be praying for his physical and spiritual well being. You know the enemy of God wants to bring him down--BIG TIME, and it's our job to fight for the Kingdom. No matter what you think of him, REMEMBER, Tim Tebow is our brother in Christ.
To God--and God alone--be the Glory!
As a Scot looking at the reports from the USA, i have two postions:
1) I think it is great in a day and age where money, sex, and drugs are so in harmony with the world of sport that a sinner saved by Christ, can rise above and publically proclaim Christ.
2) Mr Tebow is a man who breaks the Sabbath, and destrows the witness. He is part of the problem, the world endorsing entertainment when all Christians should be resting in Him worshiping the Lord on the Lord's Day Sabbath.
It is great that brother Tebow is witnessing ti such a large audience, but he is also breaking the 4th commandment, the creation ordinance, that one day in seven that we should keep holy
In Christ
I'm at work and haven't yet had a change to listen to the interview, but I tend to agree with the commenter above who mentioned how sad it is that we, as Christians, are trying to find his faults rather than encourage him along.
Here we have a blog (TGC) that constantly encourages grace as the motivation for the law, and then, when we see a man driven by grace and striving after Christ in a dark environment (although perhaps unable to always attend a local assembly on Sundays), we so quickly put on our Pharisee hats and speak of what he's not doing.
Maybe I'm off base here. Maybe it is a serious sin for Tebow to not attend church every Sunday and he should be constantly rebuked for it until he repents. But, the sad fact is that you cannot always find your way to a local assembly on Sunday mornings AND be a football player, especially with all the traveling.
I'm a 5 Point Calvinist, as well. I gather from the comments that his testimony is negatively regarded because he is not a Calvinist. I didn't grow up a Calvinist. I wasn't taught that. Most churches don't, sadly. Can we still encourage our brother who is standing strong for the Lord. Do we reserve our love and encouragement only for those who conform to our doctrinal stance?
Again, I'm sure Tebow has his faults and I could be very off base if I thought about it longer. But, considering what this blog is all about, the comments here seem very legalistic.
Regardless, I pray Tebow will be yet still a greater and greater testimony for Christ.
PS-Has anyone read his book, seen the orphanage, or read his comments about God's Word not returning void and doing all things to the glory of Christ?
This is absolutely one of the most condescending interviews I have ever heard. "Vague noncontextual faith claims," "over-polite and vanilla-boring," and arguing over whether he is Arminian or Calvinist. Tim Tebow is not a pastor, and for you to place an additional burden on him to witness a "better gospel" amidst his current difficult position is a Pharisee-like slavery. Imagine his anxiety at professing Christ and THEN making sure he inserts the gospel correctly. I am Reformed and I love this site and I am not a Tebow apologist, but the everyday Christian does not geek out over deep soteriology like you do. Not everyone thinks like you. I don't suggest a simplistic gospel in place of rich theology, but this was insulting to Tebow and just one more reason I and others are distancing ourselves from elitist, scholarly, snobby theologians of the Reformed fad. Please get over yourselves.
JS. I agree with you about Tebow, and I am Calvinist as well. I haven't listened to the interview yet, although I'll probably find it arrogant from what I've heard. However, I wouldn't bash deep study of soteriology or scholarly work either. I don't want to be reactionary. In fact, I hope Tebow does study the doctrine of salvation and take his faith seriously. But, what I do see I like, as I said above. He seems to be the real thing, and some it's sad that now he has to fight against-not just non Christians-but legalistic professing Christians.
That said, I think some of what you just said is a bit reactionary. Blessings!
Thanks Adam. You're right that it's reactionary, and I apologize for the crass (over)reaction. I cannot assume that Gospel Coalition bloggers do not deal with real, broken people -- I'm sure they all do -- so I wonder why some of their blog posts talk about people in a vacuum like they're specimens. Tebow is dealing with dozens of things that we cannot comprehend. This article just stinks of unfair controversy for the sake of "look-over-here" sensationalism, and added no depth to the topic at hand. I tried listening to the interview with an open gracious mind, but grieved pretty badly. I had to stop when someone said "I find Tebow boring." I find this in no way professional or mature. A deep, sad sigh.
(Maybe that's what you were saying.)
Anyway. Praying for Tebow.
Does it really matter whether or not Tim Tebwow is a Calvinist or an Arminian? We do a great injustice to the name of Christ when we are so concerned with the labels of men and theological sytems. Support the man as a brother in Christ! He's a football player, not a candidate for pastor at your local church.
Tim Tebow is totally “outside the box.” Some pundits still say he can’t play in the NFL, but I think he epitomizes 1Cor. 1:27, “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.”
Tim didn’t start “Tebowmania” or “Tebowing” (many players have prayed like that before). Even with his wins, Tim doesn’t deserve this—others have done similar things without such accolades. So what’s the big deal?
I think the answer is simple. This isn’t really about football or Tim Tebow.
It’s a set-up! Jesus said, “[I]f I be lifted up, [I] will draw all men unto me.” (Jn 12:32). God has given Tim Tebow favor and he lifts up Christ—period. Why Tebow? Only God knows. God chooses anyone He wants—mostly those “outside the box.”
Why are some Christians so cynical about Tebow? They wonder about his theology and question everything about him instead of praising God. “Why pray when we can worry?” We should be praying for his protection both physically and spiritually and making use of this new opportunity to share Christ with others (not just football fans).
God has opened up an avenue to bring Himself glory. Can you bring yourself to get outside the box!