Faith And Football Feud Over Tim Tebow
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By DERON SNYDER
Church mothers who never watch football because they’re always in service have heard of him. Preachers who want to make points about incredible faith and overcoming odds have preached about him. And Christians who didn’t have a favorite NFL team or a favorite player have chosen the Denver Broncos and him — Tim Tebow.
Tebowmania reached new heights on Jan. 8 when he led the Broncos to a playoff victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The game produced several numbers connected to John 3:16, the popular Bible verse that Tebow sometimes inscribes on his eye black. He’ll attempt another miracle Saturday night against the New England Patriots, though there’s already enough proof for true believers: They contend that Tebow transcends football.
But observers who use football, not faith, to inform their opinions remain skeptical. And fans who prefer that athletes keep their religion to themselves are upset. Opposing sides in the cultural divide struggle to keep their views unencumbered. Thoughts on Tebow the Christian get mixed with Tebow the Quarterback. Tebow the Hyped is entangled with Tebow the Great Guy.
