Tebow's devotion to faith divides Broncos fans
Key quote:
It's Tebow's eagerness to share his Christian values and beliefs that really irks [Michelle Olson].
"That's why I hate him," she said.
The title of the article is what I found unusual. Ms. Olson's anti-Tebow comments are the only ones the author of the article saw fit to print (the rest of the people quoted were quite positive). A few of the remarks in the newspaper's comments section are nuclear-hot in their hatred of Tebow's Christian faith. One would this they were talking about Michael Vick or O.J. Simpson instead of someone who has never broken the law.
Tim Tebow's parents were missionaries. Tim and his mother participated in a highly successful ad run during this year's Super Bowl:
I suspect that at least part of Ms. Olson's wrath is because of this pro-life ad. One of her comments recorded in the article was, "It's my personal opinion that if you don't have a uterus, you don't have a right to express an opinion about abortion." Interesting. Does that mean that if you are not a perpetrator or victim of (say) child abuse you cannot express an opinion on the subject?
There is an irony in watch the world denounce Christianity as being "intolerant", yet remain oblivious to their own displays of intolerance against Christians like Tim Tebow. By all means hold Christians accountable when they do not live up to what they profess. But the world is also subject to the same treatment for failing to live up to its own standards. That is the problem with "judging" - it is a double-edged sword. Too many Christians and opponents of Christianity relish the role of Pharisee and have enjoyed the judging-someone-else part, but object when the tables are turned. The attitude of the world towards Christians seems to be Don't judge us; we'll judge you instead.
I have a problems with the modern-day use of the word "judge". Is speaking out against evil "judging"? No more than saying two plus two equals four. When Christians know about evil in their own ranks (such as criminal activity or false doctrines) they have a special duty to speak out. "Judge not, lest ye be judged" should never be used as some sort of theological Get Out of Jail Free card.
Perhaps this Bible verse sums up the situation best:
And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.
Mark 13:13 (NKJV)
