Does God Hate Tim Tebow?
By matersfish
@matersfish (6306)
United States
January 16, 2012 2:34pm CST
Celebrity is a lightning rod if anything else. For every awe-inspiring, heroic or even decent act performed by a celebrity, they’re lauded as giants amongst mere men. For even the slightest misstep in judgment, they’re held forcibly under the bus while pop culture digs its collective treads into their chests. But that’s just for the typical celebrities. Celebrities whose stars shine brighter are open to an entirely new set of standards. Celebrities like Tim Tebow.
As the quarterback of a middling Denver Broncos team that backed into the NFL Playoffs, Tebow has earned a Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan-like level of fame. And it’s not because he’s one of the league’s most horrific passers for 45 minutes of every game. It’s not even because he’s one of the league’s most terrific competitors for the remaining 15. It’s because Tim Tebow is something that most either love unequivocally or hate undeniably – he’s openly religious.
Of course, some people do fall in the middle, like myself, and do not care about Tebow’s religion. But I’m in the minority here in terms of the everyday fan. Most cannot mention Tebow’s performances alone; they also bring up the “Tebowing”-—his celebratory bow in praise—-and the many mentions of his devotion to Jesus Christ.
This has caused even some sportscasters to get in on the God-loves-Tim-Tebow action, claiming divine intervention with the Broncos’ surprise win over Chicago, in which some really strange things happened, and the last Denver win, a 316-yard passing performance by Tim in a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, averaging 31.6 yards per completion. John 3:16, or so they say.
According to many folks when broaching the Tim Tebow topic, his prayers have led to divine intervention. The hand of god touches the Broncos late in games and assists in victory. It has been the subject of thousands of interviews, legitimate polls, and even a skit on Saturday Night Live.
But if it’s true that god loves Tebow when they win, does that mean god hates Tebow when they lose?
The Denver Broncos didn’t just lose to the New England Patriots. They were embarrassed in the biggest blowout the NFL Playoffs have witnessed in a long, long time. Not only for the lopsided score (45-10), but also for shutting Tebow down completely and forcing him into uncomfortable positions all game.
Does god hate Tim Tebow? I’m interested to know the opinions of religious people, some of whom claim favoritism when the kid wins. What about when he loses? Mysterious ways? God doesn’t pick favorites? Tebow did something to anger him?
Or, perhaps as I suspect, god may just like Tom Brady more. 
I wonder…
I wonder…4 people like this
12 responses
@marty3888 (2355)
• Acme, Michigan
16 Jan 12
Ok, first of all, God does not hate anyone! He doesn't hate gays, he doesn't hate atheists, I could go on and non. But I don't think God is a sports fan and I'm sure he is not a Broncos fan. How about the possibility that Tim is human and when he plays real good, that's just his natural ability. When he does not play good he is having a bad day just like any other human being? Just like when you make a mistake, I'm sure God doesn't hate you.
@matersfish (6306)
• United States
17 Jan 12
"How about the possibility that Tim is human and when he plays real good, that's just his natural ability."
Yeah. How about it?
Thanks for the response.
1 person likes this
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
17 Jan 12
Hi matersfish, Fundamentalists Christians who talk like this, saying that God grants special favors are making a laughing stock of Christianity. There was a time when Christianity was respected, even by those outside the church, but not so today. When you hear of people bringing snakes into church, of people standing in the aisles and screaming and falling into unconsciousness, this is not Christianity. I once read of a lady asking the question; "would you marry Jesus Christ if he asked you?" Where does all this craziness stop? I'm not into religion as such but was raised a Christian and still read the Bible, but of course I don't take it literally. The teachings of Jesus Christ as found in the sermon on the mount, are among the best that the world has ever seen, but the Christian church today appears to have no interest in following those teachings, but only of making a mockery of it. Blessings.
@matersfish (6306)
• United States
17 Jan 12
Thanks for addressing the premise of the discussion: Christians claiming divine intervention in Tebow's performances.
I can't speak accurately to any teachings, but the fact that so many willingly attribute Tebow's success to a direct help line--976-Jesus?--makes me take the next logical step and assume that god's off the team when he does poorly.
It's a bunk standard either way it's viewed, and I laugh out loud when people do so willingly claim that Tebow has been touched on the field.
Not sure where it ends. This, in sports broadcasting no less, is beyond anything I've seen before.
Thanks for the response.
@blue65packer (11826)
• United States
17 Jan 12
God doesn't hate Tebow! other do!I personal do not like Tim Tebow. I have my reasons. One he likes to preach his faith which alot of people don't like! Lots of other athletes kept their faith to themselves and only talk about it when asked. Tebow is the opposite! He is always preaching his faith! Secondly I do not like the hype this guy has been given! Tebow is over hyped and I am grateful the Broncos are out of the playoffs! Now we will hear liess of Tebow for now! He is not God for goodness sake! My third reason is he is not a good QB! Tebow relies to much on his legs and has a fumbling problem! Maybe with help he will become better a passer and so on. I also didn't like the fans pushed to get him to be the starter when he was 3rd stringer at the start of the season and Kyle Orten was run out of denver! OK that is 5 reasons! This why I dislike Tim Tebow!
@matersfish (6306)
• United States
17 Jan 12
He definitely is the most hyped player I have ever seen to essentially be a rookie still. He is the most hated, the most loved, the most talked about, and probably the least talented guy to come into the league in years. It's quite odd.
Thanks for the response.
@Fatcat44 (1141)
• United States
17 Jan 12
I hate it when people use this kind of logic. I do not think God will throw football games for one player or the other. He helps them develop talents, and it is in their hands after that.
I just feel prayers are a little more sacred and should not be flaunted in front of everyone. The Jews would run around in sacks and through ashes on them so that peole could see that they are repenting, when actually it was for looks only.
He can be totally grateful and prey in his heart, but he does not need to flaunt it in front of other to make them think that he is so religious. He should keep prayers to himself, for they are sacred.
@matersfish (6306)
• United States
19 Jan 12
Prayers might be sacred, I wouldn't know. But since you brought up the logic thing, which has also been peeving me, I'm brainstorming right now. And here's what I come up with:
You're supposed to love god and accept Jesus into your heart as your personal lord and savior to make it into heaven, along with some other things. If not, you're burning in the fiery pits of hell for all eternity. So it's obvious that god wants you to love him. But god obviously doesn't love everyone, because if you don't love him, he will literally see to it that you are tortured unimaginably for all of eternity. That's not love.
So, if not loving god evokes his wrath to such great extent, then loving him extra, extra, extra might just score you some points. Pun intended. 
But I agree with the not flaunting bit. I don't mind the "Tebowing." He does that in the moment. I don't mind his sideline prayers. They're the ones who put the mic on him, so we get what we get. But every single time you ask Tebow a question, he breaks into his god pitch. It's like he's selling Jesus Slap Chops.
Thanks for the response.
But I agree with the not flaunting bit. I don't mind the "Tebowing." He does that in the moment. I don't mind his sideline prayers. They're the ones who put the mic on him, so we get what we get. But every single time you ask Tebow a question, he breaks into his god pitch. It's like he's selling Jesus Slap Chops.
Thanks for the response.
@AngryBobblehead (38)
• United States
17 Jan 12
People are blowing this Tim Tebow thing out of proportion. Yes, he's openly religious. Yes, he's good at what he does. Yes, he thanks God for his success. That doesn't mean God cares about football at all. If He were to help us out, I'm sure it would be in some other avenue; NOT FOOTBALL.
@matersfish (6306)
• United States
19 Jan 12
I concur that god must care about cricket. Since he has all eternity to wait around, he doesn't mind that it takes SIX FRIGGIN' MONTHS to play one cricket match!
The rest of us are on shorter schedules. 
As to people blowing Tebow out of proportion, I agree. I'm not religious at all, but the amount of people claiming divine intervention in Tebow's wins was starting to scare me.
If you keep up with football (I usually do, but I didn't do that well this year), then Buffalo's impressive start behind Fitzpatrick was better than what Tebow did. Fitzy even beat the Patriots in comeback fashion! But there wasn't any talk of the hand of god. So it all has to do with Tim being that openly religious. People find fault with it; even religious people. Not all, but a heck of a lot do.
Thanks for the response.
The rest of us are on shorter schedules.
As to people blowing Tebow out of proportion, I agree. I'm not religious at all, but the amount of people claiming divine intervention in Tebow's wins was starting to scare me.
If you keep up with football (I usually do, but I didn't do that well this year), then Buffalo's impressive start behind Fitzpatrick was better than what Tebow did. Fitzy even beat the Patriots in comeback fashion! But there wasn't any talk of the hand of god. So it all has to do with Tim being that openly religious. People find fault with it; even religious people. Not all, but a heck of a lot do.
Thanks for the response.
@flowerchilde (12529)
• United States
17 Feb 12
Sometimes I think God accepts a challenge and interferes in such mundane things just a little bit, for the fun of it, and also to see how folks might react.. you know, stir things up a little and see what comes about,, not just for God's entertainment or anything, but to stretch and challenge our minds a little.. get a little controversy and discussion going.. it likely has benefited some folks, or cause dsome to consider questions about God who don't usually do so..
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
16 Jan 12
IMO anyone who links Tebow's religious beliefs and/or actions to winning or losing a football game as a sign of God's approval or disapproval does not understand the first thing about Christianity.
@matersfish (6306)
• United States
17 Jan 12
It's just something I found to be hilarious in the Tim Tebow coverage. Sportscasters who otherwise keep things relative to sports were all too willing to claim divine intervention for some of the suspicious happenings of the games in which Tebow won.
So, obviously, if Tebow does well because of divine intervention, then it only stands to reason that it's a lack of divine intervention when he doesn't.
Something I find to be ridiculous either way. But it's not my standard.
Thanks for the response.
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
25 Feb 13
No G-d doesn't hate Tebow. He Just Loves New England more!
Actually I believe G-d answers all prayers and sometimes the answer is no. Tebow is just one man on a team. Football Teams win games not just one guy. Worse he is the quarterback. He Has to make sure his receivers can catch the balls he throws. Sorry this is more about football than religion.
Actually I believe G-d answers all prayers and sometimes the answer is no. Tebow is just one man on a team. Football Teams win games not just one guy. Worse he is the quarterback. He Has to make sure his receivers can catch the balls he throws. Sorry this is more about football than religion. @bestboy19 (5478)
• United States
17 Jan 12
God loves Tim Tebow just as He loves you and me. The lose to New England has nothing to do with Tebow's relationship with God. Denver lost because New England is a better team and Tom Brady is a better quarterback. Tebow needs to develop more as a professional player.
@matersfish (6306)
• United States
17 Jan 12
Tebow definitely needs some more development.
Thanks for the response.
@CODYMAC (1356)
• San Diego, California
16 Jan 12
Hello, matersfish. I am not one to speculate. But I will say this. YAHVAH (GOD) only hates sinners, or those who profess to be religious and are not. Those who are pretenders.
I think that Tim is a great guy who has only done the best he can. It is also up to his team to get him through. It is not only the QB, it is the whole offensive line. If it wasnt for them, I am sure Tim would be on his back more often then he would like.
It is a team effort, and most people think that he does it to get attention, but really, it is because he is a Christian and that is what he does. Acknowledge YAHVAH in all you do. That is what Tim is doing, only making known to YAHVAH that he understands whether win or lose that HE will be there. Have a great day, and may YAHVAH bless you. :) :)
@twdman (2)
• United States
20 Jan 12
I do believe that God loves Tim Tebow. As a pastor I will tell you that God loves every person on the face of the earth, but I don't think that is what you are driving at. What you are really asking is, does God show favoritism to Tim Tebow and help him win? No... God probably doesn't really care about who wins or who loses. What He does care about is how we handle winning and losing. Our character and the way we handle life's good times and bad times does matter to God. When we handle all these times with dignity, humility, and simple kindness, we are living the way God desires, and that brings Him honor because He is the only one that can change us enough inside to be able to do that. Watch Tim's actions and words when he has lost, or when others are critical of him, and you'll see the stuff God really is pleased with. The gesture of praying in the endzone after a touchdown draws attention to the faith he says he has in God, the way he behaves in the tough times bears evidence to any real life-changing faith that he has.
