[Photo by Rob Witzxel, staff photographer at the Star Banner]The following is derived from a story at Ocala.com.
Tim Tebow, for those of you who are not Gator fans, is the esteemed quarterback for the University of Florida's football team. A Heisman Trophy winner, Tebow is obviously a skilled pigskin artist.
He's also something of a flake. Silly as it sounds, Tebow paints a link to one of his favorite bible verses on his cheeks - Philippians 4:13, which reads "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Now, Mr. Tebow can paint any damn thing he so desires on his cheeks. It's interesting, though, that he feels the need to wear his faith on his face. Lots of people wear their faith on their sleeves and that's annoying enough. Is Tebow trying to convert his opponents? Maybe he's attempting to intimidate his opponents by implying that he's got Christ backing him up? Does Mr. Tebow really believe his Christ gives him super strength in order to win a football game?
Many of the christianists on the right believe that their Christ takes a special and personal interest in the minutia of their lives. But what kind of theology holds that Christ gives a rip who wins a college football game?
Tebow is convinced that Christ does care. Indeed, for him, Christ is the "true source of strength."
So what would it mean to Tebow if everyone on an opposing team showed up with a link to the same bible verse on their cheeks? That would sure as hell confuse the issue!
Even more fascinating is that Tebow doesn't link to anything Jesus said, but to one little verse from Paul's letter to the Philippians?
Why not link to Matthew 19:21 where Jesus tells the rich young man (football player?), "If you wish to go the whole way, go, sell your possessions, and give to the poor, and then you will have riches in heaven; and come, follow me"?
Nah...too many endorsements await!
Update (12/7/08): Click here.
