Freedom of religion; when can we practice this without being criticized? It seems that if you are in the media’s view, whether playing sports or some sort of stardom it is not okay to mention that it is all possible because of God. Today we are more offended if someone says thank God rather than it’s pure luck. Some have made this a big issue because one football star, feels as if God is in the mix of everything he does. Tim Tebow is well-known for giving thanks on the field before and after a game, win or lose.
""Tebow has become a name with the Republican presidential candidates, some even trying to get him to endorse them.",...exactly the kind of person we need running the country, a presidential candidate who needs the endorsement of a praying Christian football player. BONUS for Tebow that his habitual praying has qualified him to endorse a candidate for the highest office in the land, President of the United States.
I have no problem with Tebow praying or anyone else for that matter and in the same breath I have no problem with gay marriage or outraged vegans or PETA members as long as they don't force it down my throat. My gut feeling is if Tebow were a Muslim and not a Christian his endorsement would not be sought by the conservative Christian right wing candidates. His ability as a football player or the fact that he prays no more qualifies him to endorse a presidential candidate or speak to global or domestic political issues any more than Madonna's singing or Tony Hawk's skateboarding ability does.
If anyone is versed in political matters and is able to speak to the complexities of the office of the President of the United States they should more appropriately announce those qualifications as opposed to the athletic prowess, musical talent or religious affiliation.
People should be able to practice their personal religious beliefs in this great land we know as the United States without fear of reprisal and obviously Tebow does not really experience reprisal. Criticism from the media does not necessarily qualify as reprisal. Let Tebow find a cross burning on his front lawn or death threats made against him or his family because of his faith or his public practice of it. I don't see poor, poor Tebow. I see a very wealthy football player who gains media attention (which is a bonus for him as a public figure anyway) as a result of bending a knee on the grid iron and thanking his God for the privilege of playing. Nothing more, nothing less.
You ask why is it not okay to mention God if someone is a prominent public figure. I don't think the mentioning of God is where the problem lies. It's the audacity of those practicing religion to insist they've locked in a direct line to "God" and others are wrong. I think the general public is simply sick of the contradictory or extreme actions of prominent religious figures or religious zealots. I think those contractions of faith and actions have blackened the eye of religious acceptance in the public's eye."
