It is not just those that are prominent public figures either. Those of use that are not in the public lime light get criticized for any mention of God.

Kathryn

Many see it as okay when entertainers win awards and give thanks to God; however, it is not okay to pray in school and public because it may offend others! Society is putting forth the idea that the idea that God exists is okay but the actual praying to him is not. It irritates me when I see many of these stars thanking God for giving them their talent. I do not think that God has given these individuals talent to dance half naked on stage while singing lyrics that are vulgar. I think that if these stars would use their voice to praise God then they should give thanks. Yet that is how society wishes our thanks go to the Lord: In vain instead of actually praying from a sincere heart as you have said this football player does.

"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.