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Defending Tim Tebow against the American Family Association

As regular readers will know, I'm not the biggest Tim Tebow fan in the world. I don't know the guy personally, but just from a football standpoint, I can't say I'm a huge fan. The guy seems to receive just about as much attention as anyone else in the NFL and for what exactly? I'm not sure. This past season with the Jets, he was seen more times sitting on the bench warming a spot for a starter than actually playing. When he did play, the guy seemed to complete fewer passes than a 5-year old would, and have poorer fundamentals than a zebra attempting to throw a football (as in the actual animal, not a referee). However, based on what I've read about him as a human being, he seems to be a very kind, respectful, generous, and devoted individual. While Tebow and I may not share religious beliefs, I respect him for how he lives his life.

That brings me to a fairly recent story involving the New York Jets quarterback. He was set to make an appearance at the First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, led by pastor Robert Jeffress. But, after word got out about Jeffress' controversial comments regarding homosexuals, Muslims, and even Catholics, Tebow canceled his appearance, and the uber-conservative American Family Association (AFA) was none too pleased about it.

The AFA's own Bryan Fischer posted the following bit on his Facebook page in response to Tebow canceling his appearance:

"If Tebow does not in fact disagree with Jeffress on any of these points, then his decision looks like nothing more than craven capitulation on the nattering nabobs of negativism and intolerance ... Tebow has established his street cred with the evangelical community by being unapologetic and unwavering in his faith. If his NFL career washes out, this street cred with the Christian community is all he has left. He is squandering that enormous reservoir of goodwill and admiration as we speak, by taking a knee rather than stepping up in the pocket."

Street cred? That's what this is all about? Really? Street cred with a community that believes in and worships a being they've never seen before? I think Tebow would be better served by doing what he feels is best in his heart and conscience than to give two (expletives) about "street cred." I think Tebow did what he felt was best and once again, I respect him for it. Bryan Fischer, on the other hand, that's another story altogether...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/22/tim-tebow-american-family-association-cancels-church-christian_n_2742119.html

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