Tim Tebow to speak at controversial Dallas church.

[Taltarzac725]

This will probably make the Jets want to trade Tebow. Not sure which team would want him now though after he makes this kind of misstep? http://www.dallasnews.com/news/community-news/dallas/headlines/20130218-tim-tebow-to-share-his-story-at-first-baptist-church-dallas-in-april.ece

[justjim]

It's reported that Tebow will play in Canada next year. Could be.... But maybe his long term goal is to be a Preacher?

[2BNTV]

Tim Tebow has always been outspoken about his faith. I have come to admire him in that regards. I think the pastor views of that church are controversial. If Tim wants to share his story, it is his right to do so. I never got the impression that he demanded other people feel the same way especially his teammates.

Tim Tebow will have to go to the CFL if he wants to QB as the teams in the NFL see his talent level as something left to be desired. I think he will carve a career in the CFL and then go on to be a preacher.

He is a fine young man, to be admired as a good role model.

[CFrance]

This will probably make the Jets want to trade Tebow. Not sure which team would want him now though after he makes this kind of misstep? Tim Tebow to (http://www.dallasnews.com/news/community-news/dallas/headlines/20130218-tim-tebow-to-share-his-story-at-first-baptist-church-dallas-in-april.ece)

Holy smokes. Read this.

[2BNTV]

Where's the link to read?

[CFrance]

Where's the link to read?

It's the link that Tal provided. I was shocked at the description of this guy Jeffress' beliefs.

[2BNTV]

I am not shocked but saddened for his views. :(

[redwitch]

Jets will trade him for lack of NFL talent, not because of his beliefs. The reality is that if Tebow had showed the potential of his college days, his beliefs would be irrelevant and where he chose to give witness would be immaterial. Since he hasn't lived up to the hype, he will be traded.

I can't say I think much of his choice to talk at this church, but it is his choice and his business and I will defend his right to talk where he wants and to whom he wants so long as it harms no one else. I don't have to agree with him to admire his willingness to share his beliefs and not back down regardless of any controversy or ridicule.

[NotGolfer]

He's not "called" to impress folks with his football prowess....I believe he's been given this platform (football fame) to share his faith. Even Jesus went amongst the lowly, the tax-collectors, the folks looked down upon about their society of the day. Jesus calls ALL of his followers to "go out into the world to proclaim His Good News"!! Unfortunately most of them do not do that.....

[Taltarzac725]

Jets will trade him for lack of NFL talent, not because of his beliefs. The reality is that if Tebow had showed the potential of his college days, his beliefs would be irrelevant and where he chose to give witness would be immaterial. Since he hasn't lived up to the hype, he will be traded.

I can't say I think much of his choice to talk at this church, but it is his choice and his business and I will defend his right to talk where he wants and to whom he wants so long as it harms no one else. I don't have to agree with him to admire his willingness to share his beliefs and not back down regardless of any controversy or ridicule.

That's true that Tebow's religious beliefs are irrelevant to his playing ball. There are ardent believers in all faiths in the NFL-- Christian, Mormon, Muslim, Scientologist, Jewish, probably even a few Wiccans. If they get the yardage, whom they pray to in the endzone hardly matters. I suppose if they sacrificied a goat beforehand though AND it became common knowledge, that would be going way too far. There are limits to religious freedom.

[rubicon]

I agree with the statement that Christian beliefs have not changed but society has. Christians are under attack all over the world and even here in our american democracy christians are not spared.

Tebow should be congratulated for taking such a strong stand we need more people like him in Congress with his commitmnt to his beliefs

My daughter and her friends are Jet fans and go to all of their home games. Frankly I can't stand the manner in which jet players treat Brett Favre and now Tim Tebow So I hope Tebow leaves.

Overall I wonder why a clean cut guy garners so much dislike in our society while promiscuous and drugged induced celbrities are celebrated?

[Taltarzac725]

I agree with the statement that Christian beliefs have not changed but society has. Christians are under attack all over the world and even here in our american democracy christians are not spared.

Tebow should be congratulated for taking such a strong stand we need more people like him in Congress with his commitmnt to his beliefs

My daughter and her friends are Jet fans and go to all of their home games. Frankly I can't stand the manner in which jet players treat Brett Favre and now Tim Tebow So I hope Tebow leaves.

Overall I wonder why a clean cut guy garners so much dislike in our society while promiscuous and drugged induced celbrities are celebrated?

I kind of find it hard to take a "preacher" for Christian beliefs very seriously when he is playing a game that glorifies violence, strategy, deception, etc. I see Colin Kaepernick as being a bit more sincere as his Biblical tattoos are about battling and seem straight from the Old Testament. I just do not see someone who preached loving your brother and sister and turning the other cheek playing football. Maybe the slower much less violent game of baseball. http://www.sfgate.com/news/slideshow/49ers-players-get-inked-up-49428.php

[justjim]

I agree with the statement that Christian beliefs have not changed but society has. Christians are under attack all over the world and even here in our american democracy christians are not spared.

Tebow should be congratulated for taking such a strong stand we need more people like him in Congress with his commitmnt to his beliefs

My daughter and her friends are Jet fans and go to all of their home games. Frankly I can't stand the manner in which jet players treat Brett Favre and now Tim Tebow So I hope Tebow leaves.

Overall I wonder why a clean cut guy garners so much dislike in our society while promiscuous and drugged induced celbrities are celebrated?

There were 31 arrests (according to Google) of NFL players during the off-season. Society has changed----these Players are role models? Wow!

[rubicon]

There were 31 arrests (according to Google) of NFL players during the off-season. Society has changed----these Players are role models? Wow!

justjim: Exactly This world is upside down. People seem to focus more on the few radicals and frauds and not on what benefit to society christianity has given us. Its the message and not the messenger. I admit to being a nominal Catholic but I keep separate the politics of religion from the message. This country was built on those principles and as they fade from our society so does the family value and ethics and morals that has kept us civil and cohesive as a nation Tebow's faith is good example for young people. it is certainly better than what passes for celebrity these days

[ilovetv]

To me, there is clearly an "agenda" of the media who actually report this as some kind of "news". The church is a huge, thriving, Baptist congregation having a strict, fundamentalist pastor who's outspoken in his teachings from the Bible, and is disliked and even hated by morally-permissive opponents because of it.

So WHAT if Tebow wants to “share his story, the difference Jesus Christ has made in his life"???????

This is not controversial. Just because a famous athlete shares his personal faith walk with an audience--that goes to it by choice--does not mean that he suddenly became a clone of that pastor, having every last one of his own thoughts, words and deeds being supplanted by that pastor!

Good Lord. It is getting to be appalling and even scary, how so many are willing to make a vilified, hated caricature out of a person just because they openly profess their Christian faith...and in this case, in a CHURCH no less!

If a famous and admired person cannot profess his faith in a CHURCH--where nobody is forced to go with a gun to their head--we are in deep, deep s*** in this society.

[bkcunningham1]

To me, there is clearly an "agenda" of the media who actually report this as some kind of "news". The church is a huge, thriving, Baptist congregation having a strict, fundamentalist pastor who's outspoken in his teachings from the Bible, and is disliked and even hated by morally-permissive opponents because of it.

So WHAT if Tebow wants to “share his story, the difference Jesus Christ has made in his life"???????

This is not controversial. Just because a famous athlete shares his personal faith walk with an audience--that goes to it by choice--does not mean that he suddenly became a clone of that pastor, having every last one of his own thoughts, words and deeds being supplanted by that pastor!

Good Lord. It is getting to be appalling and even scary, how so many are willing to make a hated caricature out of a person just because they openly profess their Christian faith...and in this case, in a CHURCH no less!

If a famous and well-liked person cannot profess his faith in a CHURCH where nobody is forced to go with a gun to their head we are in deep, deep s*** in this society.

Amen.

[CFrance]

It's not the fact of Tim Tebow professing his faith in Christ that bothers me--it's where he's doing it, in a church whose pastor is so hostile toward beliefs other than his own extremely narrow-minded, hostile take on other religions. In my mind, Tim Tebow is tacitly supporting Jeffress' hatred toward other religious beliefs by speaking here.

I'm stopping here. Speechless.

[ilovetv]

It's not the fact of Tim Tebow professing his faith in Christ that bothers me--it's where he's doing it, in a church whose pastor is so hostile toward beliefs other than his own extremely narrow-minded, hostile take on other religions. In my mind, Tim Tebow is tacitly supporting Jeffress' hatred toward other religious beliefs by speaking here.

I'm stopping here. Speechless.

Well maybe Tebow offers an individual and different perspective that demonstrates that not all Christians think, speak and act alike. Attending a church service does not mean a person attending has to think, speak and act only like the pastor.

God does a pretty amazing job of creating people as billions of different individuals, who hopefully are allowed to have some individual freedom of speech. If the people choose to attend and listen to Tebow's story focused on God--not the pastor--then that is their right and this should not be considered "offensive" to certain groups of people who are not even mentioned.

[janmcn]

Why does anybody even pay any attention to this third string quarterback? What other third-rate player makes the news? Tim Tebow should just go quietly off and do whatever it is he wants to do, but playing in the NFL is probably not going to be one of his options.

[CFrance]

Well maybe Tebow offers an individual and different perspective that demonstrates that not all Christians think, speak and act alike. Attending a church service does not mean a person attending has to think, speak and act only like the pastor.

God does a pretty amazing job of creating people as billions of different individuals, who hopefully are allowed to have some individual freedom of speech. If the people choose to attend and listen to Tebow's story focused on God--not the pastor--then that is their right and this should not be considered "offensive" to certain groups of people who are not even mentioned.

If that were the case, why wouldn't he choose a more broad-minded church at which to profess his faith? If I were famous and were going to profess my faith publicly, I would choose a venue in tune with my beliefs. I'm wary of his choice.

And in answer to another poster who wonders why anybody pays attention to a third-string quarterback, I think it is because he is a very famous quarterback, for whatever reason. So he has some credibility to some people.

Again, I have nothing against Tebow. But I wonder exactly where his beliefs lie. Is he narrow-minded toward other religions? I have concerns due to the beliefs of the church where he is speaking. Hard to believe he would choose this particular church if he had a broad-minded, accepting view of others' religious beliefs.

I'm a liberal Presbyterian, to let you know where I'm coming from.

[Mr. Grampi II]

Amen.

Make that two Amens....

[ilovetv]

If that were the case, why wouldn't he choose a more broad-minded church at which to profess his faith? If I were famous and were going to profess my faith publicly, I would choose a venue in tune with my beliefs. I'm wary of his choice.

And in answer to another poster who wonders why anybody pays attention to a third-string quarterback, I think it is because he is a very famous quarterback, for whatever reason. So he has some credibility to some people.

Again, I have nothing against Tebow. But I wonder exactly where his beliefs lie. Is he narrow-minded toward other religions? I have concerns due to the beliefs of the church where he is speaking. Hard to believe he would choose this particular church if he had a broad-minded, accepting view of others' religious beliefs.

I'm a liberal Presbyterian, to let you know where I'm coming from.


A Christian's testimony of how God has been merciful, powerful and beneficent in his/her life is for anyone, not just those who are "broad-minded" in today's American political terms.

Christ himself was not politically correct nor "broad-minded" nor "accepting of others' religious beliefs". He made this quite clear when saying:

"6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

John 14:5-7 NIV1984 - Jesus the Way to the Father - Thomas - Bible Gateway (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14:5-7&version=NIV1984)

[CFrance]

It may be for anyone, but there are different slants to a testimony, and the venue he chose is telling. I don't think Jesus had the same distaste for people of different religions that this Jeffress seems to have. I certainly wouldn't give my testimony in a church whose pastor/doctrine was so exclusive.

That's it, I'm done with this. You can respond and have the last word; I don't care. I stand by my original thoughts.

[Golfingnut]

This will probably make the Jets want to trade Tebow. Not sure which team would want him now though after he makes this kind of misstep? Tim Tebow to (http://www.dallasnews.com/news/community-news/dallas/headlines/20130218-tim-tebow-to-share-his-story-at-first-baptist-church-dallas-in-april.ece)

I would ask; what drives the likes of Tebow to EXTREMISM. He could have such a positive impact on our youth if only he would endorse LOVE not HATE. We humans are instructed, no commanded to leave Gods Judgement to God yet so many are driven to HATE anything outside of their narrow minded views and condemn them to hell as if they speak for GOD. I believe hate filled people like Tebow will be more nervous on judgement day than normal Christians.

[wendyquat]

Oh for Heavens sake! It's amazing to me how people like to demonize a Christian and twist them into being "haters". Maybe the admin should take another look and ban religious threads as well as political!

[2BNTV]

Tim Tebow has canceled his visit to The Frist Baptist Church as he became aware of the pastor's views.

Jets' Tebow cancels speech at controversial Dallas church - NYPOST.com (http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/jets/jets_tebow_cancels_speech_at_controversial_gLHhW6G XeAIZ71oejFihXI)

[ilovetv]

Tim Tebow has canceled his visit to The Frist Baptist Church as he became aware of the pastor's views.

Jets' Tebow cancels speech at controversial Dallas church - NYPOST.com (http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/jets/jets_tebow_cancels_speech_at_controversial_gLHhW6G XeAIZ71oejFihXI)

More power to him. It's still a free country where he and all of us can speak where and when we want to.

It's interesting that a "narrow-minded", "hate-filled" "hater" can change his mind like that when new information is presented. (Sarcasm intended)

[CFrance]

Tim Tebow has canceled his visit to The Frist Baptist Church as he became aware of the pastor's views.

Jets' Tebow cancels speech at controversial Dallas church - NYPOST.com (http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/jets/jets_tebow_cancels_speech_at_controversial_gLHhW6G XeAIZ71oejFihXI)

Hats off to him. And I'm glad to know that my character assessment of him was spot-on. I really didn't see him as a fit with that pastor, and I was disappointed that he was speaking there. He does have a presence due to his football, and some people will listen to what he says. So a more inclusive venue in which to say it is good.

[NotGolfer]

"Some" say that he's caving into the liberal press! I see it as there is more than we know behind the story and he's maybe taking it under advisement that it wouldn't best serve anyone if he'd appear there. I applaud Tim Teboe (and his mom as well) for being bold with their faith.

[Taltarzac725]

Tim Tebow has canceled his visit to The Frist Baptist Church as he became aware of the pastor's views.

Jets' Tebow cancels speech at controversial Dallas church - NYPOST.com (http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/jets/jets_tebow_cancels_speech_at_controversial_gLHhW6G XeAIZ71oejFihXI)

Good for him. He probably gets invitations from all kinds of Christian groups to talk and does not research each and every one.

[Golfingnut]

Tim Tebow has canceled his visit to The Frist Baptist Church as he became aware of the pastor's views.

Jets' Tebow cancels speech at controversial Dallas church - NYPOST.com (http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/jets/jets_tebow_cancels_speech_at_controversial_gLHhW6G XeAIZ71oejFihXI)

That is great news. He may be saved after all.

[Golfingnut]

Hats off to him. And I'm glad to know that my character assessment of him was spot-on. I really didn't see him as a fit with that pastor, and I was disappointed that he was speaking there. He does have a presence due to his football, and some people will listen to what he says. So a more inclusive venue in which to say it is good.

Same here. Although, with his profile, he must be more careful who he gets involved with. Hopefully now those that said the pastor was no problem or he had the right to speak wherever he wants should back up a bit for their misstep as even TB recognized how bad a mistake it would have been.

[wendyquat]

The Lamestream media has scored another point! Lets all be sure to only witness before "like believers" lest we be "haters! Who knows if his message might have been heard and heeded by someone in that church? Thank God Jesus made a point of reaching out to those most in need of his counsel and did not preach exclusively to those who shared his beliefs! But if it makes you feel better that Tebow is bowing to your liberal beliefs so be it!

[Taltarzac725]

The Lamestream media has scored another point! Lets all be sure to only witness before "like believers" lest we be "haters! Who knows if his message might have been heard and heeded by someone in that church? Thank God Jesus made a point of reaching out to those most in need of his counsel and did not preach exclusively to those who shared his beliefs! But if it makes you feel better that Tebow is bowing to your liberal beliefs so be it!

I doubt if Tebow shares the bigotry you find preached by the Dallas Church in question. The NFL of 2013 would seem to be a very worldly and tolerant place with respect to gay rights and the like. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/09/sports/football/players-support-of-gay-marriage-alters-nfl-image.html?_r=0

[wendyquat]

"Bigotry" has more than one definition!

[2BNTV]

I would tend to think that Tebow would have given a testimony of GOD's love and how it has affected him for the good that he has achieved.

I don't think he would have the same views as expressd by the controversial pastor and that's why he backed out.

It is just my impression and of course, I could be wrong.

[Golfingnut]

I would tend to think that Tebow would have given a testimony of GOD's love and how it has affected him for the good that he has achieved.

I don't think he would have the same views as expressd by the controversial pastor and that's why he backed out.

It is just my impression and of course, I could be wrong.

Your right. He has said a million words by backing out on that bigoted pastor. When a man or woman uses religion as a way to shield their bigotry, they are more evil than Lucifer.

[janmcn]

"Bigotry" has more than one definition!

My dictionary only has one definition of "bigotry"; "intolerance especially in matters of race, religion, or politics". Please enlighten us as to the other definitions.

[wendyquat]

Bigotry is the state of mind of a bigot, defined by Merriam-Webster as "a person who is obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially: one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance".[1] Bigotry may be based on real or perceived characteristics, including age, disability, dissension from popular opinions, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, gender identity, language, nationality, political alignment, race, region, religious or spiritual belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Bigotry is sometimes developed into an ideology or world view.

[wendyquat]

It is best for me to leave this thread as everyone has their own interpretation of the Bible. I don't support the notion that it can be watered down to suit ones lifestyle! To each his own!

The administrator took care of the politics and ill censor myself away from discussing religion!