Tim Tebow kneels in prayer before a game (Photo: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Full disclosure: As a Bears fan, I’m not a big Tim Tebow fan right now. But, as a rabbi, I find the recent article written by Rabbi Joshua Hammerman on the possible consequences of a Broncos Super Bowl win deplorable, shameful, and absurd. (Since the commentary was written it’s been taken down entirely, but you can get a taste of it here).
I’m embarrassed that a colleague would think – let alone write and publish – an article that is, plainly and simply, anti-Christian bigotry. I wish American Jews (and especially our leaders) could get beyond such dark fantasies about the world around us. There is a segment of the Jewish community – a growing segment, I believe – that loves and appreciates our Christian friends. Yes, we have a lot of getting to know each other to do and a lot of time to make up for. But working together – as we do at IFCJ – is such a blessing to both communities, we can’t let opinions like Rabbi Hammerman’s get us down.
What do you think?
9:22 pm
“This is my commandment, that you love one another
as I have loved you.” (John 15:12 RSV)
To me, this means love EVERYONE, no matter WHAT, and judge NOT lest YE BE JUDGED YOURSELF.
12:49 pm
Mr. Tebow is one of the ‘Watchmen on the Wall’ and was chosen to be who he is by Our Savior and Lord, Jesus the Christ! His exposure to the Media through the popular game of football is only the beginning of a Righteous Movement that we the people here on this tiny Planet called Earth, have been Praying for every day! Kodoish, Kodoish, Kodoish, Adonai ‘Tsebayoth!!!
11:45 am
thank you Rabbi Jonathan Greenberg for not being cynical about us Christians, as many are (Jews and others). I do understand why some Jewish people are cynical about us though. Many of us are immature in our communications with Jewish people, as I was as a new Christian in the early 80′s.
I believe that the bible calls it ‘zeal without knowledge.’
4:52 pm
Louise, you spoke like a true follower of Jesus.
Praise God for anyone who is not ashamed of his or her love for God and their salvation provider,
Jesus! Would we all be courageous enough to make a public stand for our Faith in God and as Christians, love and support our Jewish brothers and Sisters! We are all God’s Beloved!!! “For God so Loved the World that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
3:53 pm
Thank you, Rabbi, for your supportive comments about Tim Tebow. Christians in America pray for, and support Israel.
Genesis 12:3
1:27 am
If I had a Tebow Timex, I would wear it proudly.
11:34 am
Praise God for brothers like you.
I pray our Lord Jesus will cotinue to bless you and your family. Your sister in Christ.
Annette
7:43 pm
Tim Tebow is terrific!! Christians love Israel:) Glory to God!!
5:29 pm
I proudly stand for Israel and love it’s descendents: Jews & gentiles……….all are God’s people & how fortunate we are to have each other
3:41 pm
Dear Rabbi Greenburg: Thank you for the wonderful, positive statements concerning Tim Tebow. Yes, we should work together; I would like that. You and I serve the same God. SHALOM!!
2:27 pm
I think it’s great that tim teebow stands up for what he believe’s in and i really dont think that man who said all the stuff will bother Teebow he will just pra for him. Thank you Jesus for teebow
1:25 pm
I myself have not taken the time to read the comments that were made, but all I can say is I pray for all my brothers and sisters in Christ that are in the public eye. Satan is just waiting for one of them to make a mistake and fall, so our liberal media can shout it from the mountain tops.I myself am a Tennessee Vol fan and do not like the University of Florida, but eeven when Tim Tebow was there I still had a hard time pulling against him because of his strong declaration of his faith.
May God continue to bless him and all of our brothers and sisters that boldly proclaim him. And may God bless the nation of Israel and His chosen people.
12:52 pm
Tim Tebow,we love you.Christians love Israel.
12:30 pm
Let’s not forget that tebow has been doing this for a long time,it’s just that now he is on center stage, so what should he do now? Should he quit now because the camera is on him? No, thank you tebow
12:23 pm
I am so proud of a young man who is not afraid to stand up for his beliefs in God. I wish there were more folks like that, not only Tim. Keep up doing what God want you to Tim, HE is on your side.
11:26 am
Thank God for young men like Tim who are not afraid or embarrassed to stand up for what they believe in.You hold fast Tim and your FATHER will bless you.
11:21 am
i thank god for all our jewish brothers and sister, building bridges accross our faiths, you ar indeed a blessing to us
11:06 am
Thank you, Rabbi for responding to Rabbi Hammerman article. God bless Tim Tebow for being such a positive role model. And God bless you.
10:56 am
I have been a football coach for 15 years and a pastor for three years. I have had the opportunity to see from both sides. I have worked with coaches and athletes that were Christians. I have to say Tim has raised the standard for Christian athletes. Too many Christians leave their Christianity at church instead of living it like Tim. We should let God’s word guide us in private or in public. Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
10:36 am
What makes the rabbi’s comments even more sad than they are is that I have no doubt Tebow said a prayer for the rabbi after finding out what he wrote.
10:34 am
Real Christians (those who know and believe God’s word and take it literally) are the best friends Jews could hope for. The leftists the Rabbi embraces are his true enemies.
11:36 am
I am a leftist, as are most of the Jews in my congregation, and I take offense at your tone. I am tired of attacks on the left by conservative Christians such as yourself. Neither I nor any of my Liberal friends or fellow congregants bear any ill-will against Christians or Christianity as a faith. We have no problems with you expressing your faith. We have no problems with a player taking a moment to say a personal prayer before a game. What we DO have a problem with are people on the RIGHT who believe Freedom of Religion means everyone MUST pray and pray like they do – and when they don’t get their way, they cry discrimination! Any Christian that cries “religious discrimination” needs to spend some time at the US Holocaust Museum. Mr. Tetlow has my full support.
6:06 pm
Well then get over it! Too bad if it offends you!
10:20 am
Tim is just practicing his faith which he has every right to do. Its everyone such as the media that has made the big deal over it. They alone have created an issue when there is none. I pray for Tim and pray that he can withstand the controversy that surrounds him.. For God for told that that we would be persecuted for what we beleive. This is only the begining of it. I have alot of respect for him as a Christian standing up for his faith. If he were a Muslim that wanted to do some prayer or whatever for his god, oh the media would be saying nothing….
10:09 am
hurry somebody get him over to the whitehouse so he can show obama and all the rest of them HOW TO DO IT! dont forget JESUS JESUS JESUS!!!IN HIS NAME!!!
10:02 am
Prayer anywhere is fine. I think it’s great our young people see this. Would they rather our kids looks up to oh lets see President Clinton or a drug user or wife beater. Let them see that People do worship and love God. Go Tebow
9:53 am
We all could take a hint from God’s servant Tim Tebow & how many young people are encouraged by his “obvious” faith in public ??? As Christians we all should be seen doing the same things as this man.
9:49 am
All I can say coming from a mom that has a son that plays on a football team! I am proud of this young man! At least he can pray on the field without being scared of what people think! Stand for GOD!!
9:42 am
I am really proud that This man prays before the game. That tells the world that he is not playing in his own strength but in Gods. Jesus will come soon and then every knee will bow even those of you who dont want too and those of you who do not beleive. God is our unchanging God and he will be acknowledged by everyone soon. In the end I would rather be a christian than not one!!!
9:23 am
Tim Tebow is such an inspiration to all of us, young and old alike. It takes such courage to declare your faith before the world and takes no courage to criticize.
9:23 am
There are others like this man, Greg Jenning’s of the Green Bay Packers, get’s on the knee thanking god whenever he gets a touchdown.These men show people what they believe, what is wrong with that?
9:20 am
Thank You Rabbi Greenberg for taking the time to address the negative comment that was made. I believe those of us who truly love God see the error and understand it is only a small percentage that make these mistakes. But the Bible says the little foxes spoil the vine so it is wise and prudent to catch these things. There is an underlying deeper problem with anti semitism propaganda in America. Again those who love God and walk close to him can see Satan coming before he arrives and should not be fooled but rather pray this does not separate us from Gods binding love and his will for us to dwell together in unity.
9:17 am
Thank you Rabbi.
I gave that man a piece of my mind. As a devout Catholic and somoeone who grew up in So Fl which has a strong Jewish community I have a comeplete love and respect for my Jewish family – we believe in the same God! Yes there are differences but when it comes down to it we all look up looking for His Face to Shine His Light upon us. The world is against our Lord – we need to come together on what we commonly believe – not cause discourse. As a Rabbi Hammerman should have known better. Thank you for your comments and may God Bless you and Shalom!
8:58 am
Really? It bothers me. For anyone to think G_d gives special talent and opportunity to a multi-millionaire football player is really shallow. I guess G_d is more in favor of Ben Rothlisberger.
9:00 am
You don’t see the Jew kneel in prayer. He is private and he’s playing football. It’s as offensive as seeing over done Touchdown celebrations that are banned.
11:45 am
I am a fellow Jew and while I don’t believe that God grants us material things or victories in sports simply because we ask (this last negates your OWN talent and skills that you’ve worked so hard to develop – why practice if all you have to do is pray to God?). However I respect Mr. Tetlow’s right to pray before a game if that is his wish. Maybe he’s praying for Peace on Earth or for no one to be seriously injured during the game. Have you never said a prayer for a selfish reason? Prayed for a promotion? A raise? A new job? A good grade on a test? Freedom of Religion applies to EVERYONE, those who pray for selfish reasons and those who pray to others. WHY they pray or WHAT they’re praying for is no one’s business but their own.
1:32 pm
Then too bad if it offends you, simply close your eyes and do not watch if it offends. This should NOT be banned from football! Jesus said, “If you deny Me before men, I will deny you before my Father in heaven.” So get over it!
8:47 am
In my concerns, I dont think there is wrong praying out in public in the athletic field. Just leave it be. See Tim is focusing on God so he doesn’t want to give up on him. Dont be very coy about it. We have to be confident and be aware of. Its like staying in the Circle of Friends in a church group to say a prayer quietly. If anybody watches “Facing the Giants” I hope everyone remembers watching that movie. Never loose hope on God. Just keep trying
9:53 am
I watched “Facing The Giants” Over and Over again…And I Love what Tim Tebow is doing. His name is a Household name now, and So many people young and old alike are watching him, and what He does in t
8:43 am
This man loves God. What is wrong with showing it? So many evil doers out there that curse and do many horrible things and one man shows up giving his creator glory, others have to say something negative about it? We need more men like him.
8:59 am
I agree with Lisa, people have not problem with the sinful world around us doing things putlicly, its so everyday we just walk past it, ignore it like its not going on as it grows and festers but openly give God glory and praise and for someone who does that every day of their life its not showmanship its a way of life and a true Christian who follows Christ learns to live a life not wear a banner of Christianity, you dont have to tell anyone you are a Christian because your light shines by the way you live and the things you do and it shows. Its those who hide their faith under a bushal and no one would ever know if you had not told them…
8:40 am
God is no respecter of persons. God is the Lord Almighty, King of Kings. Christians and Jews worship the same God. I don’t see that prayer should be a problem. God bless you Rabbi G. for sharing.
8:37 am
Thank you Rabbi for this, I believe that God is about to bring to pass the prophecy of the “one new man” where Jew and Gentile come together and Satan knows this. These kind of things do not surprise me. I have such a love for my brothers and sisters that are Messianic Jews and for the ones who have yet to discover this! We are indeed in the last of the last days!
9:07 am
Aaaamen Sister!
10:12 am
Amen, Lisa!!
8:37 am
Why would any Jew have negative feelings about a Christian? We worship the same God unlike Islam/Judaism, Christianity. Satan would like nothing better than to cause trouble for Tebow among any religious group, and so far he is doing a great job with the media and some of Tim’s teammates. Remember Jesus said, “if you deny me before men, I will deny you in Heaven”.
11:57 am
Muslism pray to the same God as Christians and Jews. They just call God a different name. Both Muslims and Jews are LITERALLY children of Abraham – Jews through Isaac and Muslims through Ishmael. Perhaps God wanted it that way so that we can see that we are ALL family: Jews, Christians, AND Muslims. Are there Muslims that are terrorists? Of course. Have there been Christian terrorists? Yes – the Nazis were Christian, The Inquisition AND the Crusades were carried out by Christians. In fact, on the way to “free” the Holy Land from Islam, Crusading knights stopped off and killed Jews. Do you know about the origin of Passion Plays? Remember, for centuries the Church blamed the death of Jesus on Jews. Passion plays would whip people up into such a frenzy (a PASSION) that they’d go out and murder Jews afterwards. The Cossacks in Russia were Christians and every member of the KKK is a Christian. Islam is no more a terrorist organization than Christianity is. Al Qaeda does not represent all Muslims any more than the KKK represents all Christians. teh command is to lvoe your neighbor, there is no caveat in that saying, “Unless he’s Muslim.”
5:42 pm
I was shocked to hear of the article. I so rarely hear of enmity between Jews and Christians…..Disappointed, but glad he has been called out on it!
5:22 pm
Thank you Rabbi. I do not understand how a man with such devout faith in God and fearless devotion can be a bad thing. As a Roman Catholic, I admire this young man and thank God for him as a role model. Lets keep working together to eliminate the negativity. God Bless.
4:40 pm
GOD BLESS Tim Tebow. ONE man making global impact in the NAME OF JESUS. I pray GOD makes Millions more like him. Glory B to GOD! We, as people of GOD, fed up with world Being Offended by our Commitment and LOVE for our LORD. Maybe it is “Wake Up” Call for many who R offended by the TRUTH and realities of GOD. SO B IT! Thank U and GOD BLESS!
8:54 am
I agree with you completely Glory to God in the highest<3
4:09 pm
Well, I suppose since our side of the issue has done more than its share of this over the centuries we can be magnanimous about it and move forward. More than that though, we all have to understand that extremists put their ideology before faith, family, and patriotism. Rabbi Hammerman sounds like possibly such a person- I don’t know. But, point is, I am not too quick to lay such statements at the door of the nearest synagogue. It’s just one man’s opinion; the fact he is a rabbi is, well, (tongue in cheek) your problem. Shalom.