Gay vs. Christian - Jason Collins vs. Tim Tebow

[Keystone Phil]

This one grabbed my attention yesterday because of Tebow's tweet. Starting off, I'm a Tebow fan. I'm a fan of his as an athlete but I guess I have a soft spot because he is genuinely religious and isn't afraid of stating it. In a sports culture that spends far more time on fashion, cars, jewelry, outlandish behavior, etc., it's refreshing that someone talks about God in more than a "I just want to thank God" way. I'm all for Tebow expressing his beliefs and he shouldn't be told to shut up about it any more than other players that broadcast their lifestyle choices.

All of that being said, I think there was a disconnect between why Collins was being praised. If Collins' homosexuality was being dwelled on all of the time, I'd see Tebow's frustration because of the hypocrisy: Collins is "allowed" to and "celebrated" for proudly stating what makes him who he is but Tebow's religion should remain between Tebow and God. But this was about someone coming out. Whether you approve of it or not, it was a notable moment in sports and culture in this country and, yes, it took quite a bit of courage.

I don't think anyone truly wants Tebow congratulated for being "courageously" Christian. Yes, in some respects being outwardly religious as a Christian in this country can be a challenge even though Christians are by far the majority. The "You're the majority. You don't face unfair treatment/criticism" argument just doesn't fly. But taking all of that into consideration, this still isn't about Tebow deserving praise simply for being religious; it's about respect for who he is and allowing him to be that way without asking him to keep it to himself.

At the end of the day, Collins and Tebow are athletes. When either of them has their sexual orientation or religious beliefs monopolize the locker room conversation, then I'll say that they're both wrong. When asked about blocking a shot on the court, the conversation shouldn't be, "I made that block because I'm a gay man." When Tebow is asked how the team needs to improve on third down, it shouldn't become a discussion focused on God's role in the game. And you know what? I don't think either of these players will do that. I think this is more about the rest of us and learning to accept big announcements like Collins' and personal faith expressions like Tebow's.

[Keystone Phil]

False equivalency much?

The Christian Victim Complex is quite cute. "We're the majority, but when you enforce the separation of church and state, or subject our holy book to scrutiny, we're being discriminated against!"

False equivalency to what? You later mention the Muslims and atheists and claim that Christians don't face the same type of blowback. Ok? What's your point? We were specifically discussing someone publicly expressing their Christian beliefs so I was talking about what Christians sometimes face. Being in the majority doesn't exempt us. And this Christian hasn't argued that the separation of Church and State or "subjecting our holy book to scrutiny" is discrimination. That has nothing to do with this discussion.

But let's put our cards on the table. You see the blue avatar. You see that I mention unfair treatment Christians receive in certain circles. You wanted to get your dig in at the "Christian Victim Complex" so you think I only care when Christians are mistreated. "The Republican won't care about the Muslims!" Wrong.

Nathan and Grumps wanted me to clarify my statements. I said that being an outwardly religious Christian can, in some respects, be a challenge in certain areas of this country or in the media. But here's the kicker: you acknowledge that that's true. You admit that Christians suffer some blowback but that's when you went into another victimization routine about how it just isn't blowback of the same magnitude of other groups. Totally irrelevant to the discussion and a point that I wouldn't even dispute. This was just about you getting on your soapbox about Christians.

I also made very clear in my post that this isn't about Tebow being congratulated for being courageously Christian. That isn't what Tebow wants. It's not what I want. The point is that as long as other aspects of culture are accepted without even a second thought, the same should go with Tebow's outwardly religious behavior.

[Keystone Phil]

Nathan and Grumps wanted me to clarify my statements. I said that being an outwardly religious Christian can, in some respects, be a challenge in certain areas of this country or in the media. But here's the kicker: you acknowledge that that's true. You admit that Christians suffer some blowback but that's when you went into another victimization routine about how it just isn't blowback of the same magnitude of other groups. Totally irrelevant to the discussion and a point that I wouldn't even dispute. This was just about you getting on your soapbox about Christians.

Yeah, that's what it seemed to me like you meant, but I didn't want to presume on your behalf.

You are a true gentleman, Nathan. God bless.