It never ceases to amaze me how fundamentalist Christians can't see how their thin-skinned reaction to criticism wreaks of the same vindictiveness and hate that they criticise in Muslim extremists.
Sam Cook, sports writer for the Fort Myers News-Press
wrote an article this week criticizing Tim Tebow for some of his Christian views. Also this week, USA Today religion writer Tom Krattenbaker
wrote an article critical of Tebow and his dad, Bob Tebow. While I don't agree with either article, the point of my comments here is not what these guys wrote. Rather, its the reaction to their articles that is so telling of how fundamentalist evangelical Christians today bow up whenever criticism comes their way. Even Tebow's pastor, Mac Brunson of FBC Jacksonville, in one of his sermons used Tebow as an example of how Christians are persecuted in the media, referring to the Knoxville sports reporter who dared ask Tebow if he was a virgin. Tebow an example of Christian persecution? That's crazy. Tebow has received more favorable press in his college career than any other modern day Christian except perhaps Billy Graham. Tebow gets hundreds of favorable news stories in TV, radio, and print media - all well deserved in my opinion - but let a few people express contrary views about Tebow and the fundamental Christians will run around with their hair on fire ready to hang one lone critic.
Go read
Cook's article. Then, browse the multiple pages of comments to his article, and you'll see what I'm talking about. Here's just a sampling of people attacking Cook, calling for people to cancel subscriptions and canceling advertising:
"...Did you happen to notice the lack of compassion Cook has demonstrated for the target (Tebow) he has chosen to assault."
"...my heart goes out to you and I just hope you will repent on your knees for attacking Christians"
"...I also cancelled my subscription. I am done. And the CSR I spoke to told me I was not the only one to cancel recently because of Sam Cook's article."
"...As I called the News Press to cancel my subscription and corporate advertising, I spoke to the editor. "
"Sam will one day give an account for his actions. The problem with America today is we have strayed from our roots. And people like Sam do not help. "
"While dancing on both sides of a 2 edged sword, Mr. Cook shows how ignorance is still bliss. "
"As I've said before, why should you expect anything less than leftist spewing from the news-press?"
"Sam Cook = Idiot. Look at the leadership that is out there?!!? Where do you get off, on throwing a person under the bus, that is doing his best to be a good role model. My son, could follow Tim's example any day, you however, I would only use your pitiful rantings as a journalist on the bottom of a bird cage."
And many more. What expressions of Christian love toward Cook. I'm sure Tebow is ashamed that those in the Gator nation, and his Christian brethren, are speaking like this over a little criticism coming his way.
Apparently the only unforgivable sin these days in the eyes of fundamentalist Christians is to criticize their religious leaders in a public forum. It will get you kicked out of the church, and Christians everywhere will heap burning coals on your head. Interesting - these people don't even excommunicate gays or molesters from their churches, but dare to criticize their pastor, or their legendary quarterback, and all the forces of hell, er, I mean Christianity, will come down on your head.
Come on Christians. If you won't follow your Bible in how to treat critics of your faith, then at least take your cues from Tebow - he is not concerned about criticism that comes his way. He lets it roll of his back and he keeps on truckin'. Why can't you?