Sentinel Watch February 13, 2012 Issue

Tim Tebow and the courage of conviction

Mark Sappenfield

This article originally appeared in The Christian Science Monitor.

Courtesy photo

It is January 8, and the Denver Broncos have just upset the Pittsburgh Steelers to advance to the second round of the NFL playoffs. At the post-game press conference, quarterback Tim Tebow opens his mouth to speak, and a nation knows what is coming next.

Less than a minute into his first response, Mr. Tebow invokes his now-familiar refrain: “I just want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

For the reporters, and surely much of the audience, it is an awkward moment. Much of America is still not sure what it thinks about public displays of religious affection, but its views of Tebow are much less ambiguous. “Enough already!” might be among the most charitable reactions to Tebow’s apparent refusal to discuss even the weather without thanking Jesus Christ.