Just a quick post from me today, but I wanted to share this article I came across on Facebook earlier this week about Tim Tebow. The writer makes the point that if other football players and fans were to mock Tim Tebow's religious actions on and off the field if he were of another, less mainstream religion, there would be major consequences, apologies, and a lot of disapproval. It is politically incorrect to do so. Despite this, people feel free to mock and poke fun at Tim Tebow's showing of gratitude and faith on the field.
I think what this says about religious discourse in this country is fascinating--and all too true. Everyone has that "open-minded" friend who accepts any alternative lifestyle choice, but despises Christians or conservatives, or some other mainstream cultural point. The catch-22 of that being, of course, that this in opposition to their supposed "open minded" stance.
Tim Tebow, as the article points out, is merely demonstrating that one's faith (any faith) has space in any arena we choose to take it. We can give thanks for our blessings wherever we find them--and there are so many.
Religion in this country is tied closely to politics; understandably so, as the foundations of this nation and of many others around the world are built on various faith traditions and religions. As Americans take the plunge to extricate and separate religion from politics, government, and public spaces, it is definitely a delicate balance. This notion that all faith traditions can be celebrated and respected here is an admirable one, but there is still a lot of conversations that need to happen. I think one of these is the fact that we need to protect and respect all of these traditions--including those that are mainstream--no religion is above or below this boundary and ought to be sacred and respected by all.
--Megan
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