Dr. Mohler considers Tebow’s decision to withdraw from a speaking commitment to First Baptist in Dallas:
For Tim Tebow, speaking at the First Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas, had to look like a great opportunity. He grew up attending a large Southern Baptist church, and an invitation to speak at one of the most venerable and historic Baptist churches in the world had to look like an easy call. He was going.
All that changed yesterday when Tebow, the National Football League’s most prominent evangelical symbol, sent word through Twitter that he was withdrawing from the event. His sudden announcement came after a whirlwind of controversy over his scheduled appearance at the Dallas church. Its senior minister, Robert Jeffress, is no stranger to public controversy. His sound bites are often incendiary, but his convictions—including the exclusivity of the gospel and the belief that homosexual behaviors are sinful—are clearly within the mainstream of American evangelicalism.
While many complained about Jeffress’s tone and stridency, the controversy quickly shifted to secular outrage that Tebow would agree to speak to a church known for such beliefs. . .
Read the rest here.
Ok . . So let’s start off with this . . I’m not so sure its a fumble because mohler said himself that ‘we must think strategically about how to speak truthfully and lovingly’ . . . Jeffress has been reckless with both his tone and his choice of words in ways which have been unhelpful. I don’t think Tim is flinching away from the truth as much as he is distancing himself from one who’s views, albeit correct in truth, are not helpful in tone. Far be it for me to go against Dr Mohler, but Paul said (roughly) ‘I can have all wisdom and knowledge and speak the truth but if I do so without love I am like a clanging gong’. . . just my two shillings.
Glenn, since I put the post up, I saw someone else making the same point. My friend, Pastor Box Bixby wrote, “Mohler over reacts here. Tebow didn’t fumble. Like the QB that he isn’t he decided to throw the ball away and not take the sack. That move on the field shows a broken play but a growing savvy on the QB’s part. And I think that’s what happened here: Tebow was invited to speak, realized it was going to break down in ways that he did not want to be a part of, and so he withdrew. Good call. That was smart, in my opinion. Tebow is not a QB, nor is he a preacher. Evangelicals have used him as a crowd-drawing sideshow just like the Jets did. It’s not to say that some of this isn’t the boy’s fault, but he is, after all, still just a boy guilty of only two things: loving football and loving Jesus. I think he’s starting to realize he’s not into being the gimmick for other people’s agendas, whether footballers or fans.”
I think you both make a very good point. . .
I agree . . Perhaps his only ‘fumble’ here was not having his speaking invitation a little more thoroughly vetted before accepting. Lesson learned I’m sure.