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Jews and Mormons

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January 12, 2012 | 12:53 am

Tim Tebow: An Example for Believing Mormons and Jews

Posted by Mark Paredes

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With the AFC playoff game this weekend, Tebowmania promises to hit new heights. Straight men around the country are openly acknowledging their man crush on the Broncos’ quarterback, while Christian parents from coast to coast dream of such a match for their daughters. I’m definitely not one to idolize athletes, but in this case even I have to admit that Tebow is the real thing. I only have one regret: He’s not a Mormon. Or a Jew.

What’s not to like about a polite young man who has taken a vow of chastity amid tremendous temptation, who takes time off to perform missionary work in the Philippines, and who tapes a pro-life commercial for the Super Bowl? If sports fans can find much to like in the semi-literate, tattooed thugs who populate many NFL rosters, then they should be positively ecstatic that a clean-cut kid like Tebow is setting an example for their kids by succeeding without compromising his moral principles. If I were a Mormon youth leader or a Jewish day school principal in Denver, I’d be begging him to come and speak to my charges. 
 
There are a few famous Mormon athletes (e.g., Steve Young, Jimmer Fredette), but I can’t think of one who has ever dropped to one knee in prayer on the field or started a press conference by thanking his Lord and Savior. I know that some people are put off by these actions, but I find them inspiring.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful to hear an LDS football player publicly thank his Lord on a regular basis?

As things now stand, a professional Jewish athlete’s perceived religiosity is measured by his willingness not to play on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year for Jews. How inspiring it would be to have the observance bar raised by a Jewish baseball star who not only stays home on Yom Kippur but also mentions Hashem by name in every interview. I have long been an advocate for Jewish proselytizing efforts, which would be enhanced by having prominent Jews regularly proclaim their love for the God of Israel.

Of course, these pious proclamations would have to be sincere in order to have the desired effect. If a Mormon or Jewish athlete doesn’t feel like letting the world know of his love for his Creator, then he shouldn’t. However, I remain grateful to Tim Tebow for reminding us every week of the depth of his faith and for encouraging religious people around the country to be proud of theirs. Yasher koach, Tim.           
   

Mark Paredes is a member of the Jewish Relations Committee of the LDS Church's Southern California Public Affairs Council. You can contact Mark at deverareligione@yahoo.com and follow him on Twitter @jewsandmormons.

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I have never followed the NFL until TT started making a splash. I’m sure the Savior is pleased by his sincerity of heart in praising Him, and keeps blessing for it. It would be he’d not to. It’s Tebow’s faith that keeps winning games. Be it that we would all learn how to exercise that kind of faith! Thanks, Mark.

Comment by Vera B. on 1/12/12 at 8:35 am

Thought you’d enjoy this Jewish/Mormon interaction from 1916:  http://www.virtualjerusalem.com/blogs.php?Itemid=5849

Comment by Pini Herman on 1/12/12 at 2:38 pm

1st thanks for the link to 1916, Pini Herman, in which Mr. Rodman asks about Mormon’s beliefs. I provided a couple.
2nd Mr. Paredes, I feel a bit sorry that (given your age) you never had the experience of seeing the great Jewish pitcher, Sandy Koufax, who like Tebow, brought his religion into his game. Although, unlike Tebow, who I am a fan of, Koufax made no outward expressions, there was a spirituality and faith with attendant power that emanated from him that was louder than any outward expressions could be. It was truly amazing. I acknowledge that he was the best pitcher of that time and in my opinion, since then, but it was much more than that.

Comment by john Zimmerman on 1/12/12 at 9:40 pm

I am glad Steve Young has never done the shine the light in your eyes routine. Jesus said “Let your light shine” not put on a spot light. I personally detest the Bible inscriptions at sporting events and prayer if a private matter, not to be splashed on national TV. Remember the greatest Jew of all told everyone to go and show themselves to the temple but to tell no one else whenever he performed any miracles. Yes some like Tebo went out shouting to all around but that was against the Savior’s wishes. It is one thing to thank God in an acceptance speach or interview but entirely another to pray in public and spurt scripture out like a bad bumper sticker.

Comment by Kerry Wallace on 1/16/12 at 1:57 pm

So Tebow’s faith is what wins games? What about the games he looses? Did he loose his faith. Come on God doesn’t really care who wins or looses a football game or any other game for that matter. God cares for men’s actions and caracter. Tebow is a nice guy no doubt, but he needs to let his light shine not splash it in our faces. Nice comment about Sandy Kofax who knew the right way to bring his faith into the game. Thus you win by faith and you loose by faith.

Comment by Kerry Wallace on 1/16/12 at 2:05 pm

Maybe Tebow’s devotion to his faith is inspiring, but I don’t find his faith inspiring at all.  And I’m surprised that either a Mormon or a Jew would feel moved by him.

His faith teaches that every single non-Christian and non-traditional Christians (e.g., Mormons), is consigned by Tebow’s “loving God” to everlasting torture.  Their crime: simply not believing completely in what Tebow believes.

Even Mormons don’t worship such a cruel (psychotic?) God.  Nor do Jews.  I’m sure Tebow is sincere and good-hearted.  But to me, the faith he so frequently proclaims is an insult to our Creator.

Comment by Art Roy on 1/21/12 at 4:41 pm

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