CharlieDean

Let’s be perfectly clear: I’m a Broncos fan. I grew up in Illinois a Bears fan. I lived in Denver for three years while I attended graduate school. During that time, the Broncos won Superbowls XXXIII and XXXIV behind the leadership of John Elway. To make a long story short, I watched Superbowl XXXIII sitting in John Elway’s basement theater. I converted.

I’ve been a Broncos fan since. Through the let down of Jake the Snake, the whining of Jay Cutler and the debacle of “Hoodie, Jr.” who managed to turn a proud organization into a laughing stock. Going into this season, I was ambivalent about 3rd-stringer Tim Tebow, I was excited about the new coach, and I realistically set my sites on a 4-12 season. So, everything this season is just fun. When you’re expectations are low, every success is a party. I really didn’t expect to get to the playoffs. I didn’t expect to beat the Steelers. I don’t expect to win Sunday. But it sure is fun when your team exceeds your low expectations!

All that being said, let me say a few things about the “Tebow craze,” that seems to be running rampant, particularly through the evangelical Christian subculture.

• Of course, in a flurry of excitement I tweeted several times in the euphoric glow of Sunday’s win. And someone commented on my Facebook to my tweet, insinuating that the Broncos won because God favors Tebow’s righteousness and used this game to punish Ben Rothlisberger’s unrighteousness. I don’t think the commentator is alone. It seems to me that there are a lot of knowing glances and winks being passed around the Christian community regarding Tebow’s special favor with God. Theologically, I think this is a whole lot of nonsense. There are plenty of Christians in the National Football League. I’m sure that there are some Christians on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Are we to deduce that God only favors those who make public displays of prayer midfield after the game? Will God only bless the businessman who kneels next to the watercooler after closing a sale? Should a Christian police officer “tebow” after she gives someone a ticket? What about all the Christian men and women who really love God but haven’t been successful in their chosen career? Do they need to step up their witness to procure God’s favor? I think not. I think you win games in the NFL by practicing hard, studying film, adjusting your game plan, and making the plays.
• Thankfully, Tebow doesn’t seem to believe all the hype. He appears to be a legitimately humble guy who is just doing his best to be the best NFL quarterback he can be. As much bad attitude that I have about my first point, I don’t point the finger at Tebow. In fact, what I like most about him is his work ethic, and his ability to learn from his mistakes and get better. Which leads me to my final thought…
• During the 3-game skid at the end of the season I was frustrated at Tebow – that he didn’t seem to be attempting the throws that he should have been. But at the same time, it seemed that his receivers weren’t open like they should be. I’ve been partially blaming the offensive game plan. I was excited this past Sunday to see a better game plan – that adjusted to the game, adjusted to the defense the Steelers were playing and capitalized on their mistakes. And Tebow made the throws he needed to make. That was exciting to me. And I was equally stoked to see Demaryius Thomas step up to his potential.

So – all that to say. I’m growing to like Tim Tebow as the Broncos quarterback – and it has nothing to do with his faith. It’s great that he seems to be an honest-to-goodness Christian man. But as a Broncos fan, I like him because he’s leading us to wins. And, if they somehow find a way to win in New England (however unlikely), I may be in the market for an orange Tebow Jersey (the Broncos are wearing orange for home games next year!) — although my favorite player on the team may be Von Miller…. rookie of the year, imho!

There is this book out there getting all kinds of buzz in the Christian interwebs – mostly negative from the sites I visit.

I’ve read some quotations from it that have really angered me. I don’t have much respect for the author – at best, I think he favors inflammatory rhetoric over grace. At worst, he really is misogynistic and believes that God hates people. I hope it’s the former. I’m fairly certain that reading his book will make me angry.

But at the same, I was frustrated this past summer when bloggers judged Rob Bell’s Love Wins, without actually reading the book.

Here’s my question – I’m looking for some input – I’m curious about what you all think. Should I read this book or not?

On Wednesday, I got home from work before the sun set and decided to go for a walk – part weight management, part spiritual exercise, part thinking “if walking was good for Steve Jobs, it can be good for me.”

I left my house, and walked into the state park near my home. The main road is closed to traffic during the winter months, but I easily walked around the barrier and walked a couple miles. It’s weird being so alone. It was beautiful outside – great temp, beautiful sky, my body felt good… it was perfect. But, I got to thinking about how alone I was, in the middle of a state park – where no one will be driving.

It’s equal parts creepy & cool. But this I know… its’ great for my body, mind and soul.

I’m curious – are you ever really alone… does it creep you out at all?