Jesus is my Quarterback

As some of the other boys of Orthodukso are no doubt engrossed in the NCAA Football National Title Game this evening, I ran across an short article about two of the major players in this evening's game. So while die-hard alums like the Street Theologian are cheering themselves hoarse....those of us who have no "dog in the fight" can find other interesting angles to the big game.

First off, for our international readers....this is American Football. Please do not ask me why it is played with hands and not "the foot". (This is a favorite question of our foreign born brothers which would be bareable if only it wasn't asked in that "oh you silly americans" tone of voice...)

At any rate, this evening's game pits the University of Florida Gators vs. the Oklahoma Sooners. It just so happens that both quarterbacks have more than Heisman trophies in common....they share a deep profession for their christian faith. In a world full of Pacman's, Ocho Cinco's, and TO's (Mr. I Love me Some Me), it is refreshing that there are athletes who keep grounded and are lead by their faith. (If none of those names are familiar, count yourselves fortunate)

The below article briefly mentions the faiths of both Tim Tebow (UF) and Sam Bradford (OU):
http://blog.christianitytoday.com/ctliveblog/archives/2009/01/jesus_is_my_qua.html

Jesus can be scary...

Church removes 'scary crucifix'

I believe that the following story is a good representation of the modern views of christianity amongst its own. In this story, we read of a crucifix hanging from a the exterior wall of a church. Although the crucifix was mounted in the 1960's, the current vicar describes it as "scaring children".

""Children have commented on how scary they find it and how off-putting they find it as a symbol outside the church.

"As a key exterior symbol for us it was putting people off rather than having a sense of hope and life and the power of the resurrection."

This says alot about how modern society deals with Christ. We embrace the feel good nature of the Joel Osteen's of the world...if we have to listen to what the Church has to say, we want to hear only of the Gospel of hope, love and peace. We like our christianity clean, neat and tidy.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to speak of a risen Christ absent the crucifixion. The very foundation of the early church was built upon the blood of its martyrs. We want to hear about salvation...but hate to utter the word sacrafice. And so we take the gruesome portrayal of Christ...put it out of site and replace it with a shiny prettier image we can deal with.

Talk about metaphorical....

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/sussex/7816941.stm