Christianity can not only survive, but thrive, in pop
culture -- it just takes a little fearlessness in the face of the sneering media.
In the Dec. 1 issue, People featured former NFL quarterback and outspoken Christian [1] Tim Tebow as one of “2014's Sexiest Men Alive.’” Tebow rose to fame for his signature “Tebowing” – going down on one knee to thank God on the football field. The move earned him hate from the media [1], with some going so far as to say they wanted to “throw up” [2] at the sight of him.
But Tebow, now an SEC Network commentator and Good Morning America contributor, never caved from the media pressure.
His interview with People [3] reflected his faith formation. “Of course I want to look nice and have a good appearance,” Tebow reacted to his nomination. “But more than the outer shell, I want people to want to be around me for my heart.”
He explained to People, “To me, it's especially important to have a heart for kids who are hurting. Being able to make a difference is something that people should love, and that's something that's sexy about people.”
Tebow does exactly that through his Tim Tebow Foundation [4]. The foundation helps children by offering an adoption aid program, granting wishes to sick children and funding children’s hospitals worldwide.
— Katie Yoder is Staff Writer, Joe and Betty Anderlik Fellow in Culture and Media at the Media Research Center. Follow Katie Yoder on Twitter. [5]