If Tim Tebow Were Muslim…

… would the country still love him? Would the still be the most popular athlete (according to an ESPN poll)? Would he still get away with putting messages on his uniform if they read “Insha’Allah”?

Salon’s Marcus Cederstrom says the odds are against it:

So I ask, what if Tim Tebow were Muslim? How would our society react if during every interview, Tebow said “Insha’Allah” or “Allāhu Akbar” rather than thank his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? Or instead of falling to one knee and praying, Tebow pulled out a prayer rug and faced Mecca? A recent study by the Pew Research Center suggests it would not be well received. While American Muslims in general tend be satisfied with their lives and communities in the United States, 55 percent report that being Muslim in the U.S. has become more difficult since Sept. 11. Twenty-eight percent report that people have viewed them with suspicion and 22 percent report having been called offensive names. The TLC show “All-American Muslim” has lost advertisers who were pressured by groups claiming that the show was Islamic propaganda. Yet Pat Robertson claims that the United States is a breeding ground for anti-Christian bigotry.

…

… as Tebowmania makes its way into politics, sports, religion and the everyday life of the mainstream United States, it is important to think about how we approach religion in this country. How we approach religious freedom in this country. Do we accept freedom of religion, any religion? Or do we accept freedom of Christianity?

I would argue a Muslim athlete would still fare better in the public’s opinion than an atheist athlete: Better Christianity than Islam; better Islam than nothing at all.

(Thanks to Garrison for the link!)

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Andrew Greathouse

Religion is a means of weeding out the stupid and gathering them in big buildings so you know who they are >.>. They wonder why we get quite upset …
Holly

What about Lance Armstrong? Sure, he’s just one example, but he does get generally positive media coverage.
Smokey Bear

Love is an archaic term used to describe biochemical synaptic activity. Highest degree of

maturity of the human organism can be attianed by discarding primitive notions such as

religion, and social conventions such as “love, hate, dreams, desires” because that too is

archaic terminology for brain chemical activity.

“heart, soul” is imaginary. Its only chemicals. To call it anything more is ludicrous,

unntelligent, primitive. It limits the potential of the human brain into a mould constructed

for the purpose of social control that curtails further evolution of the human species. To

eradicate this control is to experience the higher potential of the human brain. “Mind” is an

archaic term used to identify Collective Synaptic Activity of the brain. Therefore, one should

refer to this collective activity as CAS. Precision in measurement of the synaptic activity

level”what archic people call levels” may be addressed using alphnumerical designations.

“Love” equates to the modern SA (synaptic activity) 145, etc.

“morality” is an archaic concept, used to CONTROL and LIMIT the growth potential of the

human organism. In the absence of other human organisms, morality is unecesary. Survival of

the Fitest is what evolution of a species is about. “morality” occupies a high percentage of

brain space, space which can be used for other, more desirable neuropatterns. The foolish

stories, fairy tales, fables, and even disciplary lessons from parents severly inhibit maximal

use of CSA.

Morality does not exist. It is not empircal nor visible.

“morality” is unscientific and primitive. reminiscient of bronze aged cultures. Utilizing the

same conditioning principles of Pavlov’s dog. It severly restricts the biochemical neural

activity in the brain, thus reducing the Collective Synaptic Activity of the brain. In the

language of the less evolved human organsim, “it shrinks your mind.”

Instilling optimal neural patterns in the brain to ensure growth and evolution of the human

organism: In modern society, which still restricted to the archaic concepts of “mind, heart,

soul” it is simply not possible for a superior organism to utilize those traits to the degree

required in the survival of the fittest. For the fittest to survive, they must not be

contaminated with archaic social controls of “morality.”, which again, is a primitive

designation for a superfluos biochemical process which detracts from the more important brain

functions. The objective of a truelly intelligent and highly evolved human organism is to

survive and to dominate. Indeed, if the human race is to be evolved to the fullest extent, the

human organism espceially of greater physical and brain capacity must dominate and overide

these conventions during interactions with other human organisms.
Smokey Bear

Love is an archaic term used to describe a particular biochemical synaptic activity within the limbic system of the brain. Highest degree of maturity of the human organism can be attained by discarding primitive notions such as religion, and social conventions such as “love, hate, dreams, desires” because that too is archaic terminology for brain chemical activity.

There is no such thing as a “heart”. It is not located in the chest. It is another term used to affect control by primitive societies, a superstitious way to to access and control the limbic system. It is therefore imaginary.

These collections of imaginations tend to occupy and deplete the brain of valuable neuro-chemical resources that can better be use for something more useful.

“heart, soul” is imaginary. Its only chemicals. To call it anything more is ludicrous,
unintelligent, primitive. It limits the potential of the human brain into a mold constructed for the purpose of social control that curtails further evolution of the human species. To eradicate this control is to experience the higher potential of the human brain. “Mind” is an archaic term used to identify Collective Synaptic Activity of the brain. Therefore, one should refer to this collective activity as CAS. Precision in measurement of the synaptic activity level”what archic people call levels” may be addressed using alphnumerical designations. “Love” equates to the modern SA (synaptic activity) 145, etc.

“morality” is an archaic concept, used to CONTROL and LIMIT the growth potential of the human organism. In the absence of other human organisms, morality is unecesary. Survival of the Fitest is what evolution of a species is about. “morality” occupies a high percentage of brain space, space which can be used for other, more desirable neuropatterns. The foolish stories, fairy tales, fables, and even disciplary lessons from parents severly inhibit maximal use of CSA.

Morality does not exist. It is not empircal nor visible. “Morality” is unscientific and primitive. reminiscient of bronze aged cultures. Utilizing the same conditioning principles of Pavlov’s dog. It severly restricts the biochemical neural activity in the brain, thus reducing the Collective Synaptic Activity of the brain. In the
language of the less evolved human organism, “it shrinks your mind.”

Instilling optimal neural patterns in the brain to ensure growth and evolution of the human organism: In modern society, which still restricted to the archaic concepts of “mind, heart, soul” it is simply not possible for a superior organism to utilize those traits to the degree required in the survival of the fittest. For the fittest to survive, they must not be contaminated with archaic social controls of “morality.”, which again, is a primitive designation for a superfluos biochemical process which detracts from the more important brain functions. The objective of a truelly intelligent and highly evolved human organism is to survive and to dominate. Indeed, if the human race is to be evolved to the fullest extent, the human organism espceially of greater physical and brain capacity must dominate and over-ride these conventions during interactions with other human organisms.

Attempts to implement this has been successfully attempted on a national scale. Examples are China and USSR. Their suitability to lead and to develop the human race in evolution is proven via superior intelligence, superior strength, etc. demonstrated by their scientific and physical accomplishments in academia and sports. Strict controls are maintained to prevent contamination of the minds of the weaker organisms within those societies. Those countries are currently at the leading edge of human evolution. Eradication of antiquated methods of accessing and or controlling the limbic system is imperative for maximal performance of the human organism. This is accomplished by accepting the FACTS.

Those failing to accept those facts in the more evolved societies must be controlled, segregated, incarcerated, or otherwise classified as not only weak, but a BURDEN TO SOCIETY and dealt with accordingly, via psychiatric drugs, psycho-surgery, etc. On a national scale, every effort must be made to subject, and if necessary physically combat, any entity propagating those poisons to the human race.
mkb

Rafa Nadal also is treated well despite his non-belief.
Anonymous

I’d like to see Onion report on photos taken of Tebow meeting with David Silverman discussing what else Tebow can do to make Xians look even more silly.
Leon

American society celebrates a christian who constantly reminds us of his faith. We suspect a mixed reaction for an islamic proselytizer. And we can be certain of a rain of hate towards an athlete who never failed to mention, “I’m happy we won, and I’m still glad there’s no god!”

So, what does our ideal world look like? The islamic fanatic and the christian fanatic ought to be regarded as equally deranged and dangerous. Tim Tebow reminds us with every chance that he considers us evil, that he accepts the bible as truth–and therefore he wishes death and suffering for us. Every one of his disgusting displays ought to be met with condemnation.

If you think there’s a difference between Tebow and a Taliban witchdoctor preaching jihad, is it because of the content of his character or the color of his skin?
Mistletoe Ethaniel

One time Richard Wade was giving advice to an atheist who was invited to a religious group function. He advised the person who wrote in to recognize different types of questions, and in particular, the types of questions that were really statements disguised as questions.

Come on. Every question “asked” in this post is one to which every one of us knows the answer. You know as well as I do how things would be different if Tebow were Muslim, let’s not pretend to wonder.
mysciencecanbeatupyourgod

If Tebow were Muslim, he’d have to be an even better player and he still wouldn’t be as popular; still having active haters hurling invectives at ever game and on every internet chat thread.

A high profile, successful Muslim sports hero would go a long way to open certain minds and make other heads explode. Muhammad Ali would be almost as controversial a figure today as he was in his prime.
Pryopizm

Umm…what?
novabeatnik

Armstrong doesn’t wave his belief(or lack of) in everyone’s face. plus cycling isn’t even close to football in popularity.
Angus Bohanon

There’s no such thing as a heart?
Angus Bohanon

For what it’s worth, there are a LOT of prominent rappers that identify as Muslim (Jurassic Five, Wu-Tang) and they’re treated well. On the other hand, Islam may be better-suited to them, as it fits with the sort of counter-cultural image that rappers often cultivate.
Anonymous

OK, that’s all well and good, but given that’s not a reply to the article at hand, it’s basically spam.
Anonymous

Maybe the fact that he’s agnostic and not atheist doesn’t incite a fundie’s internal “threat” meter? It sounds like he doesn’t make a big deal of it either.
snowballs

I saw a comment elsewhere that probably one of the reasons he’s getting so much press is because he does controversial things, and Christians eat that up. That is, he catches flack from people sometimes (like from officials when he, well, breaks the rules), and so Christians see it as an opportunity to come to his rescue. They LOOOOVE a martyr and they will jump at the chance to indulge their persecution complex and proclaim that evil godless liberals are waging war on Christianity.
Andrew Pang

who the hell cares?
Dave Lucas

Maybe it’s more like this: Like Good versus Evil?
http://dave-lucas.blogspot.com/2012/01/rihanna-vs-tebow.html
Anonymous

Is this your straw man version of what atheism is?

Perhaps you ought to start questioning those who lead you to believe such things. Or ask actual atheists.

http://www.atheismresource.com/2012/pro-womens-basketball-player-comes-out-as-an-atheist
Anonymous

I think his was parroting what theists imagine atheists think… thanks to the prejudices spread by their indoctrinators, no doubt. I suspect he (she?) is such a theist, in fact.
Anonymous

i would love for a popular player to convert. a player who used to do the whole “touchdown jeebus” routine, but has now switched to “bow to mecca touchdown.” that would blow some nfl watching minds.
Kevin Sagui

Sadly, most people don’t know Pat Tillman was an atheist.
Mistletoe Ethaniel

Um, OK, I can see how you might be speaking out against psychiatric drugs here, but…
Anonymous

he’s agnostic and not atheist

Armstrong’s been quoted saying: “If there was a god, I would still have both nuts.”

Sounds like an atheist to me.
momma J

Ah yes, the all religious are stupid comments. And yet you get upset when they fire back and say all atheists are immoral. You’re clearly one of those “the world should be tolerant of my beliefs, but I shouldn’t have to be tolerant of your beliefs” And then you call the religious people hypocritical? I find it hard to take you seriously.
momma J

Sounds like someone is bitter to me.
Beans210

Strong point. All points valid and much agreed. I suppose I am fortunate to exist in a place where I feel no personal condesenscion/condemnation for my belief. However, I realize the larger picture and the present discrimination we are subjected to as a unified whole, whether or not I experience immediate and direct affects of the resistances ploys. I do not go out of my way to announce my “faith” but I certainly do not hide it. I avoid and minimize religious conversations with those that define themselves as christians because they were led that direction yet have no idea what paramounts the concept of “their” christianity stands upon. I will debate with an educated theist…they seem to be a rare breed where I come from. So…in shory I smile and nod alot 😉
momma J

In today’s p.c. climate though, he would NEVER have received this much press (negative or positive). Why? Because people simply don’t make fun of other religions, except Christianity. Can anyone explain why?

Simply scroll around the cartoons on this site. No one makes fun of Buddhists, Hindu, Muslims or any there religious sect. IF one gets singled out it always seems to be Christianity. If Tebow was any other religion besides Christian, I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t be getting this much press coverage (positive or negative). If he got anything in this scenario, I bet it would be only positive and how its good to have a role model of another religion and that it helps promote “tolerance” But since he’s a Christian, look out! He becomes a lightning rode for all sorts of things. Why is that do you suppose?

Try to look past the obvious “if you make fun of Mohammed and the Muslim’s will threaten to kill you” idea as in the infamous European comic incident a few years back (Norway I think).
momma J

I’m a bit confused. You’re saying morality limits the potential growth of a (single) human organism” (parenthesis = my addition), yet “survival of the fitest (sp)is what evolution of a species is about.

I’m thinking without morality there would be no evolution of this species. If everyone was looking out for #1 we would have killed each other off a long time ago. If I had no morals, then I would want to be the King of Earth. I would attempt to take power of the world for my benefit. Only a moral being would care what happens in future generations. Without morality, why would I care about having offspring. Offspring would just be seen as a drain on my resources. (time, food, shelter, clothing, water, etc.)

And I’m pretty sure the communist experiment didn’t go to well. The USSR doesn’t exist anymore and I don’t see China as being superior to anyone in baseball and they sure as heck couldn’t can’t hold a candle to our basketball teams now that we let professionals play. And Chinese or Russian football?!?! Not like soccer football, but REAL American football? I don’t see too many inside linebacker’s who are Chinese in the NFL!
momma J

I’m a bit confused. You’re saying morality limits the potential growth of a (single) human organism” (parenthesis = my addition), yet “survival of the fitest (sp)is what evolution of a species is about.

I’m thinking without morality there would be no evolution of this species. If everyone was looking out for #1 we would have killed each other off a long time ago. If I had no morals, then I would want to be the King of Earth. I would attempt to take power of the world for my benefit. Only a moral being would care what happens in future generations. Without morality, why would I care about having offspring. Offspring would just be seen as a drain on my resources. (time, food, shelter, clothing, water, etc.)

And I’m pretty sure the communist experiment didn’t go to well. The USSR doesn’t exist anymore and I don’t see China as being superior to anyone in baseball and they sure as heck couldn’t can’t hold a candle to our basketball teams now that we let professionals play. And Chinese or Russian football?!?! Not like soccer football, but REAL American football? I don’t see too many inside linebacker’s who are Chinese in the NFL!
momma J

I’m a bit confused. You’re saying morality limits the potential growth of a (single) human organism” (parenthesis = my addition), yet “survival of the fitest (sp)is what evolution of a species is about.

I’m thinking without morality there would be no evolution of this species. If everyone was looking out for #1 we would have killed each other off a long time ago. If I had no morals, then I would want to be the King of Earth. I would attempt to take power of the world for my benefit. Only a moral being would care what happens in future generations. Without morality, why would I care about having offspring. Offspring would just be seen as a drain on my resources. (time, food, shelter, clothing, water, etc.)

And I’m pretty sure the communist experiment didn’t go to well. The USSR doesn’t exist anymore and I don’t see China as being superior to anyone in baseball and they sure as heck couldn’t can’t hold a candle to our basketball teams now that we let professionals play. And Chinese or Russian football?!?! Not like soccer football, but REAL American football? I don’t see too many inside linebacker’s who are Chinese in the NFL!
Brennan

Right on
kaileyverse

In America, the religion most people are regularly exposed to is Christianity. I didn’t meet a person who was NOT Christian until I was in high school. To this day I don’t know many Buddhists, Hindus or Muslims – and the ones I do know, aren’t asses about their religion (To be fair – many of the Christians I know are also fine people who don’t rub their religion in people’s faces). On the other hand – I have never had a Jewish person come to my house and try to convert me, I haven’t had a Muslim person yell at me when I go to my job at a gynecology office that provides abortion services (or try to Bomb it). Certainly people of whatever faith can be assholes, and atheists can be as well – but my exposure to Christian Jerks is a lot higher.
Anthony C. Okafor

You obviously haven’t been a member of this site long enough. We all participated in the Draw Muhammed Day, so have college atheist groups across the country, so saying only Christians get criticized is a lie. I’m pretty sure if Tebow was Muslim, he would be driven out of the league by now
Anthony C. Okafor

If you had cancer and people tell you that you’re BLESSED to be alive even if you don’t believe in the “blessing”, I’d be bitter too…
Anthony C. Okafor

Look, lady. You sound like someone who wouldn’t take atheists seriously regardless of what any of us say. Personally, I don’t give a flying fuck if you tolerate my beliefs because I already know a Christian will NOT just as they don’t tolerate Islam or any other religion. Therefore, I don’t see why I have to kiss Christian ass and pretend it’s anything more than mass delusion.
Anonymous

If Tim Tebow were a Muslim, then a lot more people would be acting like internet atheists are acting now.
Rick M

Tim Tebow is the Christian Taliban.
http://www.mindposts.com/uncategorized/tim-tebow-christian-taliban-hero
svix

Not like soccer football, but REAL American football
WTF?
Anonymous

Funny, this has bee written about before

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ibrahim-abdulmatin/if-tim-tebow-were-muslim-_b_1148115.html?ref=islam
Dpcvine

Most atheist wouldn’t bring their religion into the spotlight.