Christianity Today

The athlete is on the field to compete ... not to preach. There is nothing about professional sports - football and hockey in particular - that is intended to convey Christian values. That simply isn't what they are about. Due to its violence, I don't watch football. From my perspective, it isn't part of a Christian life. I try to imagine Jesus in the stands ... and I just can't. If I can't see him there, there is no reason for me to be there, either. I like the quote about the guys in prison ... I may use that someday.

Our only role model should be Jesus Christ. Our only soul will have to stand before God in the end. Some athletes are followers of Jesus. Jesus has followers all over the world which are involved in all types of occupations.

As a Baltimoron, I have followed Ray Lewis since his arrival here in 1996. As a Christian, I agree and disagree with your observation. Ray Lewis was basically a thug when he joined the Ravens. Watching what God has done with his life during the ensuing 16 years is truly a miracle. Like all of us, Ray is not perfect, but he is a redeemed man. In this sense, I believe he is a role model... evidence of the power of God in the life of a sinner... and I believe that is how Ray would characterize it. He wants young kids (and adults, for that matter) to experience what he has experienced. I would perhaps agree that we should not idolize pro sports stars, but they can be examples of God's grace and power. In this, we can and should rejoice.

Mark, the title you chose, "Christian Athletes are Not Role Models" was unfortunate. You comitted the cardinal sin of labeling a particular group of people as unworthy. All Christian athletes are 'not' unworthy to be role models just as all lawyers are 'not' unworthy to be role models. Matt Barkley, Barrett Jones, Kirk Cousins, Andy Dalton, etc. are tremendous examples of guys who live Christlike in front of the camera and by all accounts, away from the camera. They embrace their role of living a Godly life. Don't lose sleep over the ones that don't walk the walk. Please consider speaking about individuals and not groups. Scott Wallace, editor Sports Almighty, sportsalmighty.com

Why do Christians have an obsession about sportspeople who are Christians being role-models? Surely we should name Christians who live Christlike-ly as role models, whether they are sportspeople or not. Why piggy-back on those who have earned fame through sport or movies or politics or whatever? Let's not allow the world to determine who our role-models should be. Rather let's get God's opinion (as best we can) on who we should emulate. "Be followers of me, even as I follow Christ" 1 Cor 11:1

Jesus said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." (Matthew 5:16) So I have no problem at all with athletes giving glory to God -- who, after all, is the One who gave them their life, thereby giving them their abilities which they use in sports. In this day and age when there is so much discouragement of Christians "being a witness" (Acts 1), I think it's a wonderful thing. Athletes have been giving glory to God for decades; it's nothing new. It's just becoming politically-incorrect these days. At the same time, it can be very confusing to kids when athletes say one thing but live a very contradictory way.

We've been studying 1st Thessalonians at the church I serve. I was immediately reminded of Paul's admonitions in 1 Thess 4:11-12 "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody." It seems to me that you don't have to declare you are a Christ Follower. It isn't especially needed if you live according to how God called us to live - minding our own business, doing what we are called/trained/gifted with doing. Then perhaps others will just know.

I agree that we should rejoice that some who command media attention publicly profess their faith regardless of their past mistakes. It is also true that Christ Jesus said, "By their fruits you shall know them." EVERY one has a past. NO one was born perfect. The question is, what do we do with the grace God gives us? Do we continue in sin, or walk in fellowship with Him, bringing glory to Him? Athletes who are nationally-known have the great privilege of speaking words which millions of people listen to. Jesus said, "Of whom much is given, much is required." With great privilege comes equal responsibility.

I get the article. Christians are not to acknowledge the OT even for inspiration, because God was really nasty back then. We are not supposed to forgive, and I am not perfect just forgiven only applies to regular folk, not athletes. I would reply let he among you who is without sin cast the first stone. I think we should rejoice that some who command media attention publicly profess their faith regardless of their past mistakes. After all isn't that what God wants.

What the contrary Mark, but athletes ARE role models - just as each and every one of us is a role model to those around us. "In everything set them an example by doing what is good." (Titus 2:7). * "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." (1 Timothy 4:12). * "For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example." (2 Thess 3:7) * "Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you." (Phil. 3:17). * "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." (1 Cor 11:1). * "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." (John 13:15). * "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. (1 Peter 2:21). * "Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care . . . being examples tot he flock" (1 Peter 5:1).

J Thomas made an excellent point: Where is the article decrying Newsweek's depiction of Obama with the halo above his head? And was the MSM called out for deeming Obama "the anointed one", "the new Messiah", saying he "is like God looking down over the world", that "chills ran up [their] legs" when he spoke? I agree with the title of the article here, per se -- but I don't see the media hyping these athletes with such extreme (and blasphemous) hyperbole. Indeed, Tim Tebow has paid a heavy price for not hiding his light under a bushel, simply being a faithful witness of God's love and truth.

While I hardely agree that athletes R human and make huge mistakes, even the Christians, they R still role models whether we like it or not. What the world don't understand is that a Christians is still human, they have very high expectations of us and expect perfection. Everyone is really a roll model, either for good or for bad. So if I had to choose an athelete to B my kids role model, I'd choose Tim Tebow. As far as I know aside from the fact that he, according to U, prays like a publican, I can't find any huge faults. I think he loves the Lord and serves Him on many levels. I find it so disappointing when Christians denagrate one of their own. Shame on U. This kid takes a beating everyday from someone unkind soul without it coming from fellow Christians. I will unfllow & unsubscribe. If I weren't a Christian, I'd wish you a very bad day. =P

While I agree with parts of this article, it’s ironic to me that the author quotes from Luke 18 just after trashing the character of Ray Lewis and Colin Kaepernick and making the judgment that they’re not fit to be role models. How about a little more grace? Society needs heroes, but they’re all flawed. The good news is that we can learn from our heroes’ strengths as well as weaknesses. I find it troubling that Martin Luther King Jr. committed adultery, but who would claim that his life should not be looked to for inspiration? I had a youth pastor who was bigger than life to me. God used him in my life tremendously, but as I got older I saw some serious moral deficiencies in him. While that was disappointing, I learned a lot through it, and thankfully I didn’t follow any of his bad example. Ray Lewis and Colin Kaepernick are not merely from our tribe, they call on the name of our Savior. Let’s pray for them and be thankful that God can use them in some good ways.

Some fantastic Christian role models who are athletes: AC Green, David Robinson, Avery Johnson, Mariano Rivera, Albert Pujols, Reggie White, Philip Rivers, Tim Tebow, etc, etc, etc. There are many. Athletes have a huge influence on young people. We should appreciate the ones who stand with Christ above the fray. We should not deride them just because they are athletes.

Christian Athletes ARE role models. That is to say, in the culture we live in, athletes of all backgrounds are looked up to. Perhaps Ray Lewis and Colin Kapernick are not the ideal model of what a Christian athlete should be. Perhaps they are not truly saved. Perhaps that is why they are questionable. I do not know. Having said this, I can point to other athletes that do exemplify, what I believe to be, what a true "Christian Athlete Role Model" should look like. Kurt Warner and Tim Tebo are fine examples. Their actions on and off the field are one in the same.

Where was this article when evangelicals started fawning over Tim Tebow? Your attacks on Colin Kapernick are a stretch at best. Forgive him for not fitting your narrow definition of what a Christian man should be.

Christianity Today would have made a more eye-catching statement by saying "the President of the United States is not a role model". Athletes are an easy target because writers can play to the "dumb jock" narrative, which is a condescending and mean-spirited. But the President has been presented by many on the left, including Newsweek, as the messiah. That's not hyperbole. Look at the last issue of Newsweek. Its open idolatry. If Mr. Galli wanted to make a pertinent, relevant statement about idols, Obama would be the first guy on the list.

As with anything, we should always submit our own thoughts and ideas to the Word of God. On this subject, He says that He "takes not pleasure in the legs of a man. The LORD takes pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy." (Psalm 147:10-11) I grew up in a family of sports fanatics, and this is something I've had to learn and realize as a believer. Truly, God looks on our HEARTS. IMHO, Tebow and Kurt Warner ARE much better role models for kids than the guys named here, because they live what they profess to believe. When a man professes to be a believer, but his life denies the Word of God, I'm not impressed.

True enough, Christian athletes are imperfect models of Christ. Aren't we all. None of us exhibit Him very well. While we may not rebel in the same ways Ray and Colin might do, we each have our own ways to cheat. Those Christians who are more visible to the public are neither more or less sinners than the rest of us. I mean, who hasn't read an article posted by Mark Galli and wondered occasionally -- does this guy actually follow Christ? But that's not my call. Mistakes do not, or should not, define the follower of Jesus.

Apparently Mr. Galli has not read the new Barna report on how much more professional athletes influence public opinion in America than do professional clergy, etc. And the questionn arises: why should we not accept a Christian athlete's testimony as quickly as we do the testimony of a non-athletic Christian?

A Deacon at a local reformed church told me this true story. He was to speak to the church body about a church program they were about to embark upon. On the day of the event, he stopped to help a young lady who had a flat tire. He arrived late and was concerned about being late. He was an important person in the church and in the community. But as a good Calvinist he knew who he really was. When he arrived 15 minutes late he rushed to the podium and apologized for being late and said he had stopped to help someone who had a flat tire. After he made his presentation one of the senior ladies of the church went up to him and said, "Oh, Bob you are such a great example to all of us, stopping to help that person with a flat tire, that's what Jesus would have done. Bob looked at the lady, smiled and said, "Yes, Jesus would have stopped and helped for all the right reasons. I stopped because she was pretty and in a bikini. I am not a role model. Set your eyes on Jesus, not me.

Calm down to those whose idols have been "offended." I think the gist of the article is an indictment against some Christians, not the Christian althetes themselves. The point of it, I believe, is that Christians love to elevate these stars to the status of savior. In some sense, they have some strange belief that "If the world sees that they are Christians, they will all come to Christ." The problem is these athletes are not saviors. So when we put our trust in them, they are bound to fail. It's the same even with Tim Tebow--who's believed to be sinless to so many Christians (funny, but a sad comment Matt Reid, but it's exactly what happens in Christian circles). Of course Tebow has been a good witness, but what happens when we find his sins exposed in the media (since we all have them, as Mr. Galli stated). Many Christians will be floored that he could do such a thing. Again, the indictment would be against those who believed that he was the answer to evangelism, not Tebow himself.

A role model is someone who we elevate as an example (usually for children) to clarify the benefits of discipline, faith, morality, hard work, faithfulness, humility, etc. Ray Lewis is a tremendous role model for passion, excellence, and drive! If he honors Jesus Christ; loves God and seeks to obey HIS commandments; and strives to be better each day and to help his teammates also: Why would we NOT use him as a role model? Of all the fierce, brutal, powerful, and competitive defensive players in the NFL does he compare favorably or not? Are you saying that we should deny the impact that Jesus Christ has in molding, shaping, and developing the character of Christian athletes if they have imperfections and sin? My question to you Mr. Galli is what rationale do you have for failing to highlight that superb fierce competitive athletes (who by the way are not "sissies" and "wimps" like most of the world's stereotypes of Christians) are Christians?

The subject of role models can be touchy. Paul however put himself out as a role model. 1 Corinthians 4:16: "I urge you then to be imitators of me." Again Paul says, "Be imitators of me as I am of Christ." (1 Cor. 11:1). Indeed Paul says of the Thessalonians, "And you became imitators of us..." And then Hebrews 6:12 exhorts us to be "imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises." So people can be role models. It just doesn't have to be an athlete. I think of many men of God that I see as role models in how they conducted their life. Athletes become admired because of their expertise on the field. But a spiritual role model should be someone who has lived with expertise in the arena of life. Of all the athletes out there a few could be said to exemplify the Spirit of Christ. Tebow seems to be such an individual. There have been others as well. Some are winners and some are not. But that's not the point.

One slight disagreement, Mr. Galli, with the gist of your article. As believers, we are not scoundrels or sinners and no longer have a wicked and deceptive heart (Jer. 17:9) At salvation, we were given a new heart that seeks after God. Our old heart was too dirty to be cleaned up. It was replaced with a new one. See http://jaylehman.com/2011/02/a-new-heart/

I was once told if you didn't like Tebow, you weren't a Christian. That's an example of how we elevate men to the position of God. Jesus Christ should be our only role model.

I get what you're after, Mark, but it might be helpful to first acknowledge that we are ALL role models. The only question is what kind are you? I agree that we should not CHOOSE these people as role models, but don't get to choose to be one or not ourselves.

Tim Tebow is absolutely a role model. As a fan of the Denver Broncos, I got to follow him relatively closely and the young man has his priorities straight. He appears to go about his platform as though its a ministry. I called him the 'national childrens minister", because kids just love the guy and he willingly ministers to them through the sport.