Lolo Jones is getting ripped by those who are subject to the prevailing spirit of our times. She's a virgin and that's a threat to the dark spirit that promotes destructive fornication and adultery in todays culture. Just as Sarah Palin is a threat to the prevailing spirit of death, she gets ripped because she didn't abort her son Trig with Down's Syndrome.

The new book Redemption by 2008 Decathlon gold medalist Bryan Clay offers some good insights into this topic. http://www.amazon.com/Redemption-Rebellious-Praying-Unlikely-Olympic/dp/0849948274/ref=cm_pdp_rev_itm_title_3 As Christians, we do not need to internalize what we read in secular papers nor expect truthful, edifying or encouraging words from those who are generally hateful to Christianity. Christians with any insight whatsoever ought to recognize the source for "accusations" against Christian athletes such as Jones or Tebow. Christian athletes who fail rarely have the media interviews in which they can praise God in their defeats, so we more often hear God thanked for victory. Athletes such as Jones have a small window of peak performance and must capitalize on sponsorship opportunities while they can. I don't fault her at all for marketing herself so she can compete as a professional.

Josie, thanks for the mention of Mary Elizabeth Williams, who has gotten lost in all these comments, and especially in this post's snarky reference to her battle with cancer (that came up, why?) Your bringing up her name jogged me into reading her Salon article for myself, and I'm glad I did. What I read had far more in common with Katelyn's conclusions than otherwise. Here's a quote: "I believe in a grace that gives me the strength to muscle through the sufferings, and the gratitude to appreciate the blessings. That’s why the subtle implication, when an athlete or an artist says that God was with them on a winning day, seems so strange, and why, I imagine, it rings so hollow for others." Sounds to me like Katelyn's "theology that accounts for Christian athletes' on-the-field failings." And maybe even for their off-the-field failure to connect in a meaningful way with those they hope to reach with the message of God's love. Not clear to me why Katelyn picked Mary Elizabeth to vituperate. Or anyone, for that matter. Does there have to be an antagonist to make the writing interesting? Or is it just a way to keep that clubbish feeling alive among us?

Perhaps Mary Elizabeth Williams, should be made aware of the fact that the answer to one's prayer is found between your knees and the floor....and..if I may suggest...do it quickly.

That God got to the Olympics with her is glory enough!

Athletics assumes the risk of the possibility of failure. If God didn't allow defeat to Christian athletes he wouldn't be allowing Christian athletics.

Loved this post!! Very well said.

Sometimes it takes more faith to remain sick and defeated, like the thorn-in-the-flesh-apostle, than to receive the gift of healing. God can allow a 'defeat' here and a defeat there for the more mature in comparison to others who need a victory to strenghten their resolve to trust God more. Joseph and Jeremiah and Jesus (particularly in Gethsemane) all experienced 'defeat' but ended up with victories par excellence. Our God is interested in Olympics precisely because his image-bearers participate; but whether it is politics or games or whatever, his interest is more in our chararter than in the color of our medal. Consequently, he will allow/make an unbeliever or carnal believer win just to lead that one to repentance. Win or lose, Believers or victors (Rom 8: 37). I think that's what Rom 8:28 is all about; that's what Eph 3: 20 is all about.

I honestly don't think the God of the Bible shows up for the Olympic Games.The Olympics themselves are a celebration of pagan values, both historically and in modern times. The better question might be to ask why a dedicated Christian would want to gain admiration and applause in such a pagan-based atmosphere.--Dan Bruce, The Prophecy Society

ALL EYES ON GOD....sometimes we really call on him...when we want something really really really badly, but God wants us really, really, really, badly all the time! What people don't realize is that the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. This was a statement given by Job after he was told that he had lost everything! He was okay until he's friends came along and thought to themselves..."man you must have done something wrong!" That was not the cast with Job...he had done everything right, but God had a purpose in all of this...and he was going to teach Job a thing or two, his friends and the Devil. The moment you say you're a Christian the Devil is there waiting to trip you up...so look out, and stay connected to God. We have to understand that we are not exempt from the Devils attacks. When we are weak, Christ makes us strong. Sure there will be days filled with tears, and heartaches...as well as laughter and victories, but how do we handle it all...God is watching and so are others. I feel that a lot of people use the term Christian too loosely, or we assume that everyone's a Christian because they thank God in their moment of victory. To be a Christian is to be Christ like...and if you look at the life of Christ he was outcasted, he was despised, and rejected. He was beat down and mocked by his own people. He did not let that hinder him because he kept his mind on the bigger picture: winning souls! If these athletes are going to be like Christ they are going to have to learn how to remain steadfast and unmovable. Instead of asking where is God? God is asking "where are you?" Where's your head at, and what are your motives in all of this. Christians cannot compromise their faith for money, fame, or endorsements. You cannot walk with Christ and hold hands with the Devil. You cannot serve two Masters. So if you're going to be a Christian make a stance...whether you win or lose in this life, you are to make Christ proud. Only what you do for him is going to last!