Jeremy Lin, Rick Santorum and Tim Tebow Form a 'Holy Trinity' As Evangelicalism Takes the Limelight In Sports And Politics

Culture

What do Tim Tebow, Jeremy Lin, and Rick Santorum have in common? Not just an abundance of Twitter hashtags that praise or poke fun at their names. 

Lately the trio appears to make a "holy trinity" of some sort, proudly bringing the good news to the competitive grounds of politics and sports. Sure the Bible mentions praising God quietly (Matt 6:6), but Tebow, Lin, and Santorum do so publicly and despite enduring heavy criticism, have enjoyed unexpected success.

With a week of wins that bring the New York Knicks to 15-15, Lin has put his team back in contention.

Santorum, is back in contention in the GOP race, after surging to pose a real threat against Mitt Romney.

Tied against Romney with 25% of the vote in Iowa, Santorum, a GOP underdog at the time and proud Catholic won the caucus by 34 votes. When voting closed on Jan. 3, Santorum praised God for his sudden rise to the top.

“I’ve survived the challenges so far by the daily grace that comes from God,” Santorum said. “For giving me His grace every day, for loving me, warts and all, I offer public thanks to God.”

Less than a week later, Tebow faced a tied score against the mighty Pittsburg Steelers in his first postseason NFL game. He throws an 80-yard touchdown pass at the beginning of overtime to win the game.  

“I’m so blessed to be the quarterback of the Denver Broncos,” Tebow said at his post game conference, “And for the platform that God has given me.”

Fast-forward to Valentine’s Day. Tied to the Toronto Raptors, Lin shoots a three-pointer, leaving .5 seconds on the clock.

“I just thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for that shot,” Lin said moments after the game ended.

USA Today religion, spirituality, and ethics reporter Cathy Lynn Grossman said in her Friday article, she leaves a question that continues to puzzle sports and political commentators.

“Victory, or even a miraculous-seeming shot, isn’t God’s gift,” she writes. “Or is it?”

Following his victory in Iowa, Santorum sunk back down to the middle of the polls. A Saturday Night Live skit hinting Tebow’s loss to the New England Patriots proved accurate, ending the Broncos’ presence in the postseason. Lin, new to the spotlight, now faces rumors about a date with reality TV star Kim Kardashian.

As viewers and voters continue to argue over whether or not praising God truly leads to victory, they are drawn to watching Tebow, Lin, and Santorum because of what they will say next.

Evangelicalism is the new status quo for success in sports and politics, and it will take more than one game or election loss to sweep it back out. 

Photo Credit: flickr