An Open Letter to Tim Tebow
UPDATE: Tim Tebow has released a video on Facebook saying that media reports of his speaking at the convention were simply rumors: https://www.facebook.com/TimTebow/videos/500296036836329/
Dear Tim,
We have met a few times, but it’s ok if you don’t remember me. You meet tons of people, and I can’t expect you to recall us all. So, let me reintroduce myself.
My name is Dan Wunderlich, I am a United Methodist minister, a University of Florida graduate, and a huge fan of yours. My family has season tickets in the south end zone at Florida Field, and I can still remember your first touchdown as a Gator, running right at us. We once sat next to each other at FCA, and to the embarrassment of my wife, I excitedly told you that I had just ordered your jersey online. You said that you’d sign it once it came in, and that autographed jersey now hangs proudly in my home.
I served for 6 years as a college campus minister in Gainesville, and thanks to your success on the field and your witness off the field, you made my job easier. Many ministries in Gainesville saw a bump during your years, as you made going to church and talking about faith seem normal.
This morning, I woke to the news that you are scheduled to speak at the Republican Convention next week, and I am writing to ask you to reconsider.
This would not be the first time you pulled out of a high profile speaking gig because of a controversial leader considered hateful by many. In 2013, you cancelled an appearance at a Dallas church “due to new information that has been brought to my attention” about the pastor. I ask you to focus your attention on what Donald Trump actually says, does, and stands for and make the right call again.
- Donald Trump says racist things. Based on your relationships with your teammates over the years, I don’t think you could support racist statements.
- Donald Trump posts anti-Semitic things, and wants to discriminate based on religion. I know you know your Bible, and so I know you know that Jesus never spoke against other religions.
- Donald Trump disrespects women. I know you love your mom a ton, and I just can’t understand how you would support someone who says these types of things about women.
- Trump does not understand government or the constitution. Shouldn’t this be the minimum bar for the presidency?
I’m a Methodist, and you’re the son of Southern Baptist missionaries, so we likely have significant theological differences. But perhaps you will listen to the president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention. Dr. Russell Moore believes we cannot reconcile supporting Trump with the Christian faith.
While I no longer serve in college campus ministry in Gainesville, your support of Donald Trump will make the jobs of those who do harder.
Remember when I said that we had met a few times? The first time was at The Swamp before the Florida-Florida State game on November 26, 2005. I was a senior in college, and you were a senior in high school making your final visit before announcing where you would attend school and play football.
I hung around outside the door where the recruits are kept before the game. When you all came out, I walked up to you, stuck out my hand, and said, “Tim, we need you here.”
You looked me in the eye, shook my hand, and said, “Ok.”
While I cannot take full credit for your commitment to the Gators a couple weeks later, you have to admit that I was right that day.
I ask you to listen to me again, think it through, pray it through, and decline the invitation to speak in support of Donald Trump at the Republican Convention.
Your fan and fellow brother in Christ,
Rev. Dan Wunderlich
