Poll: Does God help Tebow win? 43% say yes

AP Photo/Julie Jacobson

(CBS) - One of the words often used to describe Denver quarterback Tim Tebow's impressive and exciting come-backs is "miraculous." In the eyes of many people, Tebow seems to be the focus of more miracles than any other NFL player. But does God really care who wins a football game? Does divine intervention play a part in Tim Tebow's game? According to a recent poll, 43 percent of people say it does.

In a telephone survey conducted by Poll Position, 1,076 Americans who are familiar with the player were asked, "Do you believe that any of Tim Tebow's success can be attributed to Divine Intervention?" Forth-three percent of respondents said yes, 42 percent disagreed, and 14 percent expressed no opinion.

For his part, Tebow has constantly maintained that he is just a player like anyone else. In an interview with "The NFL Today" host James Brown, Tebow said that just because someone might be blessed with superior athletic ability "doesn't mean God loves you more than anybody else."

A devout Christian, Tebow has become a popular figure almost as much for his faith as for his abilities on the football field. During games, he can be seen praying on the sidelines and has gone on record many times on how his faith guides him.

He is also a humble and self-effacing player. He told James Brown, "I think number one is, what my mom and dad preached to me when I was a little kid: Just because you may have athletic ability and you may be able to play a sport doesn't make you any more special than anybody else."

But apparently many folks believe that Tebow truly is someone special. What do you think? Let us know in the poll and in the comments.

[thebob-bob]

God had him throw the game. Remember, God is always testing you...(kill your oldest son, etc). Let the guy believe whatever he wants, let him kneel and pray, cross himself, thank baby J every chance he gets ... don't care. But he should know that if he does all that out in public, claims it's the source of his strength, etc. then he can't be surprised that when he loses a game, the big guy takes a hit .... if there is a Big Guy.

Beware of those who pray publicly with great fanfare.

[24zen]

I think Tim Tebow that God was telling you something vis-a'-vis the Pats game. While you seem to be a very amiable and caring person, God does not wish for you to wear your religion on your sleeve. I, myself, certainly agree with him. Religion must remain personal. Tim, I must confess that while I am a Broncos fan in general, I was rooting against you and the team last night. I am sick and tired of all the religious nonsense brought to light as a result of a few fortunate instances related to your playing football. In fact, I sincerely believe had the Steelers not been decimated by injuries both on offense and defense, they would have beat the Broncos. Anyway Tim, drop the religious advertising and I think you will have more success and more fans, including me.

[BWB2020]

God bet on the Pats to win by 35.

He even had the Pats 35 to 7 at the half.

[BWB2020]

Glad I wasn't God's bookie on this one, God cleaned his bank account!

I should have listened to Him when he gave me the tip, but I thought he was over!

[BWB2020]

So did this goof "tebow" after his loss? I mean after all, he should be thankful for being able to play at all, right?

[notreich]

You gotta be kidding! And I never heard of that outfit. Where did they take the poll, Pat Robertson's house? Anyway, as a Lutheran trying to have faith or at least like they say at funerals, "the sure and certain hope," these folks with their child-like fundamentalist "knowledge" just tend to make it harder for people like me to build faith. And then when they say they talk to God and God is up there watching football, it just makes it harder. I see his pastor buys this God watches football and is helping Tebow spiel. No doubt he heads some little unheard of church. I don't think pastors from the Lutheran, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Methodist etc. churches go in that direction.

[norcalruss]

Poll: Does God help Tebow win? 43% say yes
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Really? I can't believe that 43% of the population is that stupid!! They must be mostly Republicans. What do they have to say after tonight's game where Tebow and his Bronco's were slaughtered by the Patriot?. I suppose that is the work of the devil!

This is what happens when the GREATLY over hyped Tim Tebow and his Broncos meet a true challenge. All the praying in the world couldn't save the pious, hapless, Bronco quarterback. After being sacked numerous times and a record 14 or 15 NEGATIVE yardage plays, Tebow looked like the amateur he is when he led the Broncos to the receiving end of a humiliating 45-10 rout. I guess GOD was taking a nap today when his favorite athlete was being tested, or maybe Tebow just didn't pray enough.

[LCook1227]

666 people agree with you while 31.6 people disagree. That .6 person is kind of special in god's eyes too.

[mb99]

I guess God not only didn't want Tebow to win... he wanted to thoroughly humiliate him in the process. Looks like Tebow joins the ranks of Harold Camping.

[Oenothera1]

If God is helping Tebow win, isn't that the same as making the other team lose? So how would that work...does God cause fumbles, or maybe even injuries? If Tebow forgets to do his thing after a touchdown, does God get angry and stop helping him for the rest of the game? What happens if the Broncos play a team which also has a devout QB? Does God flip a coin then, or go with the team that prays more, or just pick which uniform He likes better?

The Lord works in mysterious ways.

[norcalruss]

I think that GOD gave his answer to Tebow today. LOL!!!

[ralphing]

The Bronco's lost their last game in the regular season which put them out of the playoff's, and not even Tebow's last minute comebacks helped them. They are only playing because the Raiders lost against the Chargers.

So god put the Raiders out of the Playoff's just so Tebow's team could play?

[ProfPJohnson]

Question:
When TCU plays Notre Dame who does God want to win?