Why do people hate Tim Tebow?

Tim Tebow.  Current Denver Bronco's quarterback, former Florida Gator QB (where he won 2 National Champtionships and a Heisman Trophy- insert Gator Chomp here). 

Those are the things sports columists should spend their days writing about. Instead of writing about about the Denver Broncos 5 straight wins or Tebow's 6-1 record as a starter this year,  they write about his religion, about "tebowing" and why they hate him so much. 

What is "Tebowing" you ask.  "The term designates a now-viral mockery of his habit of kneeling down and bowing his head after a touchdown to commune with his God" says Howard Portnoy in his article Is "Tebowing" an attach on Christianity? posted on 12/4/11.  

The real question is: Would it be an issue if he bowed toward Mecca as a believer of Islam?  Would Detroit Lions players Stephen Tulloch and Tony Scheffler mock him after tacking him for a loss or scoring a touchdown if he were a Muslim?  Would their be Facebook pages, Twitter accounts and aprox 10,900 results to a Youtube search of "Tebowing" if he were a Muslim?  I think we all know the answer to that question.

Think about your favorite sports star, actress or singer.  In an acceptance speech did they thank God?  Did they cross themselves as they walk up to the plate in a baseball game?  Why is it ok for them to do that but not Tim Tebow? 

In a discussion I had about this very subject at work last week, a co-worker told me that it is because people think Tebow is throwing religion in their face.  Come on now, for him its a symbol, just like a cross one wears around their neck, a yamaka etc.  Lets take it one step futher and ask, is holding hands with ur significant other throwing it in someones face that you are in a loving relationship?  Are single people going to be in an uproar over public dispalys of effection (and im not talking about dry humping here people- lol).

I understand religion is a touchy subject with some people.  But someone being religious should not be a point of such hate and mockery.  He is not preaching every press conference about how God is the reason he is an pro QB, or how one should convert to Christiantity or they are going to hell.  The only thing he does is show his love for his beliefs. 

I just think people need to stop hating on him because he is a Christian.  And we, as a socirty, need to stop making it ok to hate on people because of their religion. 

Listen, im not saying everyone has to LOVE Tim Tebow.  He has faced many critics in his past, and will face many in his future.  Lets just not attack him for being a Christian. 

~Melissa