Tim Tebow, Shaken. Austin: Waterbrook, 2016, 209 pp. $13.21
A roller coaster is a fitting term for Tim Tebow. As a Heisman Trophy winner and with two national championships under his belt, his future appeared bright. Tebow was originally drafted in the first round by the Denver Broncos in 2010. He was subsequently traded to the New York Jets and did short stints with the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles.
While thousands of people flocked to see their hero on the gridiron, not everyone was as enthusiastic about Tebow’s performance. He was criticized from the start and endured the scorn of people who rejected his outspoken Christian faith.
Tebow underscores the events of his life as a professional athlete and guides readers through the emotional rollercoaster in his latest book, Shaken: Discovering Your True Identity in the Midst of Life’s Storms. The book is a window into the heart of Tim Tebow as he shares about his bumps and bruises along the way.
Tim Tebow is the “Dan Quayle” of the sports world. Here is a man who works harder than most athletes and has exemplary integrity to boot. Like Dan Quayle, though, Tebow has been treated unfairly. He has been unjustly criticized by the media. And his Christian convictions have been cast aside by many.
But Tebow does not write as a martyr. He writes as a fellow-traveller. He writes to inspire young people. And he succeeds in achieving his goal. Shaken is packed with inspirational stories that provide a much-needed perspective in an entitled world. The book reminds readers that they are significant in the eyes of God; that they have a contribution to make. Tebow’s wisdom and enthusiasm are contagious and will no doubt encourage many young athletes.
I respect and admire Tim Tebow. His love for the Lord Jesus Christ and people is worth emulating. And his character is above reproach. Indeed, Tim Tebow is a worthy role model for America’s young people. However, a few critiques are in order as one who desires to fairly review a book. First, the emphasis on the “unconditional love of God” should be modified and re-articulated. Readers are encouraged to see David Powlison’s book, God’s Love: Better Than Unconditional . Powlison’s book is the best starting point and will offer a better explanation that conforms to the pattern of Scripture.
Second, while readers are urged to trust in Christ and accept his gift of salvation, there is a missing element of repentance. It is certainly true that Scripture invites/commands sinners to believe but saving faith always includes repentance. Signs of repentance are absent in this work.
Summary
Shaken is a basic biographical account of a well-known sports icon. As such, it is written with the student-athlete in mind. Christian athletes will be inspired and touched by the testimony of Tim Tebow. The author’s worldview is spelled out in clear terms here:
Trophies don’t last. Awards come and go. Impressive titles move from one person to the next. But how we live can make an eternal impact.
Tebow has been unfairly caricatured and criticized. He continues to move forward, despite the abuse that his critics hoist upon him. Indeed, he has been shaken, but he has not been moved. He continues to use his gifts to glorify God and encourage many people. His newest book is a testimony to this fact.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.
Veritas et Lux 