Pastor Says TMZ Distorted His Words on Tebow & ‘God’s Favor’
- Posted on December 16, 2011 at 5:05pm by
Billy Hallowell
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Earlier this week, the Blaze reported on Pastor Wanye Hanson’s alleged comments to TMZ about Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow. Based on TMZ’s initial report as well as subsequent articles from countless other outlets, we reported that Hanson is Tebow‘s pastor and that he believes Broncos’ recent wins are the result of “God’s favor.”
Hanson, the faith leader at Summit Church near Denver, Colorado, has since denied both of these notions. So, in the interest of fairness, we’d like to explore the issue further, while debunking and fact-checking the story.
First, let’s tackle the first assertion — that Hanson is Tebow’s pastor. While the media, including the Blaze, initially reported that this is the case (the original title of the TMZ article was purportedly, “Tim Tebow’s Pastor: ‘God Is Saving the Broncos”), TMZ writes that Hanson is “a pastor at a Colorado church with ties to the Tebow family.” The entertainment outlet’s headline now reads, ”God Is Saving the Broncos…Says Colorado Pastor.”
Apparently, the connection to the Tebow family is relatively weak, as the football player has, according to sources, never attended the church. In 2010, Tebow’s father apparently spoke at a youth rally there, but this is apparently the only time a Tebow family member has ever been to Summit Church since its founding in 2007.
“It’s not that we have no connection, but it is offensive to them (The Tebows) to call me their pastor because I’m not,” says Hanson (as per the Denver Post). “If Tim has a pastor at all right now, it’s his dad.”
So, with that cleared up — Hanson is apparently not Tebow’s pastor, though he admits to supporting some of the family’s humanitarian initiatives. But that’s only a small factor in the story, as the real controversy surrounds the words TMZ claims the pastor used to describe the Almighty’s role on the football field.
According to TMZ, Hanson claimed that the team’s wins since putting Tebow in as quarterback are “not luck.” “Luck isn’t winning six games in a row. It’s favor. God’s favor,” he was quoted as saying. “God has blessed his hard work.”
Hanson says these quotes were taken out of context. Additionally, he says that he was originally told he would be interviewed along with seven other pastors in the area about Tebow’s faith; when the article was published, he was the only faith leader mentioned. The Post recaps how the story developed:
The TMZ story got shortened and distorted on social media and picked up by media outlets all over the country — including The Denver Post — and inaccurately tagged Hanson, a Green Bay Packersfan, as “Tim Tebow’s pastor.”
On Wednesday, Hanson replaced his Facebook profile picture with a shot of the Rev. Tim Lovejoy, the preacher on “The Simpsons” TV show “because that’s how I am being portrayed — as this symbol of Christianity that’s ridiculous.”
Wayne Hanson's Facebook page (Image Credit: Facebook)
“I don’t think God cares about who wins a football game,” Hanson explained – a statement that starkly contrasts the words that were published by TMZ. “I do think he cares about people and people care about football. I think Tim has favor from God in his life, but that is there win or lose.”
Interestingly, in an article by Houston Chronicle web producer Kate Shellnut earlier this week claimed that a post on Hanson’s Facebook page reads, “Hometown boy does it right!” and that it goes on to say that sports reporters can only call Tebow “lucky” for so long. No such posts is currently present on the page as of Friday morning.
In another post, which is currently visible, Hanson wrote, “The Packers are 13-0, Tebow keeps sharing Jesus and it‘s only 12 Days til’ Christmas…Am I DREAMING? Or is Heaven gonna be just a little bit like this.”
At this point, we‘re not sure who’s telling the truth, but we wanted to present all of the facts, especially considering the intriguing debate. Whether TMZ manipulated his words is yet to be seen, but in the spirit of fairness, we wanted to bring you Hanson’s side of the story.
In other, more light-hearted news, GOP presidential contender Rick Perry wants to be the GOP’s Tebow. If you missed that one, read about it here.
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garbagecanlogic
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 10:03pmThe pastor is a liar, the pastor is a liar, the pastor is a liar. Say it again, the pastor is a liar.
The U.S. Out Of The U.N.
Report Post »The U.N. Out Of The U.S.
Joe Black
Posted on December 19, 2011 at 5:39amBrady has two kids out of wedlock. Tebow is a 24 yr old virgin. By the evidence, it looks like god favors Brady on the football field.
Report Post »chattr
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 10:29amIt would be blasphemy to assume what is in God’s mind; however, I can’t imagine God having time for Sunday football, since that is a day of rest. Assume one team has a larger number of Christians than another; will God have that team win? Could it be possible this young man is so successful at football because of his lifestyle? If anyone truly practices the word of God… God doesn’t necessarily have to intercede… his word if you practice and believe brings many rewards. I don’t know if Tebow is right or wrong in his open faith practices; however, if he motivates just one person to change his or her life; that is good enough for me. I grew up in the fifties and I can assure you this would have not been news. Open expression of faith was common place and it was at least one thing everyone could agree on… respect for another’s faith. It is sad that our society is so easily offended today, now why do you think that is?
Report Post »eddie333
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 9:39amTebow‘s faith and obedience to God brings God’s favor to his life.
Maybe that helps him win some games, maybe it doesn’t.
Tebow losing games would not mean that God’s blessing is no longer with Tebow, though.
Report Post »woodyl1011fl
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 6:42amGiven what TMZ is, to believe anything they produce is too play the conned fool!!!
Report Post »TemayElbor
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 4:32amYou are definitely an inspiration to the “FOLLOWERS OF JESUS” Tebow.
You’re doing a good job.
I believe, it will be the YOUTH who will pave the way in bringing back the old and the young to JESUS, and Tebow is a precursor for this event.
MAY THE LORD RAISE MORE “TEBOWS”… should be our prayer.
Report Post »Locked
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 3:42amAs a Pats fan growing up, and a fan of UF since I moved down south, I look forward to Sunday! I don;t hold out too much hope for Tebow, but it’ll be fun to see… no divine favor involved. You’d think God would have some more interest in more important matters than football, no?
Report Post »South Philly Boy
Posted on December 16, 2011 at 9:40pmGo Tim Go… Super Bowl
Report Post »evachier
Posted on December 16, 2011 at 7:13pmPastors should stay away from TMZ …
Report Post »BlesstheJews
Posted on December 16, 2011 at 7:08pmI believe these wins are Gods favor. Teams dont win 5 Overtime games in 10 years, let alone in less then one season. GO TEBOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Report Post »saranda
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 11:07amGod must really love the Green Bay Packers. What a stupid thing to thank that God would even be aware of a football game with billions of living souls and multiples of that is past souls. This is ego at its worst, bringing God into an event that matters nothing. If your God favors football results but does not protect innocents then he is a small “g” god that only a mother could love.
Report Post »razor419
Posted on December 16, 2011 at 6:53pm“At this point, we‘re not sure who’s telling the truth…”
who do i believe, a pastor or a gossip magazine? that was a stupid statement, billy.
Report Post »We are Americans
Posted on December 16, 2011 at 7:22pmOr this comment is classic too
Does this mean most of the articles
in here aren’t fact checked?
Hanson, the faith leader at Summit Church near Denver, Colorado, has since denied both of these notions. So, in the interest of fairness, we’d like to explore the issue further, while debunking and fact-checking the story.
Report Post »Baddoggy
Posted on December 16, 2011 at 6:06pmI truly believe God is using Tim as a witness to Himself because Tim is a faithful follower, outspoken and seemingly without blemish. Although Tim is a sinner saved by God’s grace, he looks very pure. God can use a vessel like that very easilty to do great things. But that too may someday pass as there is a Devil that will surely try to tempt him and pull Tim down to mock him. Tm may someday lose that witness. I pray he never does…
Mr. Tebow will do great things as long as he worships Christ the way he is. The great thing may also be to come back from a great tragedy or even a terrible losing streak…who knows. God is God and I ain’t…God will use His vessel as He pleases. Count on it.
Report Post »rdietz7
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 12:24amModern day Sampson perfected by Christ’s love.
Report Post »LeadNotFollow
Posted on December 16, 2011 at 5:36pmI personally think Tebow is a great role model. We need more Christian professional athletes. A lot of kids look up to athletes, and want to grow up to be just like them.
Report Post »God bless Tim Tebow, with a lot of success.
saranda
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 11:17amHe is a great role model, of that there is no need for discussion. This whole conversation that somehow he is favored by God does massive disservice to those who do as much or more without the national profile and just quietly go about living a Christian life way beyond what most of us even dream of.
Report Post »Tebow is a football player who is a Christian. Football players pray before games, during games and after games, making much of what Tebow does nothing new. His conviction though is real unlike many of his fellow players, but his service is not unique.
One Man Progressive Wrecking Crew
Posted on December 16, 2011 at 5:27pmHere’s MY question, why would any Pastor be talking to that crud filled x rated comments and content website filled with NOTHING but Homowood filth from page after page after page after page?
If that website were a Newspaper I‘d do with it the same thing I’d do with the New York Slimes, hand it over to my dog Pistol who takes care of that type of bird cage lining crap that appears at my doorstep. I wouldn‘t wipe my backside with either of the three if there were a month long run on TP after Oblamo’s re election should it occur God help us….although my dog will as I noted ;)
Report Post »garyM
Posted on December 16, 2011 at 5:38pmThe Pharisees accused Jesus of be a sinner because he hung around sinners! Fact is all us but Jesus are sinners and some are Pharisees! You guys need to read up on the Bible before you start making accusations that make you look Biblically ignorant!
Report Post »LeadNotFollow
Posted on December 16, 2011 at 5:40pmOne Man… I enjoyed your post.
Report Post »the58thstate
Posted on December 16, 2011 at 5:14pmdenver 31-pats 28. at least i hope thats the score just to drive bill press nuts.
Report Post »BurntHills
Posted on December 16, 2011 at 5:10pmwouldn’t it be amazing if Tebow or another pure American inspired by him after or during the obama-induced civil war becomes somehow one of our greatest Generals.. or President..
Report Post »Baddoggy
Posted on December 16, 2011 at 6:08pmI would follow him into battle…
Report Post »We are Americans
Posted on December 16, 2011 at 7:20pmObama led civil war. Hahahaha. I gotta
Report Post »bridge I can sell u.
CATPBJ
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 6:01amMan, you people have a very warped sense of reality but I guess that goes without saying….
Years from now, the Physicians Desk Reference will have a new mental disease listed – called Post Traumatic Fox News Syndrome. One of the main symptoms is a fully delusional mental capacity which is rich in fantasy and devoid of any tidbit of what is real!
Report Post »