Annette John-Hall: Tim Tebow and God: A polarizing combination

Besides sports, I can't think of anything as universally polarizing as religion.

Yes, I'm making this observation as a believer.

Just look at history. Wars waged because of it. Slavery condoned in its name. Lunatics carrying out unspeakable acts for the glory of God - or so they claim.

Even now, religion plays a part in our political and cultural consciousness like never before. Heck, Republicans - and religious conservatives - would have anointed Mitt Romney as their presidential candidate a long time ago if he wasn't so, so Mormon.

Religion is the judgmental gauge that got singer Cee Lo Green in trouble - with atheists, of all people - for changing the lyrics of the John Lennon classic "Imagine." It's the sanctimonious hammer Rick Santorum uses to bash those of God's children who may not agree with his male-female version of love.

And now, some folks are crediting religion for helping catapult the Denver Broncos to a possible Super Bowl behind their good shepherd, Tim Tebow.

I know I'm getting a little ahead of myself. But did you watch the Broncos' overtime win against the talent-blessed and highly favored Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday?

Ordained to win

Who can explain Tebow's miraculous fourth-quarter comebacks this season? His most ardent fans say they were ordained. (Does God really love football more than he loves Catholic schools? And, of course, he must have been too busy to work a miracle during Christmastime, when the Broncos lost three straight.)

Either way, it's a good story.

But far be it for us to leave a good story alone.

No, his faithful have taken to "Tebowing," mimicking the quarterback's gesture of dropping to one knee, bowing his head, and praying after every game. There's even a website for it. (Though somehow I can't imagine the same obsession for a Muslim quarterback bowing in prayer.)

Never mind that the move is as old as Terry Bradshaw and was used by Reggie White, Brian Dawkins, and other football players of faith long before he made it a trendy pose.

Still, I can't deny that the touched QB is a natural for a made-for-TV movie. Here's a guy who wasn't even expected to start, let alone win. They criticized him for running out of the pocket too much. He lacks the proper throwing mechanics, they said.

A lot like Mike Vick.

Love for God

Yet Tebow continues to win when it counts, all the while professing his love for God, even expressing it with Scripture emblazoned in his eye black - until the NFL banned it.