The Tiger Woods Deity Tragedy
I am not a huge golfing fan, but I am interested in culture and society and hence see the relative significance of Tiger Woods’ return to championship golf after a few months out of the game whilst dealing with his highly publicised extra-marital affairs.
What I find tragic regarding this whole situation is the fact that our society and culture has lost touch of what is important and defining. We have traded the things of true value for the things of temporary delight and placed these at the top of our list of importance.
My personal view is that should Tiger manage to win the Masters this evening (at time of writing he is 3 shots behind Mickelson) I fear there will be a massive rallying around him and much praise given to his name. He will regain his position on the throne in many peoples’ lives, having raised himself from the grave of social reputation and being seated on high, having earned his place with a magical and frankly impressive win. His passed deeds will be forgotten. He will be crowned the king. The greatest of all time. A face of stability and security. A true hero. The world seeks a saviour. Woods is that saviour to many.
How tragic is it, that a man is judged, respected and honoured on the basis of his talent– in this case sporting ability – rather than on the way he treats his wife, a God-given gift and responsibility. Today, a man can commit adultery a dozen times, Drag his wife’s name and dignity through the dirt and use dozens of women for his own desires, yet totally redeem his stature in the eyes of those around him by playing a good game of golf.
For Tiger Woods, there is forgiveness, redemption, healing and restoration at the foot of the cross, in the nail pierced hands of Christ and in the open arms of the Father. He needs redeeming, but is not a lost cause. However, as much Tiger Woods’ marriage and life needs redeeming, so does our culture and society.
It would seem apparent that our entire set of standards for what defines a man need restoration and redeeming.
drew.march.2010.
