Dear reader,
I know I subject you to a bunch of random, insane groups. This one, called “Christians Against Nike,” might just take the cake.
This really exists
Okay. This has to be a joke, right? Right? No. It exists, and it gets worse. The very first page of this site is little more than a ramble about how Nike is a Pagan Goddess created by Satan. It uses big, bold, colored letters, multiple sized and rapidly changing fonts, and…I suppose a lot of hallucinogenics. I can’t really be sure. It condemns Nike the sports company for being named in honor of a Greco-Roman mythological figure, Nike; the Goddess of Victory and the source of most people named “Nicholas” or “Nicole”‘s names. The Roman name for her is, of course, Victoria. So there’s Victor and Victoria, for ya.
Apparently being named after this deity means you worship Satan;
“Satan came up with the goddess of victory named NIKE in order to take honor away from God. Thegoddess NIKE, which is actually a demon, has been worshipped, honored and sacrificed to in the false religion of Paganism”
- Christians Against Nike.
And cue me going into a long tirade about what kind of crazy this guy is, and why he is dangerous.
Ya gotta have faith – of some sort, I guess.
First of all, I’d like to provide the tiniest little bit of clarification, here: There is pretty much no such thing as a “false religion,” and if there was a way to determine such a thing, it would not be from the lips of another faith. That kind of argument can only be made when someone is a believer in a very, very nuanced form of religion and believes that any teaching which does not coincide with their belief is some form of deception and lie. Paganism, I assure you, is not a “false religion.” Oh, it isn’t a very popular one these days, with Neo-Paganism having (according to Wikipedia) about one million self-reported adherents – though that number is probably a bit low, held down due to fears of religious persecution. But “false?” Folks, dating at least as far back as to a 2007 New York Sun article, the VA has been allowing Pentacles to be on military graves. So at least the Federal Government recognizes that just because a religion isn’t widespread doesn’t make it not a religion.
Still…That whole “false religion” thing is just the beginning of my concern with this group’s page. It goes on to specifically harp about New York Jets Quarterback Tim Tebow. He says a lot of stuff about how Tebow’s play is literally determined by his endorsement deals – completely ignoring the argument that God endowed mankind with this thing called “Free Will” and that we rise and fall under our own devices, mind you. But then the creator of this site says this rather unsettling bit of BS…
“His bad play was an outward sign of God’s discipline for Tebow’s disobedience… and his injury was evidence of God lifting His hand of protection from Tebow for insulting Him.”
- Christians Against Nike
So now you have God deciding whether or not players should be injured? And you have this whack-a-mole Charles Hubbard, what, interpreting God’s will? I can swear the Bible says something about the folly of men trying to speak for the Divine…But that could just be my Paganism acting up again. In fact, I feel like making fun of the “About” page of this guy’s site…
Seriously, I can’t believe “Christians Against Nike” Exists.
Alrighty, guy, you wanna trash-talk Paganism and that “evil” Goddess Nike? You got it. Lets play. Your “About” page features an Eagle. According to Wikipedia, as well as just plain-old-historical-fact, Eagles were heavily involved in Native American Animistic rituals (I.E. Paganism). Does this, Mr. Hubbard, mean you are a Native American Shaman?
You talk about how you uttered a prayer for guidance from God. You state, “God led me to go to His Word [The Bible] without looking, and place my pen down without looking. When I looked, it was touching one word…CHOOSING.” Correct me if I am wrong, but whispering prayers while performing some sort of divine ritual of divination is very much like a Witch’s spell-craft, no? It sounds to me as if you are casting a spell, sir! Surely you know that is forbidden!
Sir, I believe I’ve identified the Pagan in your virtual lecture hall. The enemy is among us, Mr. Hubbard, and it was a very clever ruse, indeed! I believe you’ve been seduced into believing God is whispering in your ear, especially as you talk about the revelations he’s given you. Honestly? I would laugh this off and perhaps recommend psychiatric care for your burgeoning case of schizophrenia, save for one very serious problem…
Religious Zealotry has Real-World Consequences
In his webpage about “God teaches Greece,” our psychiatric-care-candidate invokes the idea that God is punishing Greece for its maintaining of historical sites such as the Temple of Nike in…Well he isn’t exactly clear where it is, or which Temple in particular we’re talking about, but he knows that God is concerned because he was “guided” – I.E. Cast another spell – to the word “pure.” He believes that this ancient temple should be torn down. He believes that God, and not catastrophically bad economic policy, is responsible for Greece’s problems. This is just like how God is mean to Tim Tebow because he accepted money from a profitable company named after a mythological figure. He even shows a picture of his “Love” shoe stomping out the old Temple and replacing it with a gigantic statue of Jesus – an idol of the Savior, but an idol nonetheless. So much for the Ten Commandments.
This sort of lunacy excuses any action. Murdered your brother? God made you do it. Got injured playing a sport? God did it. Went broke? God did it. He did it because you didn’t love him. This reeks of some sort of special protection that, if we’d read our Bible, falls apart. See, we’d have read this little ditty about how God can also control one’s emotions. Exodus 9:12 – “God Hardened Pharaoh’s Heart.” And now you’ve excused even the lack of love of God – if you don’t love God, its because God didn’t want you to, so he wanted you to suffer! Because he loves you! So buy my “Love” Merchandise! Go God!
…I apologize. I believe I’ve delved into the madness of this website too long, for my own argument is starting to come apart in the maelstrom.
Why Religion and Sports Don’t Mix
I’ve never really been a big fan of praying before a sporting event, or thanking the divine forces of the universe for a victory. Its an old ethical question – why would God want one team to win and the other to lose? In defeat, we blame ourselves; in victory, we thank God? That makes no sense.
Mr. Hubbard’s arguments are reminiscent of the recent Pat Robertson statements about Peyton Manning. ”In my opinion,” Robertson says, “it would serve them [the Denver Broncos] right.” What would? ”If that injury comes right, Denver would find themselves without a Quarterback.” Hubbard’s statements basically justify this sort of mentality – its all God’s will. Its God’s will that a person trying to do his best to make a living (Manning) be injured so that a corporation (The Broncos) can learn a valuable lesson about…Trading Tim Tebow?
Why aren’t we mad about how the Jets have screwed over Mark Sanchez? Or Drew Stanton?
I think the answer is that Tebow’s faith, unfortunately, shares a name with that of Mr. Robertson and Mr. Hubbard. They are not the same faith, thank God! But, this serves as a reminder that we can’t ever let our guard down against the wolves hiding in lamb’s clothing.
This is all mildly hilarious to most of the world. To me it is terrifying. This psycho is my exes boyfriend, and my 11 year old lives there. Pray for me that i get him out of there before this bastard goes Charlie Manson..
Hey,
I’m really not sure where you’re coming from. If you can, and if you don’t mind, please register on the site and send me a private message? I know that’s a lot to ask but I want to figure this situation out a little more. If we can work it, maybe there’s some ways you can be helped in this cause. I just hope you understand that I don’t trust any one person in my life, including family, and what you’re saying has a large burden of proof. If that’s not a problem, then contact me. And we -will- figure something out.
My warmest regards,
–Jesse Pohlman
–Founder, Liberty Free Media
What kind of a “Christian” (so he claims) shacks up with a woman that’s not his wife who has a 11 year old son? If I were you I’d educate him on being a false prophet and setting a poor example for your son.
What great christian values he’s promoting. Supposedly God’s speaking to him, my guess is he’s a fool acting as a false prophet. His website is a bunch of crap. What’s he promoting, his motives are anything but pure.
(Ed note: Questionable language removed – JP)
Good luck
…Okay, took me a minute to see what you were saying. Gotcha. Wow. Juussttt wow.
He is a nut job. I know this crazy nut from high school and he’s gone off the deep end. He told me since I wear Nike’s to get in touch in a month or so to let him know how bad my life was going down hill. Really dude?
Cindy,
If you choose not to respect and honor God enough not to wear something honoring Satan’s goddess NIKE… that doesn’t make me a nut job.
Maybe you know a few things about loyalty through sports… if you don’t get the Good vs Evil aspect of this.
It would be like a Sooner fan wearing a Cowboy jersey to a Bedlam game… only much worse.
I have a loyalty to God… so I don’t wear things honoring other religions. It is that simple.
If you are still mad at me and act like this… I would say your life has gotten worse after that month.
If you can’t figure out that God wants your loyalty and that He hates all other gods and goddesses… you are the one who needs help… not me.
And I’m not the only one who feels that way. There are others who are wise enough to figure it out too.
Mr. Hubbard,
This marks the first time I’ve ever had someone write a comment on an article about them! Or, in this case, their project. Its also the first time I’ve had someone I’ve written something about, well, post on a completely wrong page. Hence, your comment on the “Write For Us” page has been deleted.
This one? You’re entitled to your word, so I’m happy to leave this here with one caveat; your own words:
– Charles Hubbard
You have just acknowledged that other Gods and Goddesses exist. Does this mean God hates you?
My warmest regards,
–Jesse Pohlman
I don’t know why I am even wasting my time here with you… you allowed a comment on here March 26th that suggests that someone kill me.
You imply that I am possibly a god or goddess.
Let me ask you this… and pray for wisdom as you consider the answer…
Why did God mention other gods and goddesses in the Bible if there was absolutely no reason to mention them?
People worshipped them as gods and goddesses… that is why. God went on to say that those who were even sacrificing to other gods were actually sacrificing to demons.
If you can’t understand this… you don’t grasp elementary truths of the Bible and should be in pursuit of much more truth!
Mr. Hubbard,
I just wabted to let you know that you are alone on this cause. Your facebook page sports a whopping FOUR likes, probably all just people from your family. As far as craziness, I put you on the same level as the Westboro Baptist Church. And you’re psycho to think that you were given some “gift” of choosing a random word in the Bible and making some whacked-up “meaningful” interpretation out of it. And just because you wear Nike doesn’t mean you are honoring the actual goddess.
Cheers, Alex
P.S. Ever since discovering your website, I’ve been buying only Nike shoes and wearing twice as much Nike than before.
A guy being led by God doesn’t have to look around to see if anyone else is brave enough to speak out. He just has to listen to God and do as God says.
You would have been the guy in Noah’s day mocking him… then pleading with him to let you aboard when the floods came.
You better get on board with God!
Email from Charles Hubbard
Tebow is scared to go against me… why?
Because when he even threatened to take legal action… God put him in his place.
I am not a guy just rambling on about the evils is this world.
I am called by God and strongly supported by God.
God has put others in their place as well… men who have insulted me…
but more importantly… men who have insulted God.
It is about honoring God.
I have His support.
Charles W. Hubbard
My Reply
Wow! Thanks for that email Charles. Let’s take a quick look at who God is supporting and who he has put in their place.
Tebow – Charitable organization providing spiritual and physical healing to those in need.
Hubbard – Website bashing Christians over the name of a shoe.
Tebow – Multi-million dollar contract to play football. Won Heisman trophy. Competes on TV.
Hubbard – Sells T-shirts out of his car. Played high school basketball. Has a TV.
Tebow – Writes autobiography. New York Times best seller.
Hubbard- Posts to Facebook. “Likes” his own comments.
Tebow – Raises money for a pediatric cancer center in Gainesville.
Hubbard – Spends money on a billboard in Denver declaring “Tebow insults Jesus”.
Tebow – Speaks in front of an Easter Sunday crowd of roughly 20,000 people.
Hubbard – About 127 views on a video he uploaded to YouTube.
Tebow – Spends time with underprivileged children, sharing God’s love and bringing a smile.
Hubbard – His own kids live out-of-state. Calls them once in a while.
Tebow – Building children’s hospital in the Philippines.
Hubbard – Able to find the Philippines on a map with the help of Google.
Tebow – Donates 2.5 million dollar NFL signing bonus to charity.
Hubbard – Hello?…….Mr. Hubbard? …………..The orphans are still waiting.
Tebow – Throws interception. Charles says God is punishing Tim for his disobedience.
Hubbard – Gets fired from job. Tim has no comment.
Tebow – Visits with a fourth grader suffering from a painful nerve disease. Encourages him to be strong and have faith in God.
Hubbard – Visits the news article about the boy. Babbles on about Pagan goddesses and Nike.
Tebow – Visits 13-year-old boy with Luekemia. Kneels and prays with him.
Hubbard – Reads article about boy. Hops on soapbox. Declares Tebow to be evil.
Tebow – Visits with a wounded war veteran. Calls the man a “real hero”.
Hubbard – Insists that the “real” Tebow is influenced by the devil.
Tebow – Organizes a trip to Disney for disadvantaged children.
Hubbard – Says Tebow is no role model. No one should be like Tebow.
Tebow – Tries to use the platform God has given him to enrich the lives of others.
Hubbard – Tries to use God’s name as a springboard to line his own pockets.
Tebow – Is asked to be a guest speaker by churches from around the world.
Hubbard – Is banned from the church he has been attending in his own hometown.
Tebow – Gives glory to God in every interview. Speaks openly of God’s love.
Hubbard – Speaks to anyone who will listen about what God hates.
Tebow – Spends time, money, and effort trying to ease people’s suffering.
Hubbard – Spends time telling people why God is making them suffer.
Tebow – Works hard to be an example of what a good Christian should be.
Hubbard – Works hard at telling good Christians what they should and shouldn’t do.
God has definitely put him in his place and put you in yours. It is clear who He strongly supports.
Tebow is scared to go against you Charles?
My guess is that he’s just a little too busy.
Daichi Katsu (DK) is a liar.
I got right to the point with 20 letters of the alphabet.
I would like to point out that technically your sentence only has 11 letters of the alphabet. You just used the same letter more then once.
What’s a lie Charles? Please share.
I am not a Tebow fan and I have very few Nike things, but it disgusts me seeing an internet troll like you. For months I’ve been witness to this train wreck. You banging away at your keyboard attacking others for what they wear on their feet. Put up a website, OK. Post a “click this if you like Jesus” link on Facebook, OK. An article about Tebow spending time with a suffering child is definitely not the right forum. You’ve done this repeatedly. It’s especially hurtful to the parents of those kids. You wouldn’t stand toe to toe with a dad and say the things you type. That’s the truth.
If you believe in Jesus Christ and I see you in Heaven one day… you will then understand what you can’t understand down here.
I am not here to pat Tebow on the back for all the good things he does…
just here led by God to point out the huge sin he is currently caught up in…
the huge sin that leads others astray… even those cute, adorable kids
that are suffering!
God has made it very clear that Nike is demonic. If I can keep demonic
things off of suffering kids… then that is a great thing!
People don’t always believe people who hear from God and are led by God…
so I will just include you in that group.
Now… if you’ll excuse me… I’m going to visit the office of Sam Bradford’s dad…
with some important information for Sam Bradford.
Tebow is not the only one!
Mr. Hubbard,
When exactly did your god start requiring you to fight demons? And when did he start telling you to force your beliefs on other people, including those who might believe in mythologies far older than those of Jesus Christ?
My warmest regards,
–Jesse Pohlman
Jesse,
My God is the big “G” God.
God has called me to rebuke Tebow and others who endorse Nike clothing and to educate people about the sin of giving honor to the pagan goddess Nike.
If you are not a Christian, you will not understand because it is Spiritually discerned.
Believe in Jesus Christ, and with God’s Spirit in you, and an obedience to the Word of God regardless of what Satan says or others say to you, then you can better understand what I am saying.
Start with Jesus Christ… stay with Jesus Christ… and you will be with Him in Heaven one day.
There is only one way.
And trust me… He is very real… and very much alive today!
Mr. Hubbard,
Soooooo the only way to understand your “God” is to have the special spiritual decoder ring you were given? Look, I dig Jesus Christ and all, but if you’ve ever once read anything attributed to the man, you know full well that Christ wasn’t about Satan, Pagans, or Sinners. He preached a pretty simple message, and its been lost on people like you, dude. So maybe you’re right, maybe I don’t understand, but doesn’t that lack-of-obviousness point out how your view can be just as wrong as mine can?
Jesse,
I enjoy a relationship with God.
Ask yourself… how bad do I want to know God?
Am I willing to seek Him in order to find Him?
If you seek God with all of your heart, you will find Him.
It takes faith.
Faith requires you to NOT believe the lie saying that Jesus is not real…
Faith requires you to believe the truth that He is real…
and the more you step out… the more He shows himself to you.
I have a very personal relationship… I told God I wanted to know Him
this side of Heaven… that I didn’t want to wait till I got there.
I get to experience God’s obvious interaction in my life and now
get to share that with others.
If God calls you into a relationship by placing a strong desire in you to know Him…
don’t hesitate and seek Him out.
I’m not just telling you to believe what I believe…
I’m telling you to believe the truth.
God bless.
ok-is this an Onion article? I can’t believe this is real.
I’m afraid it most definitely is. As is the rather unworldly conversation in the commentary section.
I wonder if it will ever be noted that Nike has withdrawn the bulk of its support from the legacy of Joe Paterno; in particular, a childhood center named in his honor is being renamed.
My site is real… in fact… on July 14th… I had 46755 unique visitors view that site. God moves in mighty ways! I honor a big God Who hates honor given to the pagan goddess Nike!
That was 46,755 unique visitors in just one day!
Mr. Hubbard,
Surely your divinations have led you to Matthew 5:39 at some point? “But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”