Let’s start here: I won’t be calling anybody out.

            Still, in my attention to professional golf events and interaction with Christian golf fans, I often hear expressions of excitement over tournament winners who “speak up for Jesus” by quoting verses they have used to push them to victory. And I’m afraid it is all I can do not to write back to these elated fans and ask, “You do realize that the passage they’re quoting is being entirely misconstrued?”

            To their credit, most Christian athletes will be the first to tell you that they are not theologians—and honestly, it shows in the Scripture passages they regularly choose. So as tempting as it is to capture your attention by giving some specific examples of athletes’ victory speeches and the Scripture they have commandeered as a catchphrase for their winning day, I’ll keep the names quiet for the sake of the humble and the innocent.