"Why do people choose the substitute over God himself? Probably the most important reason is that it obviates accountability to God. We can meet idols on our own terms because they are our own creations. They are safe, predictable, and controllable; they are, in Jeremiah's colorful language, the 'scarecrows in a cornfield' (10:5). They are portable and completely under the user's control. They offer nothing like the threat of a God who thunders from Sinai and whose providence in this world so often appears to us to be incomprehensible and dangerous . . . [People] need face only themselves. That is the appeal of idolatry."
- David F. Wells
Friday, September 11, 2009
In honor of Michael Jordan's induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame, ESPN features the Top 23 Michael Jordan Moments.
Love it.
Even though every few years we hear about the alleged "next Michael Jordan," there never will be another one like him. Not Lebron James, who is phenomenal. Not Kobe, who I admit is a great player.
Nobody else carries the weight of myth on the basketball court.
(And does anybody watch the NBA any more?)
I remember watching what's usually known as "the flu game" live. It might've been the most heroic athletic performance I've ever seen.
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Comments on "The Man, The Myth, The Legend":
3. Shrode
- 09/12/2009 4:18 pm CDT
In other news, David Robinson got inducted too.
He is a San Antonio hero. Probably just as much for what he does off the court as on. He's a Christian man, and has done and still does a lot for the community.
Today's headline of the San Antonio city paper said something about how unlike Michael Jordan, Robinson is a hero on and off the court. I don't think that was meant as a slam on Jordan, as much as it was building up Robinson.
Disclaimer: Michael Jordan IS awesome, and I have no doubt that he's a great guy in his private life. And I agree with Jared, that no one approaches his myth on the basketball court, not even Robinson (or Larry Bird. :)
5. Karl
- 09/14/2009 8:22 am CDT
Jordan's greatness went beyond the numbers, which are spectacular in and of themselves. His legendary competitive drive, his ability to come up big in the clutch time and time again, his sense of the moment, his ability to evolve as a player over time, his sheer presence both on the court and off, all of those things and more contributed to the mythological weight of his career in addition to his unparalleled skill and athleticism.
I grew up in ACC country and rooted against Jordan's UNC teams during his college days but I loved to watch him on the court individually. He instantly became my favorite NBA player as a rookie, and my high school locker was plastered with Jordan pictures cut out from SI. One of my favorite things about going to college near Chicago in the early 90's was that Jordan played just a 40 minute train ride away.
6. Jason D
- 09/14/2009 9:53 am CDT
I watched Jordan’s acceptance speech and was disappointed. There were always stories about the Jordan Rules. Reporters weren’t allowed to criticize Jordan. If they did, they were no longer allowed to talk to Jordan. I tried not to believe it. However, after hearing his acceptance speech I felt that there may have been some truth to those stories. Jordan appeared petty in his speech. I was as shocked as Isaiah and Magic. What should have been one of the greatest days in Basketball History, Jordan came up short.
7. Daniel Ross
- 09/14/2009 10:50 am CDT
Not to self-promote ... but my comment is here.
Petty is a good word for the speech. He was, however the best player I've ever seen.
8. nhe
- 09/14/2009 11:09 am CDT
Very well said Shrode........and though I completely agree that Jordan is the best ever on the hard court, as a "hero" in the true sense of the word, he pales (for me) in comparison to David Robinson.
One thing I look forward to being "made right" in heaven - the TRUE heroes will be known, and the humility with which they reflect the glory back to where it came from will shine bright.
9. Jared
- 09/14/2009 4:22 pm CDT
I hadn't read about or heard the speech when I posted this. Just saw the ESPN videos link from a guy on Twitter.
That said, I'm proud of Thinklings commenters. What we have in the speech is probably the greatest basketball player of all time making a public spectacle of his gracelessness. But you guys, without failing to acknowledge his pettiness, have not returned the favor. I like your grace for the man.
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The only NBA I ever watch are the playoffs, if the Rockets happen to be playing. I can't remember the last time I caught a regular season game.
Jordan was something special, though. Best ever? All things considered, probably.