Why LeBron James Shouldn't Tweet Theological Statements

Just because LeBron James started meeting with a rabbi this summer doesn't mean he's ready to be dispensing theological opinions.

I've been thinking a lot about LeBron's statement via his Twitter feed last week about the Cleveland Cavaliers' huge upset to the Lakers. In what has become known as the "Karma Tweet," LeBron (@KingJames) tweeted the following during the final minutes of his former team's 55-point loss to the Los Angeles Lakers:

"Crazy. Karma is a b****.. Gets you every time. Its not good to wish bad on anybody. God sees everything."

There are many unknowns when it comes to theology. Aside from dealing with the conundrums of evil and suffering in the world, we really don't know whether God is omniscient. Apparently, LeBron James is certain of God's omniscience ("God sees everything"). Not only that, but it seems that LeBron's God metes out justice on those who "wish bad on anybody." Now, I'm not going to judge LeBron for his theological certainty or even for his brashness in tweeting these words. I am, however, going to call him out for the senselessness of tweeting about divine karma this way.

That tweet couldn't possibly have been received well no matter what happened. LeBron handled his separation from the Cavaliers in the worst way imaginable, so criticizing owner Dan Gilbert or the Cavaliers for wishing ill on him is ridiculous at best. Second, LeBron's "Karma Tweet" sets him up for ridicule should the karma now fly the other way, which is exactly what has happened. Since LeBron decided to wax theological on Twitter, his team -- the Miami Heat -- has lost three consecutive games on the road and has seen the three superstars all get injured (twisted ankles for LeBron and Chris Bosh, and a hurt knee for Dwayne Wade).

This only proves that if you believe in the divine karma LeBron believes in, well, it can cut both ways. And if you ever sense that, thanks to karma, bad things are being levied on those who wished ill on you, be smart about it and keep your mouth shut. And in this age that means stay away from Twitter!

 

Follow Rabbi Jason Miller on Twitter: www.twitter.com/rabbijason

Comments

[Cynicalnewsguy]

12:54 AM on 01/21/2011

I find it curious that people in positions of influence often forgo opportunities to educate and enlighten and instead use the opportunity to insult.

[prettyliars]

04:25 PM on 01/20/2011

wait how is this a controversial tweet?

[Jesterband]

01:15 AM on 01/21/2011

It isn't and the article does not say it is.

As an aside to PoliticalMMA, yours seems to be the overreaction, the above a rather softly worded musing.

[prettyliars]

01:27 PM on 01/24/2011

"That tweet couldn't possibly have been received well no matter what happened." I'm just not seeing the need for an article on such a tweet.

[OtayPanky]

02:53 PM on 01/20/2011

You're absolutely right.

When it comes to making absurd statements about things he knows nothing about, LeBron James is an amateur.

He should leave that sort of foolishness to the pros.

[PoliticalMMA]

02:11 PM on 01/20/2011

how about we stop overreacting to everything Lebron James does?

[TheWM]

12:02 PM on 01/20/2011

"There are many unknowns when it comes to theology."

Theologians better hope so.

[thebigbike]

11:19 PM on 01/19/2011

The concept that tweets by LeBron James could be taken by just folks seriously as theological guidance certainly doesn't give me much positive impression of the state of organized religion

[JimR]

04:35 PM on 01/19/2011

When Lebron said "God sees everything," he was referring to himself.