Tiger in the Woods

We thought we knew Tiger Woods. An all-American athlete; a soft-spoken role model; a generous and kind-hearted gentleman. But Tiger the man had a handicap that we didn't see in Tiger the golfer. On the golf course he had a powerful drive. But in his psyche he also had a powerful drive. The human sex drive is forceful enough to populate a whole planet.



Tiger's tragic troubles demonstrate how one aspect of our lives can be extremely disciplined while another aspect has no self control. Tiger became the best in one sport. At the same time his moral life performed poorly.


My purpose is not to judge. Each of us is vulnerable. We are all capable of moral lapses. But perhaps this high profile infidelity can help us be more aware of the ambiguity of our sexuality.


Unfortunately, many people grow up in religious traditions that give a mixed message. It goes something like this: 'Sex is a good gift of God. Don't use it!' Or another version: 'Sex is dirty; save it for marriage.'


Poor adolescents. They receive contradictory messages from every direction. Their parents (if they ever talk about sex), the church, the schools, the music industry, television, movies, and advertisers. Combined with the natural 'urge to merge' and explosive hormones makes getting through adolescence without screwing up very difficult.


We are sexual beings. We are sexually attracted to other sexual beings. That's how we are wired. It's not wrong to want to have sex with other people; it is simply natural. Men are aroused by women. Women are aroused by men. And some men are aroused by men, etc. Sexy ads work.


Religious education in regard to sex needs to strike a balance. We need to learn to affirm and appreciate our sexuality. We also need to learn to control our urges and behavior. There is a Tiger in the tank of all of us. It roars. But we cannot live by the laws of the jungle and still be moral persons. It behooves us to live by a higher law. Setting boundaries and being sexually active exclusively with our life-long partner is the wisdom that brings joy.


Sex is like fire. It can keep us alive and it can burn us. To learn to use fire properly and safely is a smart thing to do.


Mr. Woods could not see the moral forest for the curvy trees. I feel sorry for him. Let him be our teacher. Significant relationships are broken by careless behavior. We have to be as committed to our marriages as Tiger is to his golf game. We have to focus on what is important. We make vows. We give promises. We must practice follow through.


Tiger, Tiger, hear him roar.

Tiger, Tiger, see him cry.

Tiger, Tiger, see him score.

Tiger, Tiger, why, oh why?



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