Should Focus on the Family Sponsor the Super Bowl?

Posted on January 27, 2010
Viewed 1196 times
(24) comments

The decision has some people cheering, and some people jeering. The decision by Focus on the Family to sponsor an ad during the Super Bowl is polarizing many people even before it runs in the big game.

So, what's the controversy all about? Well, mostly the estimated price tag of $2.5 million dollars after Focus has eliminated over 275 jobs in recent years.

Focus' response: None of the money is coming out of their budget, but rather from 'generous donors who specifically gave for this project'.

The ad features University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow and his mother and has an anti-abortion/pro-life message.

So... what do you think? Is this worth the money? And should Focus be 'focussing' more on people than commercials?

I'd love to hear what you think...

Todd

Comments

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Dona Pugh on Wed, January 27, 2010

While I understand why it is controversial, I find all this brouhaha rather ironic! There are many things that are indecent and objectionable that are advertised without a murmur. Focus on the Family has always had a strong pro-life stand. What they choose to do with their budget is up to them.

I applaud Tim and his mother for their willingness to tell their story and give a positive pro-life message that is so often skewed by the media and others as being held only by right wing extremist crazies.

We just need some others to “man-up” and stop cowering just because the loud left makes a lot of noise.
Leonard on Wed, January 27, 2010

I got no problem with it. In fact I kind of like it.
Gary Fowler on Wed, January 27, 2010

Believers have too often been safely uninvolved in public discussions. This will certainly cause a few! If we are truly called to be “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20), then we must get outside the embassy and be actively engaged with people and issues outside of the church family. Way to go, Focus, for daring to get out there, take the hits, and stimulate conversation!
Ron on Wed, January 27, 2010

the strange thing about this is that it promotes “choice” but it’s not the choice this group wants as an outcome.

is it worth the money? Yes.

It’s always been my belief that if we want to change people’s minds with regards to pro life vs. pro choice….we need a well done movie that tugs at the heart and illustrates the beauty of life.

On a side note: I’m not a Tim Tebow fan in football but WOW, I’m a Tim Tebow fan in life and leadership…I love this guy!
Naum on Wed, January 27, 2010

While I have no problem with the commercial message, I believe it underscores the myth of a so-called liberal media bias�

�considering that the same network has refused ads from PETA, moveon.org, groups in favor of drug law reform, adbusters.org, etc.�
Larry C on Wed, January 27, 2010

Why not? Focus long ago became an imitator of political pundits and worldly methods for messaging. I betcha’ they won’t say much about the the power of Christ to change the hearts and minds of people but probably emphasize changing the law (which doesn’t change hearts).
Anonymous� on Wed, January 27, 2010

During the super bowl there are always a lot of immoral non-Christian commercials that air. And finally a Christian organization that bid to run a commercial that is pro-life, and the Christians are complaining� Sometimes I wonder who side many are on! I applaud focus on the family for standing up to the planning parenthoods, condom manufactures, as well as the new age movement that seeks to rule out God�s way. May we support focus on the family and other Christian organizations that�s fighting the good fight of faith. (I would be sending my donation to focus on the family)
Brian Hutchinson on Wed, January 27, 2010

The only people I have heard complain is the Pro Choice people. I find that ironic because they are mad about the choice she made.
Peter Hamm on Wed, January 27, 2010

I like it!
Tony Bedora on Wed, January 27, 2010

I like the risk they are taking, but the price tag in light of the Haiti disaster kinda makes me cringe. I am sure the investment in the commercial will do some good for many lives in the future.
beth g sanders on Wed, January 27, 2010

Will it be effective? I doubt that many minds will be changed. If you’re pro-life, is your mind going to be changed by a pro-choice ad? So why would anyone think the opposite would be true?

I’m sure it’s well-done and I’m sure Tim Tebow is a great guy and his mom is a nice lady. I’m not a football fan, so I know little about him.

There will be two groups of people watching: 1) those who agree and will applaud. 2) those who don’t agree and will roll their eyes, make gagging sounds and move on.

It’s a lot of money to spend just to basically preach to the choir, when there is such need in this country and abroad. The dollars could be better spent.
Stretch Mark Mama on Thu, January 28, 2010

I’m with Beth.

“And they’ll know…we are Christians by our…expensive militant arrogant over-priced advertisements…” *waves lighter*
Leonard on Thu, January 28, 2010

Maybe they will know about our love because of our sarcasm.

Will it have an impact? I pray so. There might be a family watching who is wrestling with a similar situation. I know of some who have and the testimony of God’s faithfulness in the midst of this difficult decision was very helpful. To think this commercial is aimed at swaying millions of viewers is probably not accurate thinking.

Abortion still is a moral issue people. A lot of people die daily in this country for no other reason than someone made a choice.
Jerry on Thu, January 28, 2010

When a young girl gets pregnant, she and her mate face incredible societal pressures. Whether or not they are married or plan on marriage. It they decide to not get married, what about the baby? What advice are they getting and from whom? Do they go to term and have it or just end it as soon as they can come up with the money for the procedure? Should they give it up for adoption?

I think this ad is directed at this kind of situation, not necessarily trying to sway the opposition forces.

That being said, why is it that when someone makes a choice for life, has the baby and then has the audacity to talk about it, the pro-choice people get all tweaked out? Is that not also a choice?

I guess it proves something I’ve been saying for about 10 years now: “If you’re not pro-life, you’re pro-death.”

I know, terribly inconsiderate and politically incorrect of me, isn’t it.
CS on Thu, January 28, 2010

I have high hopes for this ad, but worry that it will be pragmatic in nature. Sort of a message that says, “Don’t abort because you never know if your baby will be the next Heisman winner.” Instead, I hope it lifts up the value of human life and, ideally, shares the Gospel in the message.

—
CS