Blog

By: Joshua Zaffos

Category: Panorama, Sports

Posted: January 27, 2010 12:53 PM

Tags: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, MULTIMEDIA, MEDIA, ETHICS

How Focus on the Family Is Paying for Its Super Bowl Hail Mary

437px-TebowCollege football stars normally don't suit up on Super Bowl Sunday, but former Heisman-Trophy-winning quarterback Tim Tebow of the University of Florida will be making a controversial appearance during this year's game---in an anti-abortion ad paid for by Focus on the Family. Tebow, who led the Gators to two national championships, will appear in the spot with his mother, Pam, as she shares the story of her decision to go through a difficult pregnancy and have Tim, instead of aborting him back in 1987 (via ABC News). Michael Hiestand of USA Today writes that the Tebow commercial could be "the only really controversial ad---to ever air during America's biggest TV show," which should add to the game's big ratings. Commercial space during the CBS broadcast of the Super Bowl is selling for $2.5 million per spot. Focus on the Family, an evangelical ministry based in Colorado Springs, says money for the ad came from a few generous donations, not its depleted general funds. The ad's theme is "Celebrate Family, Celebrate Life," and spokesman Gary Schneeberger tells ABC the Tebows are "strong, committed Christians."

The ad has women's organizations and others questioning CBS' advertising policies and judgment. A coalition, including the National Organization for Women and Feminist Majority, have asked the network to pull the message. "An ad that uses sports to divide rather than to unite has no place in the biggest national sports event of the year---an event designed to bring Americans together," says Jehmu Greene, president of the Women's Media Center (via the Associated Press).

Comments

It's amazing to me how every view is supposed to be tolerated except one that is based on Christian values. Why shouldn't Tim Tebow be allowed to talk about how his mom was told she should have an abortion but didn't? Why shouldn't he be allowed to say that he's happy she chose to let him live? If all views are supposed to be heard, why not listen to someone who wants to celebrate life?

@Julie too bad Mary didn't have an abortion...gawd. It would have solved a lot of problems thats all i can say!

I think Christians are the only ones afraid of "hearing the truth." For all JRoth knows, he/she was a dog or maybe a carrot in his/her past life. That's okay though, maybe someone will come save you on a giant boat in 2012 with two of every little creature on it! Or not.

@JRoth Have you ever been to a Planned Parenthood/Family Planning website? It's their job to educate people about parenthood and ALL of their choices. One of those choices happens to be abortion. The only thing the church teaches is abstinence, which IS NOT WORKING. So, please tell me what alternative choices the church offers. Furthermore, "morally" correct is an opinion. I don't think right wing Christians shoving their insane views down my throat is morally correct either! If you are in favor of educating people on alternative choices, you probably should switch sides... PRESS.

JRoth, i'd rather the government keep its hands off of my body thank you. Its funny, right wing wacko's are all for small government...but they are all about telling me what i can do with MY body and who i can & cannot marry. And i believe you mean bisexual. Bysexual is not a word, honey.

Hey JRoth- Learn how to spell. If you spent less time with your head buried in your bible, and, more in your education you'd see your spelling is off.

Amazing that this ad is considered controversial. Family Planning ads are all over the place. Condom ads are everwhere. Gay, Lesbian, Bysexual, Transgender lifestyle is all over the news, radio, t.v. and internet. Anything with a Biblical base is controversial. Hmmmm! The ad isn't condeming people it's offering alternative choices because Family Planning and their constitients don't. They don't educate women about the long lasting effects of abortions and the medical complications. They don't educate women that giving birth is safer and morally correct because you aren't killing a living being. These leftist are always spewing their words. What's wrong? Are they afraid of people hearing the truth?

Of course this ad is considered controversial. Any ad, religiously or politically charged, aired during the Super Bowl is controversial. DUH. I think you are missing the point of this article.

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