The Super Bowl is not just a sports event, but also a cultural phenomenon that attracts millions of viewers in the US. It’s a prime opportunity for advertisers to showcase their products and messages to a massive audience. But this year, a new and unexpected advertiser joined the game, causing a stir that has shaken the nation.
Why is the ‘Jesus Gets Us’ Super Bowl LVII Commercial Sparking Backlash?
The “Jesus Gets Us” campaign, spearheaded by the Servant Foundation, ran a 15-second spot during Super Bowl LVII that has polarized viewers and sparked a fierce debate about the place of religion in public spaces.
The spot, featuring the popular song “Never Tear Us Apart” by INXS, showed a series of scenes where people who might be seen as foes in the real world were washing each other’s feet.
One scene that stood out showed a black man having his feet washed by a white police officer. The message was clear: “Jesus washed the feet of his enemies. No ego, no hate. He humbly loved his neighbors. How can we do the same?”.
While the intention behind the spot was clearly positive, encouraging unity and love in a time of conflict, it was the origin of the message that raised questions.
The Servant Foundation, a non-profit religious organization, was the driving force behind the “Jesus Gets Us” campaign. The question on many people’s minds was simple: How did a non-profit afford a coveted Super Bowl spot, known to cost millions of dollars?
The financial implications of the spot led to a wave of backlash, with many accusing the Servant Foundation of hypocrisy. Critics argued that the money spent on the spot could have been better used to directly help those in need, such as providing shelter for the homeless or food for the hungry.
Jesus washed the feet of friends and enemies. No ego or hate. He humbly loved his neighbors. How can we do the same? pic.twitter.com/kXift42ZG9
— HeGetsUs (@HeGetsUs) February 11, 2024
The backlash highlighted the often complicated and contentious relationship between religion and money, with many feeling that the spot was a glaring example of how religious organizations can sometimes lose sight of their core mission in the pursuit of publicity.
How powerful is a religious message backed by millions of dollars? Does spending millions to promote a religious message during Super Bowl showed how devoted or corrupt the Servant Foundation is?
Despite the criticism, there were those who supported the spot and the “Jesus Gets Us” campaign. Supporters argued that the Super Bowl spot was a smart move, as it allowed the Servant Foundation to reach millions of people who might not otherwise be exposed to their message. They contended that the spot could inspire viewers to be better people, promoting a message of love and unity that transcends religious boundaries.
The controversy surrounding the “Jesus Gets Us” Super Bowl spot is a stark reminder of the ongoing debate about the role of religion in public spaces. It underscores the delicate balance that must be struck when religious messages are broadcast to a wide and diverse audience, particularly in a setting like the Super Bowl, where viewers are primarily sports fans.
This incident serves as a case study in the complexities of religion in the public sphere, highlighting the challenges and controversies that can arise when faith enters the realm of popular culture. It’s a reminder that even in our modern, secular society, religion remains a potent force.
