New Advertisement Divides Christian Community
A Super Bowl commercial by a faith-based organization has sparked debate within Christian conservative circles, who express concerns about its portrayal of Jesus and its potential misinterpretation of his teachings.
The campaign, known as “He Gets Us,” aired a 60-second ad during Super Bowl LVIII, aiming to highlight Jesus’ example of love and unity. Titled “Foot Washing,” the ad featured still images of individuals washing each other’s feet in various settings, including a scene outside a “Family Planning Clinic” with abortion protesters in the background, and other scenarios involving people of different ideologies and social statuses.
Andrew Walker, an ethics professor, voiced reservations about the ad, suggesting it may lean towards a particular political stance and overlook certain biblical truths about sin and redemption. He questioned the ad’s selective portrayal of situations and argued that Jesus offers redemption to individuals across the ideological spectrum.
Pro-life advocate Ryan Bomberger acknowledged Jesus’ call to love one another but emphasized the importance of discerning between good and evil, disagreeing with the ad’s implication that disagreement does not equate to hate.
Conservative commentator Allie Beth Stuckey criticized the ad for potentially misrepresenting Jesus’ teachings and urged for a clearer presentation of the gospel in such influential platforms.
Podcaster Michael Knowles, while recognizing the ad’s potential to resonate with a secular audience, expressed reservations about its effectiveness in conveying the core message of Christianity.
In response, the “He Gets Us” campaign defended the ad, citing the biblical story of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet as a symbol of humility and mutual respect. They emphasized the importance of setting aside differences and serving one another with kindness and respect, aiming to promote societal discussion and self-reflection on loving one’s neighbor despite disagreements.