Tim Tebow is scheduled to appear in a 30 second Super Bowl ad with his mother, telling of a time when doctors recommended an abortion and she chose life for Tim. The ad has sparked considerable controversy in part because of its sponsor, Focus on the Family. Tim has made no secret of his strong Christian faith and many have truly enjoyed the quality football leadership Tebow has provided, a leadership grounded in the values of Christ he has sought to embody with his life actions.
It is a terrific shame that he is being castigated for participating in something that is called "offensive", "bad taste" and "religious extremism." Even though the ad has taken strong measures to emphasize a "celebration of life" theme--it particularly being criticized by "pro choice" forces who often only seem to celebrate a "choice for abortion." If Tebow's message is offensive or religious extremism, then how am I to categorize the message put out by the powerful media and political forces being arrayed against Tebow and the ad's sponsor, Focus on the Family?
The "bad taste" argument is perhaps the most absurd. "whazzaaaa!!!!!!" or Go-Daddy's gyrating women ads surely earn that label far more honestly. Super Bowl ads have become a cultural phenomenon--a pop cultural display that often leads many of us scratching our heads thinking "That was worth 2 million dollars?"
Somehow an ad with some socially redeeming value impresses me more. Telling people that life is sacred - now that is priceless!
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