The Super Bowl weekend was interspersed with a whirlwind of reactions to an ad by a Christian group, and it has stoked criticism from leading pro-life proponents. The ad portrays various scenes of people washing others’ feet, reflecting the Christian ethos of serving others. However, one particular scene in the commercial has sparked controversy, featuring a depiction of a woman outside an inaccurately labeled “Family Planning Clinic.”
Critics argue that the ad could potentially endorse abortion, which stands contrary to the pro-life and Christian principles. Others contend that it represents Jesus’s commandment to love our neighbors, irrespective of their actions and identities.
Joel Berry, Managing Editor at Babylon Bee, critiqued that the advertisement exhibits more left-leaning sentiments within a Christian message, while Ryan Bomberger of the pro-life initiative, Radiance Foundation, argued that the ad could sow confusion regarding endorsing sins versus embracing love for God and people. Touching on a similar vein, Southern Seminary professor Andrew Walker criticized the ad for merely focusing on socially acceptable sins, reminding that Jesus’s redemption applies to everyone, irrespective of status or left or right affiliations.