How dare Focus on the Family put up an ad so disgusting that it forced the NCAA to pull it?
How could they put up an ad featuring a father holding his son and the words, “All I want for my son is for him to grow up knowing how to do the right thing.” And if that wasn’t bad enough, the ad included the slogan, “Celebrate Family. Celebrate Life.” Yuck! That kind of hate speech has no place in our society. It needs to be shunned.
Believe it or not that’s seriously the thinking that led to the NCAA pulling down an ad from Focus on the Family.
NYT reports:
The N.C.A.A. removed an ad placed by the evangelical group Focus on the Family from one of its Web sites this week after some members — including faculty and athletic directors — expressed concern that the evangelical group’s stance against gay and lesbian relationships conflicted with the N.C.A.A.’s policy of inclusion regardless of sexual orientation, said Bob Williams, an association spokesman.
So essentially what they’re saying is that Christian groups can’t advertise there. Now, what’s not discriminatory about that?
But I think that whoever is doing the public relations work for Focus on the Family is brilliant because the people opposing them are looking increasingly like radical imbeciles for opposing such light fare.
Mary Katherine Ham writes:
The NCAA took the ad down despite the fact that its policy allows ads from “cause-related organizations…unless the cause endorses a controversial or unacceptable viewpoint.” They would have done well to keep the ad. Focus on the Family is not a group renowned for its subtlety, first and foremost, but its recent embrace of the light touch is succeeding in making its critics look foolish, indeed.
Exit question: When did Christianity become a “controversial or unacceptable viewpoint?” Or maybe it always was.
February 25, 2010 at 11:03 am
Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you[from their company], and shall reproach[you], and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man's sake.—Luke 6:22
I'm guessing it's been going on for about 2000 years.
February 25, 2010 at 11:32 am
Here's a thought: what if those who valued life and family more than sporting and entertainment events chose not to support the NCAA or other sporting/entertainment events when the sponsoring group advanced conflicting agendas and values? Don't watch the event; don't buy the merchandise: vote with your feet and your money.
February 26, 2010 at 12:13 am
When I am praying the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary I have a special intention for the Nativity of Our Lord. It is that men protect their children and mothers of their children as St. Joseph protected Jesus and Mary. That's what we need men standing up for life. Men who are firm in their faith. Men who take responsibility. Wouldn't this be a great ad for young men to see. Does not sports help to instill such ideals.
February 26, 2010 at 2:33 pm
Does this fall under persecution? It seems that being "NORMAL" is a crime now? Especially if you are a normal, God fearing Christian…
You are not allowed to make a statement, you are crushed, silenced.
February 26, 2010 at 6:15 pm
This isn't normally relevant but…
http://thinkprogress.org/2010/02/24/beverly-hills-gays-death/
Wow.
February 26, 2010 at 9:41 pm
Brian, not relevant at all.