Opinion/Current Events/Christian Perspective

By Summer Lane

Photo: Deposit, Editorial Use Only

When I was growing up, I heard a lot of controversial arguments about whether a Christian should watch the Super Bowl. Much of that discussion centered on whether or not the Halftime Show was appropriate for children or whether the commercials were too risqué or violent.

All of these arguments, to be fair, had a lot of merit. To be perfectly honest, I haven’t watched a Super Bowl since 2019, and I can’t say that I care very much. There’s far too much politicization in the game these days for my tastes, but I understand why people still want to watch football (my husband and I have never paid for cable TV – it’s not our thing!).

So, with the big game coming up on Sunday, let’s take a look at the Super Bowl and ask ourselves what’s safe and what’s not for little ears and eyes in our homes to watch!

Commercials

The commercials these days are hit or miss. There’s been a lot of radical, agenda-pushing advertising over the past few years, so it’s good to be aware of the potential for things like that on the television if your children are watching the Super Bowl with you!

Frankly, when I was growing up, I was so busy tootling around with cousins or snitching more chips and dip from the kitchen with grandma that I didn’t notice the commercials at all. That came later, as an adult.

It is important to be prudent, however, in this day and age. You never know what commercial might pop up. Don’t be afraid – just be vigilant and proactive!

The Halftime Show

This, quite honestly, is where most of the issues with the Super Bowl come in for many people – and I think it’s a justified complaint. Whether it’s Beyonce dancing around half-naked or Jennifer Lopez gyrating on a stripper pole, I think it’s safe to say that the Halftime Show at the Super Bowl is anything but family-friendly.

In 2024, Usher will apparently perform the Halftime Show, and there’s no way to know whether his performance will be appropriate for children or not. Most likely not, but I could be wrong. It does, on occasion, happen! **WINK**

When I was a kid, my parents always skipped the Halftime Show. We would go get a snack or go outside or just take a break for a few minutes from the game while it was on. There is always that simple and easy option to fall back on, even if you’re in somebody else’s house. Just leave the room for a moment or two – nobody is going to judge you!

The National Anthem issue

What ultimately turned me off from the NFL long-term was when players began taking a knee during the National Anthem. As someone who grew up in a family of veterans and first responders, I was disgusted by the abhorrent disrespect for the American flag and the people who died for our freedoms from some of the players. And, of course, this has been an overarching narrative that has pervaded the NFL for the past several years. I have no use for that, and I think it sends a damaging and destructive message to our children.

To make matters worse, in my opinion, this year, the Super Bowl will also open with the so-called “Black national anthem.” I’m not sure if this will precede the U.S. National Anthem, but the fact that we are now encouraging divided allegiances among viewers and players, for me, is unacceptable and reason alone not to watch the game.

It’s a shame, too, because for my entire life, watching the NFL and throwing a Super Bowl party was part of my American identity, and it is just one more thing that our godless culture has seemingly destroyed.

The bottom line

So, should you, as a moral Christian, watch the Super Bowl? I say: sure! I won’t be watching it for two reasons: I don’t care about the NFL anymore (sadly) and I also don’t have cable TV (minor detail).

However, if you love football and the negative issues aren’t enough to deter you from giving it up altogether, there’s nothing wrong with watching the game – just do so with your eyes wide open, and remember to guard what your young children are seeing on television on Sunday.

Either way, happy Game Day!

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The opinions in this article are specific to its author, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the entire Counter Culture Mom team. This specific article was written by Summer Lane, and may not be reproduced, except to quote for reviews or interviews, without the express permission of the author. 

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Summer Lane is the #1 bestselling author of 30 books, including the hit Collapse Series. She is an experienced journalist and columnist who reports on news within the U.S. and abroad. She is the Associate Editor for Right Side Broadcasting Network. Additionally, she owns Write Revolution News, where she provides a rapid-fire feed of the nation’s most important America First news and events.

Summer is also a mom and wife who enjoys rural country living, herding cats and ducks, and reading fiction. She is passionate about writing on women’s issues, parenting, and politics from a theologically-grounded perspective that points readers to the good news of the gospel.

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