It’s no secret that the Super Bowl is one of the most highly-anticipated events of the year, with millions of viewers tuning in to watch the game and half-time show. As such, some churches have tried to incorporate elements of the game into their services, in an attempt to connect with their congregation and make faith more relatable to a wider audience.
However, a recent video of a Super Bowl-themed church celebration has sparked controversy and debate on social media. The video, which resurfaced on social media recently, shows a female pastor kicking a Bible off stage like a kickoff attempt.
The celebration appears to have taken place around the time of Super Bowl LIV in 2020, when the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs faced off. The video was shared by sports and faith commentator Jon Root, who expressed his disdain for the event, saying, “Super Bowl-themed church services are bad enough but this may be the worst. This woman kicks off the Bible…”
The video, originally posted by Protestia, shows the female pastor, Alli Patterson, kicking the Bible into the crowd at Crossroads Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. The crowd cheers as the Bible is kicked into the air, mimicking a football kick, and then retrieved by the members of the congregation. While it is unclear if this was intended as a playful display or an attempt to connect with the Super Bowl audience, many viewers were outraged and perplexed by the event.
Some critics argue that this display is not only cringe-worthy and disrespectful but also borders on blasphemy. People are questioning why a pastor would think it appropriate to have a holder put the Bible on the floor and then kick it into the crowd. Others have pointed out the irony of this event taking place in a megachurch, where the focus should be on the word of God and not on flashy displays.
Critics also point out the contrast between the reverence with which early Christians treated the Bible and the lack of respect shown in this video. In the first century, Christians were persecuted and even killed for possessing the word of God, while in 2021 a pastor is kicking it around like a toy.
On the other hand, some may argue that this was simply meant as a harmless and entertaining way to make faith more relevant to a modern audience. However, with the video garnering mostly negative reactions, it seems that this attempt at relatability may have missed the mark.
Super Bowl themed church services are bad enough but this may be the worst.
This woman kicks off the Bible…
(via @Protestia) pic.twitter.com/EMReMIzzE6
— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) February 12, 2024
While it is understandable for churches to try and appeal to a wider audience, events like the one shown in the video can often have the opposite effect. It is important for religious leaders to remember the seriousness and significance of the Bible and to treat it with the respect and reverence it deserves. What do you think of this church’s Super Bowl-themed celebration?
