John Three Sixteen

“For God so loved the world, as to give his only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in him, may not perish, but may have life everlasting.”

The above is from the Gospel according to John, the third chapter, the sixteenth verse. (Douay-Rheims Translation) “John 3:16” is part of the culture of football. We occasionally see it on signs in end zones after field goals and extra point attempts; on players' tape and tattoos; and Tim Tebow was famous for writing it in his eye black. And yet, many fans don't know what it means. “LookUp 316” was to air a national commercial during the Super Bowl yesterday. When the organization took this idea to Fox Sports, host network of this year's game, they rejected the commercial on the basis that it contained -- brace yourselves! -- “religious doctrine.”

So, let's review.

It's okay to show commercials of adult situations you wouldn't pay for your kids to see at a movie theatre, as well as in your own home during other family events, like ... oh, a football game. But we can't show you this, okay? After all, it's not as if the majority of Americans already profess to be Christian in the first place, don't you think?

Or don't you?

[CLARIFICATION: the commercial was rejected by Fox Sports; but was always planned to air on Birmingham (AL) and Washington (DC) affiliates.]