Five Moments of Good Theology from Super Bowl 55

I am an ardent follower of Super Bowl commercials…not just because they’re entertaining. Because life imitates art (even pop culture art) and art imitates life, I believe the tone of the Super Bowl ads is a barometer of who we are and where we’re going as a nation.

You may remember that not long ago the ads for the year’s biggest sporting event used to be filled with bikini-clad women hawking everything from beer to burgers to corn chips. No more…and that’s a good sign.

There were lots of positive signs in this year’s offerings–including some pretty good theology and Biblical truths.

May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another. Romans 15:5 (NRSV). #scripture #reunitedstates Click To Tweet Finally, kindred, farewell. Put things in order, respond to my encouragement, be in harmony with each other, and live in peace—and the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11 (CEB) #reunitedstates #scripture Click To Tweet

This commercial has all the feels, but it’s also reflects a truth we see over and over again in our scriptures–God does amazing things with the most unlikely and unexpected people…and we should never count anyone out.


We need each other.

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.  Live in harmony with one another Romans 12:15-16a (NRSV) #harmony #weneedeachother Click To Tweet

How we tend the earth is how we shape our future.

God spoke: “Let us make human beings in our image, make them    reflecting our natureSo they can be responsible for the fish in the sea,    the birds in the air, the cattle,And, yes, Earth itself,    and every animal that moves on the… Click To Tweet

Although true reconciliation involves taking responsibility and changing one’s actions (which is not happening at the end of this commercial), in a world where we seem to be losing the art of the apology, I was heartened by this offering by M and Ms.


Rev. Anne Russ is an ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA), currently based in New York City. Doubting Believer provides tools and encouragement for the rollercoaster ride of your faith journey. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram and YouTube. You can also follow on TikTok. Get emails to keep up with all that is happening.

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