‘What would Jesus do?’ asks provocative organ donation ad
A provocative new ad campaign featuring Jesus dying on the cross has been released to promote the registration of organ donors in Australia.
The two minute ad, which was made to promote the ‘Dying to Live’ documentary, was made by filmmaker Richard Todd and directed by Richard Bullock. It features Jesus dying on the cross as two guards approach him to humorously prod the religious figure into donating his organs.
Really? Could this advertisement be anymore disrespectful to Christians. Why not use the prophet mohummad in him donating his organs? Disgraceful.
I am aware that society is going down the toilet and moving away from God and this ad just proves my point. It seems that we Christians are fair game and we’re supposed to ‘suck it up’.
I hope this ad actually backfires and turns people off donating!
Stupid people, stupid ad!
I totally agree with you Angie.
Fully agree with Angie!!
Shame shame shame on you
You owe Christian’s apology
Set your org back years
100% agree. This ad is disgusting and blasphemous. To everyone involved in the production, I would be very cautious.
For the record Christ rose again in three days so no organ donation here.
Agree with Angie . Absolutely disrespectful!!
Well l was thinking about becoming a doner but as a Christian l find this add appalling. I WONT be donating my organs now or ever! And can thank the makers of this add
Well then you are being foolish. It is not mocking Jesus ( i was raised Catholic) it uses humor to deliver an important message: register and save lives.. Are your sensitive feelings more important that the message which is real. I have a brother who has had need of 3 kidney transplants over 60 years and am grateful to everyone who helped. Whatever it takes to appeal to different groups is good.
There is never a good reason to make a mockery of Jesus on the cross even for a organ donor add that is certainly scraping the bottom of the barrel if that is all they can come up with.
SHAME SHAME SHAME
Don’t ever, ever donate.
Yes, let’s not let saving lives get in the way of pretending to be offended!
And as a Christian you won’t donate your organs even though you will nolonger need them. A few minutes after the life support is turned off they are dead. Or you donate and part of you continues to live. Maybe the accident that put you on life support also puts a loved one on life support. Maybe all they need is for you to have a heart. But since you are offended you have eternity to figure out if it was a good choice.
Tomorrow you could be a donor , or maybe a recipient if only you didn’t discourage others from registering.
Well l was going to register but wont be now. This add is discusting and as a Christian it is highly offensive. I will keep my organs now and you can thank this appalling add
Clearly no one really wants your heart.
No one wants a near death experience and come back a mean spirited person.
How very Christian of you…
I think this is very distasteful & unacceptable. I am a doner.
We need to pray for these sinners
I agree. Absolute disgrace, disrespectful and blasphemy!
I have already written a complaint to the Organ & Tissue Authority and Donate Life. Ad Standards is where I will be lodging a complaint. Highly Offensive advert! Jesus organs aren’t even available for transplant He is still using them. He is risen from the dead!
Hey Brad – I would love to do the same thing.. could you possibly give the links or emails that you used to lodge these complaints? Thank you 🙂
Angie – you hope this turns people off donating?! Really? That’s great, just what we need, less organ donors. Well, I hope you never need an organ etc. You are the reason people mock Christians.
The offical register is here to donate. Not the one referenced in the promo.
https://donatelife.gov.au/
“I hope this ad actually backfires and turns people off donating!”
– How very Christian of you.
Angie,
I don’t respect your Christian beliefs and I don’t care if you are offended. I have the same view of Islam as well, and every other religion. In a first world pluralist society I don’t have to respect any religion. I merely have to tolerate them.
Trouble is Would they mock Mohamed in an ad or the Hindu gods?
Great comments Angie!! I totally agree with your sentiments and subsequent comments supporting them. If this was Allah or Buddha or another religious leader there would be an outrage with Channels refusing to screen the ad and any associated sponsors withdrawing support. Recent census figures shows that Australia is still a predominantly Christian country so one would expect a level of respect for these people. Everyone has the right to respect with regards to beliefs whether it be religious, racial, sexual preferences erc and should not have to face offensive advertising making their beliefs the source of a comedic skit.
yes these media has taken us Christians for granted everyone here in Australia are mostly Christians and the ones who have put up thus add don’t have a mother nor a father but just an cult civilization Jesus can forgive them as long as they repent anyone who goes against Christ ends in.horrific end be careful you soccorers of the evil one repent for your sins
yes we Christians are too mild but it’s time that these media who are putting this crap be taken up channel 10 your full of crap get converted before it’s too late don’t muck around with The Living God That is Jesus Christ
You hope it turns people off donating? Other peoples lives, whom have no association to this ad, are worth less than your feelings?
What an abhorrent way to treat fellow human beings.
I’m not religious at all but I think the ad is clearly offensive – it doesn’t take huge mental capacity to have pre-empted that this would deeply offend the section of the community it’s borrowing its imagery from.
Having said that I also think calling for people not to donate organs as a result of an ad choice is even more offensive given the stakes for the people who need to access such services.
Good idea. Someone may die because you are offended – over someone who died two thousand years ago whose mythology is hotly debated.
And it is precisely because Christians are more tolerant that Christianity is elevated above more dogmatic religions.
Well said.
True, we are slipping away from God everyday, why can’t they make an ad about Mohammed donating his organ!? Are they too fucking scared that [Edited under Mumbrella’s comment moderation policy]
How low can you go? How disrespectful and provocative this is !
If you think this is going to inspire more organ donors by insulting Christians, you have just lost me!?
I agree with you, Pat and Angie
This is appalling and totally abhorrent. You have to stoop to mocking a God who died on the cross because He loves us. Pretty disgusting advertising
If this saves one life then your feelings don’t really matter that much to be honest. I’m sure Jesus would probably feel the same.
If anything, it makes Jesus seem like a pretty decent bloke – which is probably where the creative team started actually “…who was the most selfless person/character of all time that’s famous enough to get people talking about organ donation?”
This advertisement is nothing short of blasphemous, it’s not about hurt feelings – grow up
Utilitarianism you clearly do not know the character of Jesus Christ so please don’t attempt to try.
What you think Jesus would do is also irrelevant. It will cause more harm than good.
Try it with Mohammed and see the reaction, but no you do it with Christians, he bled and died for your sins too! This is a sad day ?.
“he bled and died for (my) sins too”
I might feel bad about that if it wasn’t all a giant fairy tale
RussVB. For the record the crucifixion is recorded in other Roman writings so there is no fiction there my friend.
Peter,
getting executed (along with many others) and “dying for my sins” ain’t synonymous old chap.
Very true
Very true happy are those who cannot see and yet believe for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven
Oh dear. I think you lost the plot. Death by crucifixion is the most horrendous way of dying and being tortured so brutally, it is almost unthinkable someone would belittle / treat with contempt and twist it into an organ donation promo! It detracts the extent of Christ’s sacrifice and that is why we think that ad is either making a mockery or at the least distasteful & lack good judgement!
Our feelings about our God who we love and worship dont really matter? Excuse me….how insensitive! You’ll use anything you like for your own political gain. Hands off!
WOW! and GOD BLESS YOU, BRAD and all who stand against those who corrupt and have been corrupted. It’s time the ‘GOD’ movement took over the Earth. We’ve had enough of the other guy.
Amen
So then why even make it religious? Why not just give us statistics & actual facts so people can make informative decisions? There is no need to offend..an sick of people making fun of Christianity
There will come a time when Christians will stop tolerating this abuse! As a Catholic that time is now! Deus Vult!
Are you planning another Inquisition?
It’s high time
You would ridicule the King of Glory???
The day will come when you WILL bow your knee to Him, in love or terror.
Your choice, but only while you have breath!
Amen I believe what you said here wait till the day of judgment…
Isn’t the whole principle behind advertising to appeal to as many people as possible? Why would you cleave off a huge percentage of your target market by producing something that divides people?
Bad premise, bad creative, bad result.
This add discriminate against Christians
Really? Makes their founder seem pretty cool to me.
How disrespectful can you be to the Jesus I love. He is not only a loving God, but KING OF KINGS & LORD OF LORDS.
Whoever produced this add is gutless to use the most loving man/God in a cheap nasty add. Wrong on so many levels. I say, NO MORE!! Stop mocking people’s faith.
Whoever came up with this ad has simply lost the plot!!! You are drawing attention to mock the Saviour of mankind! You think you are smart? No you are not! This ad is a reflection of stupidity and folly so don’t expect thinking people to be sold by your ad. What a waste of airtime!!! Remove it and save your own face!
What is going on with this comment section?
Anyway, super die-hard atheist here and I find this cringe-worthy.
Even atheists realize this is wrong and want to be saved and go to heaven when armageddon comes. God bless
Of course you would He means nothing to you.
I actually thought it was hilarious..
Regarding the comments section, most Australian Christians wouldn’t care, I bet these guys are from the “great” US of A.
Thought it was hilarious hey, Let me know when there’s a comedy night at your place and I won’t be coming.
My comment is brought to you from a dinky-di Aussie Christian
Encourage you to have a think about things, and life, at a deeper level and you might find there are bigger things than you, and your sense of humour.
Humour’s great for a quick laugh, if used appropriately. In this case not.
But loving seeing the Christian crazies come out of the woodwork! This comment section is out of control *eats popcorn*
You don’t need to believe in Jesus as Son of God to be offended by this pathetic ad. I find it offensive and I’m happy to state I’m agnostic.
Upsetting Australias Christian majority seems to be a lousy way to sign up more organ donors and that’s a very sad thing for everyone who wants to see lives saved.
Your a Jerk
Hey champ
Hope the popcorn eating is going well – must be a tough day (remind me not to use your creative agency)
I think we agree that it’s a bad ad, and it’s intewsting you’re interested in the number of crazy people ‘coming out of the woodwork’.
Maybe shows that that belief in a higher power ain’t that crazy by the comments.Have a read of a Gospel (start with Mark), or maybe chat over lunch with an office colleague who might be a Christian, and you might open your eyes to something that could give you a bit more life excitement than your next round of popcorn.
Brilliant work!
Ignore the random fundamentalists who have somehow appeared on mumbrella. Most people will take this in the spirit which was intended (noting that Jesus isn’t actually being mocked at any point).
To have the Roman thugs suggesting it to Jesus is insulting in the first instance. And then it gets worse. One day all will have to face Him and give an account of our lives and smart sarcastic comments will be far from our thoughts when we all have to bow to Him. You may well laugh and joke and mock now, but I can assure you that you will regret it when the time comes. These evil happenings are all signs that the time is coming and He will have the last word then.
Totally disagree Jesus is being mocked in the most dreadful way.
Read you4 Bible and see.
Yes just ignore those who God it is. Faith is a protected attribute in Australia equally as sexual orientation & gender diversity. Reap what you sow.
Actually that is not correct. Free exercise of religion is only protected federally to the point that it does not infringe on the fundamental rights and privileges and three States have no protection at all for free exercise of religion.
That is why this ad can be made. If it were ridiculing any one by race or gender or gender preference it would not be allowed
Hmmmmm – i’d err against brilliant work. Show me a Link test result or similar to back that one up 🙂
Maybe it’s not so random to be a Christian hey? Could be worth having a look into…..
Hahahahaha….Link testing to demonstrate brilliant work? Hahahaha
Very poor taste and shows a total lack of respect for the Christian Religion. What would happen if we used the same exact words as Muhammad lay dying in his bed. There would be hell to pay. But you choose a passive religion who speaks of turning the other cheek, so you can get your way. Firstly, Jesus would advise prolonging life at the expense of transplants, and secondly, He is a living Jesus, not a dead one as you and the Catholics portray him. Shame on you people for stooping so low as to mock the Christian Lord.
Totally agree with you, Mike, If they did this with the prophet Mohammed a Fatwa would be issued against them. Because Christians are not aggressive people think they can walk all over them. And, of course, our Federal Govt will do nothing about this. They are so weak.
”Christians are not an agressive people’…
Nope.
I can see what they were trying to achieve, but probably being atheists they got it wrong on so many levels. Firstly, He was using those organs again three days later Himself, and secondly, He made a much greater sacrifice than giving mere organs that will one day fail anyway; He died to defeat death once and for all.
Well, you and your fellow critics of this ad have no evidence for your assertions.
I am disgusted.
I am absolutely disgusted with the ignorance and lack of respect displayed.Yet it comes as no surprise.
What would Jesus do ? He’s done it already. On the cross.For all.
Read a Bible…. the Gospel of John from beginning to end.
I just reversed my consent to donate..
Absolutely did the same after 40 years or so
A disgusting ad by (spiritually) ignorant people, however why penalise others for this ignorance? Don’t withdraw from organ donation. That is a knee-jerk reaction. Love is much more powerful than hate and it was love that kept Jesus on that cross, love for us to set us free. Amongst His last words from that cross: “Father forgive them for they don’t know what they’re doing.” The people behind this ad sure don’t know! (After all, Jesus was alive and using all his organs only 3 days later! ) If a person’s life can be prolonged through the gift of another person’s organs, then that person, if not a Christian, has that little bit longer to live and meet their real Saviour before they leave their earthly life behind.
How Christian of you.
Perhaps he cares about the lives of others outside Australia. Do you have any idea how many people died to pay for Salman Rushdie’s Satanic Verses?
I cannot believe that Australian TV would actually think this is an acceptable thing to put on TV. I totally agree organ donation is crucial to peoples survival but not at the expense of mocking our Lord and Saviour. I could not believe my eyes when I saw this, totally speechless, even my athiest sister in law was appalled at it. Why not use Mohammad or Buddah or Krishna or any of the other religious icons or even the Pope, what would happen if they did that? It is a disgrace and I am ashamed to be Australian if this kind of thing is allowed to happen. We will be cancelling our organ donation permission. Well done Mr Richard Todd you have just lost another 2 donators.
Why?
By all means protest against the the advert. But don’t penalise people who have done nothing, had no input into this advert and could have their lives saved through donated organs.
Jesus suffered persecution and torture, but endured them and died in sacrifice for others. Hoping to inspire others to turn the other cheek and be kind and helpful to others.
Seeing this ad, being offended, and deciding to cancel your organ donation that would save others lives, couldn’t be more contrary to Christian teachings. By all means be offended by the ad and complain about it. But cancelling organ donation is the wrong response.
Normally when you come back from the pub and wake up the next day you reflect on how stupid ideas like this are; you don’t make them…
I have today revoked my instructions to my medical practitioner which have been in place for over 40 years authorising a full harvesting of all organs in the event of being pronounced brain dead.
How dare you market your product in such a way.
I am disgusted
“…your product”
Ummmm….
yeah – you spite those people who need organs to live because you got irritated by an ad. That’ll show them!
Disrespectful and honestly it goes to show the lack of talent from the advertising firm and the organ donor registry. ?
I am disgusted.. If we mock any other religion or group they are defended by the law. Are we, Christians, after the new Ruddick Report?
Very poor taste and shows a total lack of respect for the Christian Religion. I am disgusted – remove it!
Don’t be down on muslims here. They see a Jesus (Ysa) as a great prophet second only to The Prophet. I doubt this ad will encourage them to donate organs. What an amazing own goal!
I’m not religious but even I felt that this ad was a new low point in a world that continues to hold us all to an ever decreasing human standard.
I will never, ever consider donating any organs after seeing this!
Most Christians understand how ignorant the general population are when it comes to understanding why Jesus died for them. However those who made this ad and the people who employed them to do so will reap what they have sewn unless they repent.
I am a Christian, and I am appalled and offended at this add, almost to the point of tears. The Lord Jesus Christ, who the Bible tells us is God in the flesh, hung on the cross in sheer and utter agony for six hours. Why? The Bible says “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners…” The Bible says “For all have sinned, and fallen short…” . “There is none righteous, no, not one” . You need to admit to God that you are a sinner and have fallen short of His perfect standard. Ask for His forgiveness. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”. The penalty for sin is death, The Lord Jesus paid that death penalty on your behalf. Jesus Christ hung on the cross to pay the penalty for your sin, he died in your place. “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved”. The Bible says “For whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved”. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life”. Where will you spend eternity? Eternal life is a free gift. Jesus said “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father, but through me”. Please please read the book of John.
I believe this to be a very disrespectful advertisement to all Christians. What is this world coming to? Whoever came up with the idea should be ashamed of themselves to make fun of a very fundamental basis of Christianity
as born again christians we are deeply offended by this discraseful ad. remove it, imediatly.
Just made up my mind that I WILL NOT consider organ donation after such an offensive advert.
If the ad had dipicted a gay person being taunted because of lifestyle choices than all hell would have broken lose.
I wish to withdraw my organs for donation to save lives because of this campaign promotion. It’s wrong on so many levels. Jesus Christ died to save lives so I will leave it up to him, not my organs
Very Bad Very Sad
I was disgusted to see this ad, I am a Christian and was deeply offended by the way in which Jesus is portrayed. It certainly would not encourage me to become a donor and I agree with the people who are saying that the advertisement would not have Mohammad being depicted in such a cavalier matter. Again Christians are supposed to “suck it up”. Not necessary, and not acceptable!
Julie
Yeah this is pretty bad. If they really wanted to stick to the idea of incorporating Jesus, it would of been better to have this chat when he was out healing a blind person or teaching. This is disgraceful in so many ways.
What a disgraceful piece of work.Pick on the Christians faith again because they turn the other cheek.why don’t they try doing the same thing with the prophet Mohammad. Bunch of A- Holes.
DISGUSTING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How low can you go. It is so sad and upsetting to see this advert. Surely there are far better ways to encourage people to think and talk about something as important as organ donation. This is appalling.
What a low act, just leave people’s faith alone, I will never donate you idiots
A good cause is no excuse for blasphemy. Wouldn’t be game to blaspheme a diety of another faith so why pick Jesus . Is it because the reaction of the church is likely to be in nature of God himself and not violent? A cowardly act by people who should know better.
This is a very tacky attempt at creativity. Disgusting and disrespectful! There are so many other ideas that could be embraced to promote organ donation without being so low to insult Jesus and Christians. ?
Disrespectful to all Christianity down through the ages.
You have reached a new low in advertising.
Shame on you.
Not a good idea for advertising. I do agree to do the organ donor, just the Idea of advertising using Jesus is isn’t right. The goverment has to stop things like this before it come to the public’s.
What an absolutely shameful disgrace! Jesus was tortured to death. It was a cruel and senseless death of an innocent man. How dare they! Mock at your own risk.
That is the most disgusting ad I’ve ever seen. It’s turns me off consenting to organ donation.
Bloody disgusting!
This is sick
We have been listed as organ donors for many years but are so insensed at this ad and how it trivializes a sacred event that we must withdraw our consent if the ad is not taken off the air with an apology. Do not use this advertising agency again.
I am registered. And will be until I see this ad. I see no reason to unnecessarily mock Christians. What fool thinks this is a good idea? Aren’t they clever! Can we see some bravery with Mohammed depicted? That would be very avant-garde.
This ad is so disgusting and disrespectful it truly makes me sick to the stomach….l cannot believe that this type of ad has been allowed in the first place….try doing an ad with alla…..shame shame shame….shame too that people could actually decide to withdraw from donating organs to the loss of recipients…..
Absolutely disgusting, our family discussed organ donation only yesterday but after hearing about your advertisement and actually seeing it today you can forget it!!!!
Very seriously considering making a formal complaint about your religious bigotry. Would you have been as quick to involve muslims!
Maybe the creator of this Advertisment should have done
his research a little better and found out how those of the Islamic faith feel about Jesus Christ, they won’t be to impressive when they see this disrespect to one of there Prophets.
I can’t believe it! Don’t they realize that Jesus isn’t just some humorous joke but actually died for our sin? It is so unfair and rude to Christians and I can’t believe that they can make fun of such a sacred thing. How can they get away with such rude comments?
This ad has to be removed asap. Our Saviour Jesus Christ, the Son of God gave His body and blood on the cross for us to have life. Please respect God for what He has done for us… Why use the Lord of Lord and King of Kings in an ad. Would you depict a famous person or a king or queen’s image in an ad? While I understand organ donation is vital, other adverts can certainly be used which does not create controversy.
I think this is very distasteful & unacceptable. I am a doner.
At least they didn’t use steve irwin and say *point to chest* “this issue will hit home”…
We need to pray for forgiveness of their ignorance & hope they find salvation. Jhon14:6
I am appalled at this new add depicting the crucifix. How low will people go to get attention.
‘REMOVE THIS ADVERTISEMENT IMMEDIATELY’ as it is very offensive to Christians because Jesus Christ is our Lord and Saviour, the God we worship, adore and glorify. This is sacrilegious and a mockery of the Christian faith.
I’m a practicing Christian and I love it. The script and performances are genuinely funny and there’s more evangelistic content here than most Sunday sermons. Jesus cared for those who are suffering and people who need donor organs are suffering. Seems like a natural match to me.
I am absolutely gobsmacked by the ad! Richard Todd and Richard Bullock have completely ridiculed the Christian religion as a whole and trivialized the death of Jesus Christ – HE who was born without sin, suffered tremendously for sinners because of his great Love for us and he was cruelly crucified on the cross. Can you imagine the thorny crown piercing into His skull? Can you not feel the pain when those nails being hammered into His hands and feet while HE was still alive and breathing, and the agony when the soldiers stuck a spear into His rib and punctured His heart? Did you not realise that His Mother was at the foot of The Cross, sharing in His Passion. How can you (the 2 Richards) be so disrespectful of the Christian religion and made a mockery out of it? Don’t forget that your current positions and status came from the Grace of God! You should remove the advertisement program completely. Show some remorse in Jesus’ name.
Do the crazies find this blog through some holy-web-trawler or are they actually in our industry?
It reeks of brigading, probably from some Christian Facebook group somewhere, but they’re kind of right. Religious offence aside, the ad is a pile of burning trash.
It’s way too long, buries the message in oh-so-wacky jokes, and it has fuck all to do with their strategy. Their own research says 70% of Australians already think donation is a good idea; there’s no need to lean on an established moral authority to convince people it’s good. They’re supposed to single-mindedly remind people to actually register but between the terrible puns and all the baggage that comes with throwing Jesus into the mix, the best case scenario is you walk away confused. I’m struggling to find a way that this could’ve sucked more.
I dunno JFC. I think the message is good and the delivery had me sticking with it the whole way through.
My key takeaway is that it’s not on my licence anymore and that I need to register if I want it to happen. Things I wasn’t at all clear about before. It works for me.
Could have maybe shaved 30 secs off it if I have any criticism.
Talking about being ‘in the industry’… I’m an Operating Theatre Technician and I have personally participated in Organ Harvesting Operations at The Austin Hospital and I have dressed the bodies of those who have donated organs. My mother recieved a childs lung at The Alfred Hospital in 1999 and I’m a comitted Christian. If anyone has the right to comment I do. The industry needs to get some perspective! You don’t operate in isolation you are part of a community.
Sorry mate, you might find people of Christian faith in your industry like me. Sorry if that offends you mate, or that you feel need to call me ‘crazy’
But you’ll find us Christians across the broad spectrum of Australian society – leading businesses, running trades, serving in our healthcare and education industries, and heck…. even in your industry! Crazy hey? Can I encourage you to have a look into the spiritual aspects of life, and you might find that people that inhabit planet earth with you but follow a Christian faith aren’t all crazy
Very well said. This ad comes from a culture that increasingly devalues anything other than snap chat conversations. No wonder there is such a rise in mental health issues when we don’t value any spiritual life. Just quick gratification, cheap humour and make sure you attract attention – good or bad.
I am totally disgusted by this advertisement, it will certainly turn people away from donating, me included while you advertise like this
It is blaspheming the God who died for you even if you do not believe it. and I bet you wouldn’t dare the do the same with the Muslim’s god.
What would Jesus do? He has already done it on the cross.
You have definitely stepped so low . I feel very sorry for you guys who sanctioned this.
.
I am a “fundamendailist” christian but I did not take offence.
I think it actually reflects the christian message, sacrifice for others.
The other positive it highlights Jesus’s crucifixion and would cause many to consider what that actually means.
Thumbs down.
I think the add i so descussing i couldn’t believe anyone would do that i felt so ashamed of humanity .
I am a Christian and have been a registered organ donor – until today. The advertisement is more than just disrespectful. It totally demeans the greatest act of love and sacrifice of all time. I am saddened that this advertisement has been allowed to go to air.
Do they have to stoop this low to make a point? This is using Jesus’ name in vain. The ad makes me so angry that I can’t get past it to donate my organs. MY FAMILY ARE ALL ANGRY AS WELL.
Oh no, not your FAMILY TOOOOOOOOOO
I’m a donor but am seriously considering withdrawing. It’s a serious issue leveraging the death of a saviour for wordly purposes. .
Very poor taste,it is disrespectful and I am disgusted
I’m Christian. It’s good. I liked it. He works in mysterious ways. I sense divine inspiration! And then I read some of the “Christians” here are withdrawing organ donation consent, and now I love it. I hope not an inch of these hateful people who use His name but not live his example lives on in the bodies of others. Get a grip on reality, people: Jesus/God has a sense of humour and nobody is dishing out HeavenPoints for being dull and complaining about this ad. In this comment thread Psuedo-Christians who are driven by hate and rage are drowning out the Christians filled with love. “Turn the other cheek” means asking for a follow up ad, not being outraged! Love you anyway. God bless!
The only register for organ donation is here
https://donatelife.gov.au/
Excert from the written response from Alana Jones (RedCrossBlood.org.au) Organ & Tissue Authority & Donate Life to my letter of compliant…
‘Thanks for your email. We are aware of the advertisement “What Would Jesus do?” This ad has not been approved by The Organ and Tissue Authority (OTA) or DonateLife. The ad was produced independently, with no input from the OTA or DonateLife….
I’d suggest you lodge a complaint with the Ad Standards Bureau: https://adstandards.com.au/lodge-complaint‘…
Even they are distancing themselves from the advert…
Who knew Australian ad-land has so many god-fearing Christians among its ranks.
Yeah surprised me too! It’s a bit astonishing really that so many people have a hope, a faith, a belief in something bigger than themselves. Maybe time to reevaluate your world view?? Shocking that there are people of faith amongst us….. how abhorrent in a country with freedom of religion. Who would have thought that we might be interested in the person of Jesus and the claims he made? Maybe worth maybe checking out…
Wow. The hijacking of this comment section is quite something.
“The ad makes me so angry that I can’t get past it to donate my organs” … FFS.
I am sure these are all genuine and that nothing like this was posted in some Christian forum: “Quick everyone. Go over here to this marketing industry site you’ve never heard of and comment with how appalled you are. Don’t worry about sounding like you have anything to do with marketing. Just be sure to say something about how you’re not going to donate your organs now just because of this ad. It’ll make them rue the day, etc.”
I laugh my arse off at how the comments line up with the same content/opinion/tone one after another ad nauseam and they think
it comes across as a convincing avalanche of public opinion.
Funny funny people!
I like this ad. It has my blessing
Everyone go home. Best comment has been sorted.
The Australian organ Donation Register ought to be ashamed for approving the depiction of Jesus Christ on the cross offering His organs. Obviously a very ignorant group of people came up with this idea. There was nothing “funny” about Jesus death on the cross. He lay down His life for each one of us that we might have eternal life. This ad is sheer blasphemy and ought to be condemned.
Organ donation is a noble and excellent program that ought to be promoted widely, but to use blasphemy to do it is utterly offensive and will certainly back fire on this whole campaign.
I get it, Adland is pretty atheistic/agnostic. That’s cool.
But put that same mentality in an ad that’s meant to reach the broader community, including people with a religion (a.k.a people outside the media bubble) then this “controversial” ad (read: “how edgy am I”) will put people off from an otherwise great conversation.
Perhaps if Adland had an actual diverse outlook, their “controversial” ads might actually work with people outside the bubble.
P.S. Christianity is incredibly multicultural. And so this is putting yet another layer of distance between Adland and the wider community.
#staywoke
I have no religious affiliations or deeply held beliefs, I am not personally offended in any way by this ad.
My Opinion?
The fact is that when anyone produces an ad, a news story or an entertainment for broadcast, there is at least a shaving of a responsibility for moral consideration. This well shot, but very poorly produced and executed advertisment, rambling as it does like the thought stream of adolescent school boys, makes no attempt to consider what it’s saying to not only the many Christians who will view it, but also to the preservation of a basic level of human dignity.
Very aptly stated Richard Moss, thank you!
Yesterday I watched a video from American ABC TV which was a simple thing showing respect from hospital staff to a person newly deceased but still on life support being taken to theatre for organ harvesting. Once I watched it I went to discuss organ donation with my wife and posted the video online to recommend others to have that conversation.
What was the very next thing I saw? a disrespectful obscenity of a video produced here. Needless to saw I have NOT gone through with signing up.
I just reversed my consent to donate.
I have also have informed my advertising department to never use the services of Richard Todd, Will O’Rourke, Richard Bullock, Phoebe Marks, Michael Ritchie, Peter Eastgate, Philip Horn, or the Revolver Production company, The Editors and Citizen Jane casting.
I saw an ad that I take particular offense to, therefore I now no longer donate organs to victims and those suffering and in need. World’s greatest logic. Jesus would be proud.
I am a woman! It is offensive to depict me as a man. But I would donate my organs though…
I like the ad, I think it has a humorous side to it and all of you who think it should be banned need to go and get a life. I was brought up a catholic and I have no problem with the ad.
Why does everything these day have to be so politically correct. As soon as it offends someone it has to be banned. Well leave it, play it, and let us that like it, like it!!!!
That’s it Michelle… just think of yourself. That’s what the me, me, ME culture is all about. How does ‘I was brought up a Catholic’ even come into it… it obviously didn’t mean anything to you. So yeah, go and like it as much as you want, suck down another drink and enjoy your life.
Congratulations Mumbrella, you have just joined the ranks of the thousands of other sites bearing mile-long response strands from people who don’t know who they are complaining to, want everything to align with their questionably supportable beliefs, and can’t spell. Great morning coffee reading today, but useless to the core audience of Mumbrella beyond a reminder that in the commercial realm some issues are just not worth monkeying with. Responders: I realise you are all a bit sensitive in these times, but Mumbrella is not an advertiser. It is a regularly ungraded survey of the media industry, mostly related to broadcasting, advertising campaigns, what players are doing, etc. All Mumbrella did was let people know what was happening today. This was news. Always check your spelling and grammar and send your comments to right place.
Or perhaps …the right place.
Why are there no women in the ad? Is this deliberate?
Perhaps you were distracted by something when the characters of the Virgin Mary and Joseph appeared at 1:43 on the timeline.
Agree, totally disrespectful.
1. I am agnostic.
2. I think the creative in this ad is unnecessary as it had the potential to offend.
3. This (orchestrated?) response supports that it offends many.
4. I will continue to remain on the organ donor list as it is one of my many ways of giving.
5. I am struck at the poor spelling and grammar of the outraged.
6. While understanding the devout Christians (deserved) outrage, I just wish they would also understand my aversion to evangelism. I hope you begin to get an understanding of how I feel when people try to ram religion down my throat and tell me that I am condemned to a life of sin and am headed to hell. The fact is, I actually feel sorry for them.
7. Is being re-born as messy as the first time?
To all those ‘Christians’ who.want to deregister from donating their organs or will now not register may I remind you of your ‘Lord’s Prayer’ which.suggests you should forgive those that trespass against you. Your stance could be one of the reasons that some people don’t take religion seriously..
This advertisement could not be any more blasphemous and disrespectful. Our family have all cancelled our proposed organ donation permissions and I will boycott this organisation.
I find this ad. disgusting & offensive. Please take it off television..
This ad is having a bad effect & will defeat the purpose to save lives through organ donation.Jesus died to save us all for those who believe will have everlasting life in heaven.not to be used in an ad.
.
As a practising vegan I am appalled…
…generally by most things. Lighten-up.
Jesus may not have donated his organs, instead He gave His life. Tasteless offensive ad.
Col
This mocking of Jesus is totally unacceptable, no excuses!
No way will I or my friends be volunteering as donors , unless they withdraw and apologise for their total stupidity and insults.
I agree with former people who comment that this ad is blasphemous and completely upsetting and offensive, therefore. I am going to contact The Ad Standard Bureau.
I didn’t realise the whole of the ad industry were hardcore conservative christians and avid fans of Mumbrella! Either that, or this post has somehow been shared on a facebook page.
Clever ad!
??
If offending a major religious grouping in Australia is supposed to encourage organ donation, I would suggest that there are more winsome ways in achieving the goal. This blasphemous advertisement will put off the very group of people which is normally willing to be giving in nature, also regarding this cause. I would suggest a more tactful approach.
I would suggest that there are more winsome ways in which to promote a cause. This ad is offensive to a major group of Australians and they are the very ones who are, on account of their religious convictions, much inclined to support such a good cause. Please rethink how to promote a good thing by not being offensive.
I also agree with the people who find that this ad is blasphemous disrespectful and offensive.
There is no excuse for mocking Jesus.
Remove the ad NOW. Shame on you.
It is silly in the same way as Monty Python’s Bryan a juvenile, cynical, crass attempt to be funny. Yes it is hurtful to see the suffering and pain of the crucifixion reduced in this way but God is well used to the mockery and rejection of men. It is neither new nor particularly original. I am saddened to think this silly advertisement might jeopardise organ donation which in some cases means the saving of a young person’s life.
Belittling Life Of Brian?
NOW I’m offended.
(add one to the spelling failures too)
Nothing new or original here The spirit of Monty Python lives on .What seemed a good idea in the weird and wonderful world of advertising does not always pan out well in the real world. As a Christian my own response is “Father forgive them They know not what they do” I can only hope it does not cause a drop in organ donations which have saved and/or enhanced many lives
This is shocking and totally unacceptable!!
This add have put me totally off organ donation.
Jebus commands you to donate your organs!
Extremely disrespectful & distasteful- You have definitely missed the mark with the “what would Jesus do” clip. Extremely unnecessary, you could have easily kept it classy and moving as it should be. Such a shame to polarise people on such a topic that could have engaged more people to take action and save the lives of more Australians, some of who could be your very own family, friends and maybe one day your own. So sad that people think it’s ok to Mock Christianity, Jesus and our faith.
how disgusting….if we did this about any other faith or belief i.e. gay we’d be criticised about being racist or bigots. The sadness thing is my husband is awaiting a transplant and it discuss him immensely.
If this is where our donations are going well they won’t be getting anymore from us.
How one sided and hypocritical the media and marketing people are and saying that christian complain about everything. I’m lost for words the state of how this country is turning into spineless weasels.
Shameless advertisement
I am a donor and I find this advert offensive as a Christian
How about all these non industry Christians visiting Mumbrella and arcing up?!!
Relax guys, Jesus was crucified and you’ve all been saved!
Now that has been sorted, the rest of us who don’t believe in fairytales can keep pushing the boundaries with provocative advertising.
Good ad. So predictable and boring all this pretending to be ‘offended’.
Being offended is just pathetic whinging
Do you have any idea how this will play out in South Asia or the Middle East? I dread to think how many people will lose their lives over this.
Look think. Australia is already on the brink in the Islamic world as a result of our military efforts with America and recent suggestions that we move our embassy to Jerusalem.
Jesus (Ysa) is the second most important prophet in Islam. Mary is mentioned more in the Quran than in the bible. Disrespect of Jesus is disrespect of Islam as well as Christianity.
Salman Rushdie’s Satanic Verses led to thousands of deaths. Do we want to see this all over again.
For goodness sake this ad places every Australian in parts of the world at risk.
I witnessed about 16 people being hacked to death in South Asia because of their religion. It is easy for us to get a laugh from ridiculing the religious. Others may well pay for our smug sniggering
It’s a local ad, pal.
Nobody is dying over this.
Idiot.
It is on YouTube accessible worldwide.
The Satanic Verses were published in the UK yet thousands died in South Asia, 27 in Turkey etc.
You know the law here is a bit uncertain and this may be a bit alarmist. But what if there was to be a major riot in India and many die. We have an extradition arrangement with India. Could they extradite the director and charge him with a criminal offence say manslaughter?
I don’t know but it is an important issue for the film industry to consider. Once the ad went up on YouTube would this constitute publication in another country? After all publishing in YouTube could be seen as publishing internationally
When tomorrow comes and they are placed on a transplant list are these people still going to feel so righteous, encouraging people not to donate something that they need just to live. Or do these people not realise they may be future recipients rather than donors. So instead of criticisms please tell us how you would go about getting someone to give you something that you desperately need at a time when it is too late to ask. Jesus saved lives. So can you.
Enjoyed it from start to finish.
Job 13:9-11 NKJV
Will it be well when He searches you out? Or can you mock Him as one mocks a man? [10] He will surely rebuke you If you secretly show partiality. [11] Will not His excellence make you afraid, And the dread of Him fall upon you?
Galatians 6:7 NKJV
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
Very upsetting!!… How disgraceful…
Disgusting appalling you should be ashamed of yourselves .
Your advert desecrates all that is sacred to Christians. To say it is humorous is pure ignorance, Jesus’ death is not a humorous occasion. You would never disrespect any other religious group this way. If anything your ad will encourage people like myself to remove their names from the organ donors list. Do you people not have a conscience?
Dear Christians On This Thread,
Jesus isn’t real. Everything in the Bible is just a made up set of stories. You are literally getting worked up over nothing.
Save yourself 2hrs every Sunday morning and just stay in bed. You’ll accomplish a lot more there!
Fine if that is the case why go out of your way to ridicule and humiliate us
Father forgive them for they no not what they do.
How many Muslims involved in producing this shit. It is just so wrong on so many levels and whoever came up with this as an acceptable ad is either very stupid, or meant to cause as much offence as possible. Anyone still awake out there?
This is an ad trivialising a horrible execution, apart from anything else. What next? Gladiators in the Colosseum killing Christians and asking for organ donations. Perhaps an ad about the Bali 9 executions asking those who are shooting to avoid certain organs, or perhaps an ad with Isis beheading a person and have the executed person advocating selling the body parts before he dies. Do we really want such a valuable thing as organ donation associated with execution, and horrible forms of death? I don’t. Giving organs is about giving life not about trivialising horrible forms of execution, especially the death of Christ. I suppose this ad was designed to shock. It does and does not in any way adequately represent the cause it champions.
Hugely amusing.
Love your work
It’s a pity that many of the writers here do not appear to have learnt/learned to spell.
Some instances:
1. ad (abbreviation for advertisement) spelt/spelled as “add”;
2. no (meaning not any) when the correct word was “know”;
3. discusting (shown in the Urban Dictionary as idiots alternative to the appropriate spelling of disgusting);
4. descussing (I was unsure whether the writer meant “discussing” or “disgusting”) on re-reading it turned out to be “disgusting”;
5. intewsting (Have no idea about this one as the word “interesting” appears in the same sentence);
6. soccorers (?)
7. Too many others and not enough room.
Makes for rather difficult reading!
What sort of a sick mind could think up this disgusting advertisement? I am in favour of organ donations, but surely a campaign does not have to stoop to these depths. What about the Saudi prince, who swans around grinning after the death of a journalist under his jurisdiction…imagine if his image was used…it would cause an International incident.
I am sick to death of Christians being ‘fair game’. I am on the organ donor register, but this advertisement makes me want to remove my name.
Shame, shame, shame!
Dorothy Peterson
The most disgusting, blasphemous and pathetic thing I’ve ever seen! Shame on those who came up with this pathetic idea to mock our LORD JESUS CHRIST!
It’s a fictional ad about a fictional character.
Grow up.
I am an organ recipient and and of no particular faith, however I am disappointed in this ad because I can understand why people would be offended and how it would alienate a large proportion of the population we are trying to encourage to donate. I am also disappointed that such a serious matter is treated so flippantly. People’s lives are at stake after all! I would also ask people look beyond this advert to the larger picture and discuss with their families about donation. To those who are offended I would ask you to also look beyond it and understand this does not speak for all recipients or donors and that people of all faiths are waiting for a transplant.
I am sure Jesus will forgive them, Right? Isn’t that one of the perks of religion! Doing something wrong, then praying for forgiveness. Also, I am a new organ donator on the back of this campaign, so good work guys. 7 people on their death bed will be in my corner on this one 🙂
I would suggest that 90% of the negative comments (read: hysterical mumbo jumbo) are from people driven here by the religious forums and communities that are rallying their members.
For me the ad hits more than misses. It’s good but not great.
Jesus (real or fictional) would undoubtedly have been a donor and convinced others to do the same. So I get it and it works for me
I would suggest to all the religious folks on here that if they’re so shocked and dismayed by this advert they may want to dive a little deeper into the history of their faith. Now that’s where some real hurt and suffering was carried out in gods name. An ad depicting (not ridiculing) Jesus really isn’t that important if you truly believe surely?
I would love to join a campaign to dissuade people from becoming organ donors. We could call it ‘blasphemy isn’t best’.
Shame! Shame! Shame! This is the blasphemy of the anti christ! This add is absolutely trash and should be banned