I graduated from college in 1977 with a B.A. in radio/TV/film and minor in journalism and worked in the broadcasting industry for a few years. I wrote a few TV commercials and many radio commercials, and when I first saw this one, I knew it was pure genius on every level. Back in the 70s, Alka-Seltzer had some of the most iconic catch-lines of that era with "I can't believe I ate the whole thing" and "How do you spell R-E-L-E-I-F?"
And as you poignantly point out, watered down preaching of the gospel in our day and age is rampant. The 2 Timothy quote is oh-so-appropriate, sadly enough.
As I mentioned in the post, kids today will never understand the power of commercials back then. I still spell bologna to the Oscar Mayer tune! I rem those Alka-Seltzer commercials too.
But I think people today are yearning for the truth. Watered down truth only feels good for a short time. It doesn't take long to figure out there's no real nourishment.
When Christian Churches sadly believe 'relevance' is found in accepting the world's disposition because, "We're the church where love is!" They have lost both relevance and love. And we, if Christian, must demand the substance behind the name.
John 15:18-19, "If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world."
Yes I remember these commercials as well and the phrase has stuck with me through all these years. I appreciate your suggestion to audit your spiritual food and look for the beef. It is true that we tend to feed ourselves with those things that make us feel good. That is not the most nourishing diet! There are uncomfortable things in scripture - a call to rise above yourself. If you are not challenged by your readings they are not worth your time. Thanks for writing!
I'm too young to remember "where's the beef?" but I do remember a lot of the commercials that appeared on Cartoon Network in the 90s. Now the Zoo Pals jingle is playing in my head...
I graduated from college in 1977 with a B.A. in radio/TV/film and minor in journalism and worked in the broadcasting industry for a few years. I wrote a few TV commercials and many radio commercials, and when I first saw this one, I knew it was pure genius on every level. Back in the 70s, Alka-Seltzer had some of the most iconic catch-lines of that era with "I can't believe I ate the whole thing" and "How do you spell R-E-L-E-I-F?"
And as you poignantly point out, watered down preaching of the gospel in our day and age is rampant. The 2 Timothy quote is oh-so-appropriate, sadly enough.
As I mentioned in the post, kids today will never understand the power of commercials back then. I still spell bologna to the Oscar Mayer tune! I rem those Alka-Seltzer commercials too.
But I think people today are yearning for the truth. Watered down truth only feels good for a short time. It doesn't take long to figure out there's no real nourishment.
"I wish I were an Oscar Mayer Weiner..."
Great analogy, Jason! "Where's the meat?"
When Christian Churches sadly believe 'relevance' is found in accepting the world's disposition because, "We're the church where love is!" They have lost both relevance and love. And we, if Christian, must demand the substance behind the name.
John 15:18-19, "If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world."
Yes I remember these commercials as well and the phrase has stuck with me through all these years. I appreciate your suggestion to audit your spiritual food and look for the beef. It is true that we tend to feed ourselves with those things that make us feel good. That is not the most nourishing diet! There are uncomfortable things in scripture - a call to rise above yourself. If you are not challenged by your readings they are not worth your time. Thanks for writing!
Thank you, Dawn. I think feeding ourselves both spiritually and physically with fast food has not been a good thing for us.
I remember those commercials well, thank you for the background history, Jason! Loved it!
I'm too young to remember "where's the beef?" but I do remember a lot of the commercials that appeared on Cartoon Network in the 90s. Now the Zoo Pals jingle is playing in my head...
That has always been a favorite commercial of mine along with the golfer Lee Trevino singing how proud he is drinking Dr. Pepper.