The Australian group “Dying to Live” has released a new ad promoting organ donation. Though it’s a worthy cause—as they point out in the ad, organ donation can save lives but the number of names on donation registries remain relatively low—the irreverent tone of the ad has drawn some blowback.
In it, Jesus is on the cross, chatting with two soldiers. They tell him about organ donation, and get Him to register using their smart phone (while He is still on the cross). It ends with the statement, “Do What Jesus Would Do.”
As Christian Post notes, more than 15,000 people have signed a change.org petition asking for it to be removed. It reads, “No other religion will ever tolerate this kind of mockery and disrespect. We are calling on you to make a stand and protect our faith by banning this disrespectful ad.” Religious leaders including the Anglican Bishop of South Sydney and the Founder of the Islamic Friendship Association of Australia have also spoken out about it.