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Did You See the Mesmerizing Ad the Church of Scientology Aired During the Super Bowl?

Feb. 4, 2013 12:55pm Billy Hallowell

It’s not uncommon for the Church of Scientology to spark debate with its penchant for advertising. Take, for instance, the furor that ensued after The Atlantic published – and then removed — a sponsored article touting the church’s recent accomplishments. On Sunday night, more ad drama unfolded when the controversial religious sect took out a 60-second ad at the tune of $8 million, airing the spot in major markets during Super Bowl XLVII.

Did the Church of Scientology Steal Its Super Bowl Ad Concept From This 1997 Apple Commercial?

Photo Credit: Church of Scientology/YouTube

While some viewers were surprised to see the elongated ad, entitled “Knowledge,” gracing their television screens, this isn’t the first time that the church’s spot has been shown on television. According to the Daily Mail, a shorter, 30-second version aired in select cities during the AFC Championship a few weeks back.

Featuring attractive actors and symbols of knowledge (i.e. books and a library), the ad creates the idea that those who embrace the Church of Scientology’s teachings are truly seeking to enhance their brain capacity. The overall aim was clearly to proselytize — and on a day that offers up the largest-scale television audience of the year.

Photo Credit: Church of Scientology/YouTube

“To the curious, the inquisitive, the seekers of knowledge. To the ones who just want to know about life, about the universe, about yourself,” a narrator’s voice proclaims in the video. “‘Not cute questions, big questions, one’s that matter,” the unseen narrator says. “To the rebels, the artists, the free thinkers and the innovators who care less about labels and more about truth — who believe non-conformity is more than a bumper sticker.”

Watch the one-minute ad, below:

It didn’t take long for social media to light up with criticism of the ad, poking fun at the Church of Scientology and deriding its attempt to advertise during America’s most popular football game. The Daily Mail recaps the response:

‘If your church has an ad during the Super Bowl it’s stops becoming a religion and starts becoming a punch line‘ Kevin Dent, chief operating officer of the mobile video game network P4RC wrote on Twitter after the spot ran.

‘Hey America, if The Church of Scientology has enough cash to advertise during the Super Bowl, maybe it shouldn’t be tax exempt,’ IGN.com editor Scott Lowe wrote on the site.

The general consensus on social media was one of confusion, amusement, and wry entertainment. One Twitter user, @JoshCharles, wrote: ‘good game but so-so commercial (sic)… like the bud light stevie wonder and cars. Com wolf one. But scientology? What?’

But everyday viewers weren’t the only ones poking fun at the spot. Bill Maher wrote: ‘I saw an ad for Scientology, I joined, and then Destiny’s Child reunited! That s*** works – thanks, Tom Cruise!’

Did the Church of Scientology Steal Its Super Bowl Ad Concept From This 1997 Apple Commercial?

Critics also compared the ad to a spot that was created by Apple back in 1997 called, “Think Different.” In fact, some claimed that the contents are eerily similar. In the Apple clip, a male narrator makes claims about individuals who have impacted society and changed the course of human history. Images of these people are presented as the ad (also one-minute in length) progresses.

“Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The trouble makers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently,” the Apple ad begins. “They’re not fond of rules and they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them, because they change things.”

See the ad here:

What do you think — did the Church of Scientology model their ad after Apple’s or is it a coincidence? Take the poll, below:

(H/T: Daily Mail)

–

Related:

Why Did a News Outlet Scrub a Controversial Story on Scientology?

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

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Comments (43)

dbeesh
Posted on February 5, 2013 at 12:55pm
‘The Freedom to Choose’? Then why is it so damn hard to leave this cult or question it?

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watashbuddyfriend
Posted on February 5, 2013 at 8:02am
Ok, Sci folks, it is never to late to turn to Jesus Christ, until YOU are dead!

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vaman
Posted on February 5, 2013 at 8:02am
Religion based on a science fiction writer or religion based on a virgin birth, walking on water and a man purportedly returning from the dead. It’s all science fiction.

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paulsfam4
Posted on February 5, 2013 at 7:11am
We live in a world were men,want to believe in themselves!for understanding of the world and universe. but you wont understand anything. till you know who god is! and admit it. because without knowing who god is “aka Jesus Christ” you wont know anything.and I’m afraid that we are heading down the road where they people that believe in mankind are going to be deeply disappointed.in what their god-like image is going to give them.and in a lot cases there wont be any turning back.

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Lamarr01
Posted on February 5, 2013 at 4:32am
You may notice that the background in many of the shots is out of focus. These blurry areas are where subliminal or unconscious messages are placed. There is still a market for the occult and mystical experiences.

The original E-meter was nothing more than an OHM meter wrapped in aluminum foil. When the subject would talk about an emotional subject, the hands was perspire and the electrical resistance would be reduced. The movement of the OHM meter was supposed to measure an engram. In actuality, the perspiration from the palms contained salt which is a better electrical conductor than dry skin.

Bill Maher worships the sacred plant that gives him visions and intellectual superiority.

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WhatTheFrack
Posted on February 5, 2013 at 3:03am
Bunch of ignorant angry people populating this space.

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- milez5
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 3:16am
  You have to love the line that the only thing that’s true is what’s true for you. Can they really believe that truth is conditional upon your willingness to believe it? Life does not work that way.
  Truth is truth and facts are facts whether you like, accept or believe them or not.
  There is simply no such thing as a truth that is true just for you.
  
  Report this comment
cosmic dogma
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 11:17pm
Ron Hubbard was a decent science fiction writer. Have read several of his books, years ago. To create a “religion”must be a real hoot. Personally, I could never get past the fact that I was denying humans their true God, by supplanting True religion with a sci-fi experiment, and business scheme. He must be laughing his a$$ off as he roasts in hell.

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- teebubba
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 9:55pm
  I read a few of Hubbard’s short stories when I was a kid…They were run of the mill scifi. I think its interesting that Cruise someone like Tom Cruise has invested his life into something that started a a “bar bet” between two bored writers……and the crap about the best selling book….yeah Scientology keeps buying up their own book over and over again to keep it on the list.
  Visit downtown Clearwater. Florida at 5:30 PM most afternoons and watch massive numbers of zombie like people in Navy type uniforms heading to the communal dinners provided by this cult for its members.
  
  Report this comment
ev_mybryan
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 11:15pm
Spoken right out of the mouth of Satan himself!

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Lbftaylor
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 11:08pm
Scientology is funny.

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Hugie 59 PA
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 7:37pm
If Scientology is about truth and they define it as what truth is for the individual then it nothing new under the sun. It is moral relativism which denies there is an absolute truth thus no God, no need for a savior, etc.

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sandrunner
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 7:26pm
it is all about money.

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TEARS FOR AMERICA
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 7:09pm
Crap on steroids…the bondage from this cult is staggering…I knew a family that had to kidnap their own daughter to restore her to the family again…talk about human slavery and deception…

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- sandrunner
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 7:31pm
  you are in my prayers.
  
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SoulLine
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 7:03pm
I am not a Scientologist but I have studied Scientology thoroughly as I have done with many other religion and philosophies. They had graciously given me free access to their library and I own many of L Ron Hubbard’s books and writings. In return, I let them use their E-meter on me and ask me hundreds of questions. When it was all said and done, Scientology works, I have no doubt about that. They asked me why I would not become a Scientologist if I knew it worked and my answer was, I discovered the workings of the Spirit in relationship to the mind long before I knew anything about Scientology, that’s how I knew Scientology actually worked. The bottom line is, I did not want any labels placed upon me by any religion or philosophy. Scientology has a very high price tag because simply stated they do not want the knowledge in the hands of stupid people that can’t support their selves with their own brain. Judging by some of the asinine comments here, rightly so. Scientology did not steal the commercial from that older one as many believe by the poll. The most important statement in Scientology’s commercial is, “if it’s true for you, then it’s true. Hubbard goes on to say, all you have to do is look. Jesus said, seek and you shall find, it’s that simple.

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- hpyagl
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 7:29pm
  “Scientology has a very high price tag because simply stated they do not want the knowledge in the hands of stupid people that can’t support their selves with their own brain. ”
  Shouldn’t you say “stupid people can’t support themselves with their own brains” Apparently you are versed in the higher philosophy of thought but you grammar is pretty crappy. You can think of yourself as on a higher plain than most, but the perception of simple bystanders like myself is that you are barking louder than your bite.
  
  Report this comment
- tj1961
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 10:32pm
  P T Barnum was right!!! There IS a SUCKER born every minute!!!
  
  Report this comment
- TheOldeCrow
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 9:04am
  So, you have taken all the courses they offer, paid good, hard-earned money
  [and friggen tons-a that, by the way] to learn that we’re the result of some made-up, insanely fanciful construct and you’re calling that “Good” ?
  A Religion that CopyRights it’s “Bible”, sues when it is reproduced without their permission, and is vengeful to any who disagree publically, [and especially if they leave]
  Who treats Recognized Celebrities in a fashion far above the regular guys and girls ,and figures America will not notice.
  That is not even allowed to be publically recognized in Germany , possibly because they know Cultism when they see it?
  Go peddle your bilge somewhere else and get your discount to your next level instruction.
  See you in Clearwater……..makng beds and dusting furniture.
  
  Report this comment
doubletap
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 6:34pm
Holy Crap Hell just froze over, I agreed with Bill Maher on something.

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Armyof One
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 5:52pm
May I quote L.Ron Hubbard on Dianetics and Scientology??

“I just made it up as I went along.”

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- THERAPTURCOMES
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 6:16pm
  The church of Scientology will be just as surprised when the resurrection/rapture comes and goes leaving them behind just like the rest of the cults and unbelievers of the world
  
  We see with our own eye Isaiah 17:1 and Isaiah 19 taking place in dramatic fashion and does anyone pay attention? Nope. We see that these tow prophecies dovetail right into Zech 12 and Psalm 83 and out of these prophecies will come the anti christ
  
  There is only one way to escape the coming 7 year tribulation and that is through faith in Jesus
  
  Romans 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
  10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
  
  The clock is ticking and time is running out. Believe while you still can
  
  Report this comment
Rayblue
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 5:48pm
Alfred Bester wrote of John Campbell that the first thing Campbell said to him was that Freud was dead, destroyed by the new discovery of Dianetics, which he predicted would win L. Ron Hubbard the Nobel Peace Prize. Campbell ordered the bemused Bester to “think back. Clear yourself. Remember. You can remember when your mother tried to abort you with a button hook. You’ve never stopped hating her for it.” Bester commented; “It reinforced my private opinion that a majority of the sci-fi crowd, despite their brilliance, were missing their marbles.”
Such is a champion of scientology and early disciple recorded.

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brigott
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 4:11pm
Ironic, isn’t it, that the “Church” of Scientology, which teaches almost everything BUT the Truth, would spend $8 mil advertising about truth.

“What’s true is what’s true for you” is all that they said. If I said that’s it’s true that the world would be a better place if so-and-so were dead, would it therefore become true to such an extent that it would be acceptable to kill that individual?

The whole concept of this advertisement for a blatantly false, unbiblical “religion” is nothing but situational ethics and personal “make me feel good” philosophy.

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tj1961
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 2:41pm
I would rather call Scientology the “L Ron Hubbard fan Club”. There is NO WAY that you can find any sort of “god” with something made from $25 worth of parts from Radio Shack!!

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- Ditto Head
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 3:31pm
  The most interesting thing about this article is how TheBlaze censored Bill Maher when quoting him, and the next line down shows the quote uncensored.
  
  Report this comment
RestoreCapitalism
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 2:30pm
A cunning con scheme targeting the narcissist.

Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Rom 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Rom 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Rom 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
Rom 1:23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
Rom 1:24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
Rom 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever.

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Voter713
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 2:12pm
Hmmmm I do believe Eve ate from the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil. satan is still hard at work…but God’s work in complete with Christ.

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- 22mama
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 2:21pm
  True. If we accept Jesus and believe in His completed work on the cross. We can now eat from the Tree of Life and the Bread of Heaven.
  
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22mama
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 2:11pm
Sounds like the same drivel satan spouted to Eve, and look where that landed us.

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siguy62
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 2:10pm
Scientology couldn’t even bother to create it’s own Theology. They just stole the collected works of Gurdjieff, and replaced the word Angel with Alien.

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MrGeek
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 1:40pm
Why all the hatred toward Scientology? After all it’s just another religion based on a book written by some guy or guys, no different from Christianity, Judaism, Islam or any other cult that claims to know the workings of the universe.

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- Sol Invictus
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 1:56pm
  Because unique among religions, this one’s founder stated that he had founded it “to make serious money”. As Mr Spock would say “It’s a religion JIm, but not as we know it”.
  
  Report this comment
- RaydocX
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 2:20pm
  nice attempt to spark angry responses.
  
  you may be right, ultimately, but i don’t read where the men who wrote the books of the bible were fiction writers, first.
  
  i don’t see the underlying tenants of Scientology being as plausible as those of Christianity at its core… not the organized religion trappings secularists and atheists so despise.
  
  for an organization that rabidly protects itself from outside inquiry, the Super Bowl spot invites scrutiny.
  
  But if Scientologists have their faith, and live a good life based on that, so much the better for them. And this country has freedom of religion (vs. freedom from religion, atheists) so if that’s how they want to spend their money, it’s their right.
  
  Report this comment
- Kaoscontrol
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 2:46pm
  GEEK “it’s just another religion based on a book written by some guy or guys, no different from Christianity, Judaism, Islam or any other cult that claims to know the workings of the universe.”
  
  Sounds more like DARWINISM to me!
  
  Report this comment
- Rowgue
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 3:01pm
  I’m an atheist and even I see the glaring differences between scientology and other religions. While I don’t personally buy into any religion, there isn’t another one that is even close to being as demonstrably fraudulent as scientology. There isn’t another one that is even in the same area code as scientology when it comes to how ludicrous and nonsensical it is.
  
  If you can’t tell the difference then you’re just plain stupid.
  
  Report this comment
- Dr.Doofenschmirtz
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 4:37pm
  Its not really hatred so much as laughing. Scientology’s claims / practices / history are fairly comical if you can step back from the importance of one’s spiritual affiliations.
  
  All religions are not the same. The question you must answer is: Which one is true?
  
  One of them is, the others are not. There will be a test at the end of class and failure will have consequences. If Atheism is true, many people have wasted their lives (and sometimes fortunes). If one of the religions is true – adherents to the other religions (including Atheism and all forms of humanism) will suffer eternal consequences.
  
  I believe the answers are knowable. You should prepare for the test.
  
  Report this comment
- crawdad
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 10:13am
  Dr.D – So a loving God, our eternal Father in Heaven, will sentence His own children to eternal damnation? Would any one of us, fallen parents though we may be, do such a thing?
  How readily we scorn the beliefs of others as we stop questioning our own.
  
  Report this comment
VanceUppercut
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 1:32pm
It should be stylized “Church of $cientology”.

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love the kids
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 1:08pm
Who cares?

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