Christianity Today

Phil, how did you miss the rugged black farmer? I loved the commercial because it accurately reflected the values which permeated our society when I was growing up. I also had the great privilege of hearing Paul Harvey on the radio back then (something I took for granted then, but really miss now), so hearing him speak again was wonderful. Reposting Sharon Gorrell's great comment: "As someone who is not a farmer but comes from a family of farmers I do recognize the hardship of the lifestyle and profession and have tremendous respect and admiration for those who are Americas farmers. I have to say I did not see any particular message in the ad except for respect for family, hard work, prayer, community and of course, buy the RAM truck. I like the ad, it was captivating and encouraging to see a company that was willing to bring faith, family and commitment back to prime time. Contrast this with the ad for 2 Broke Girls swinging on a stripper pole.... it puts things in perspective."

I like how the ad featured white farmers. I don't want to be reminded about how much of our food production is dependent upon vastly underpaid Hispanic immigrants who can be easily mistreated because of their illegal status. I want to think about strong, rugged white men and how great they are. Thank you RAM!

Thanks for taking a close look at this commercial. This video has been around for a while, nice to see it get center-stage. I agree, this spot is about the values of farming, began back when there was no such thing as urban areas. Now, we can take those values to whatever we do, as we are encouraged to by Colossians 3:23 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters," Comparing the Dust Bowl to our current drought comes up short, as there are many differences now. There are so many soil conservation measures in place, seed companies have developed corn which sinks deep roots in search of moisture. Farmers are now mostly doing a responsible job of being a steward of God's resources. Do we trust God with the climate? Or not?

Also, the authors worry over the damage done by farming is misplaced. The numbers of farmers are dwindling fast in America. Young people simply are not going into it anymore. It's too difficult for today's youth. It also hurts that the urban center cultures boorishly deride the rural lifestyle. The author also sneaks in his faith about climate change. I have some news for him...climate change is inevitable. There is no sacrifice to the idol carbon god that you can make that will stop it. The sun is responsible. We're going to have to adjust. Its funny that all of these progressives foist their godless version of evolution upon us, but they incessantly fret about the reality that climate change is natural, that species naturally die out, and that others take their places. They think that they're little gods who can stick their finger in the dike of the cycles of the earth. Ironies from an unrealistic philosophy, really.

The author Meador here misses the point. We loved the commercial because it honored those who are forgotten. It made beauty of weather-worn wrinkles and dirty clothes. It reminded us of family, knuckle-grinding hard work, and those who wake up when the sun comes up and wear themselves out until the sun goes down. Farming is honorable. That's why we love it. It's honest, forthright, simple, and deserves out utmost respect. As someone whose ancestors have included many American farmers for generations all the way back to the 1600's in America, I absolutely loved the commercial. Best superbowl commercial ever. No doubt about it.