Why is there a subtle Christian reference in The Pacifier?

February 23, 2007 6:04 PM

I have just watched the Vin Diesel vehicle The Pacifier (don't ask), and in the wrestling scene, one of the students is holding a placard saying John 3:16, which is the verse about God giving his only son as a sacrifice that we might be saved. Does anyone know why? Was the director sending a subliminal message? Is it a common high-school thing being satirised? It just struck me as odd. Thanks.
posted by Hermit to media & arts (10 comments total)

I'm not sure about high school events, but it shows up at a lot of sporting events in general
posted by chndrcks at 6:09 PM on February 23, 2007

Take a look at this Straight Dope article, What's with those "John 3:16" signs that people hold up at [USian] football games?
posted by Fat Guy at 6:11 PM on February 23, 2007

I might be wrong, but I think it's trying to imply that the wrestler is the son of God, blah blah.

Either that or it has something to do with John Cena.
posted by Verdandi at 6:14 PM on February 23, 2007

Thank you Fat Guy. I'm guessing therefore it's somewhat satirical.
posted by Hermit at 6:14 PM on February 23, 2007

Take a look at the wikipedia entry for Rollen Stewart, the Rainbow Man. As far as I know, he pretty much brought this whole thing to mainstream sporting events.
posted by kmtiszen at 6:15 PM on February 23, 2007

As per the movie reference, it was an attempt at humor, due to the prevalence of such signs at major sporting events. The link above does a good job of explaining its origin in those places.

And no, it has nothing to do with the wrestlers or any athletes. No different than folks putting up messages on billboards by the side of the highway. :)
posted by Atreides at 6:24 PM on February 23, 2007

For another jokey reference to the concept, see this short Family Guy clip (28 seconds in).
posted by Partial Law at 6:34 PM on February 23, 2007

Stone Cold Steve Austin baby!!!

"You sit there and you thump your Bible, and you say your prayers, and it didn't get you anywhere! Talk about your Psalms, talk about John 3:16 ... Austin 3:16 says I just whipped your ass!"

(from wikipedia entry for the quote)
posted by evilelvis at 8:19 PM on February 23, 2007

evilelvis: He was talking to Jake the Snake Roberts at the time.
posted by mkb at 4:49 AM on February 24, 2007

Since it was a wrestling match in the movie, I'm going to agree that it was probably a Stone Cold Steve Austin reference...

I didn't even know that it was something that happened at other events... I've always just associated John 3:16 with Steve Austin.
posted by ranglin at 2:58 PM on February 24, 2007