Honestly, I went back and forth as to whether I should
write this or not. But this subject
matter is on the minds of a lot of people so I’m going for it. I’m officially speaking out
against the film “Fifty Shades of Grey” (I’m sure you knew that’s where I was
going, based on my blog title). Important disclaimer: I have not
seen this film and I never will. But
I do know enough about it to conclude that it’s not worthy of your money or
your time. In fact, the more I learn
about this flick, the dirtier I feel, spiritually speaking.
I decided to go to the online resource plugged
in.com. This is a ministry that views movies and then filters the content through a Biblical worldview. Here’s how bad “Fifty Shades of Grey” is: I
couldn’t even bring myself to read the entirety of the plugged in review. Under the “Sexual Content” section, there’s a
caption that reads: “Parental Guidance: this section deals with especially graphic
content.” This same message also appears
before the “Violent Content” section of the review. Apparently this film is so overtly sexual
and violent that they have to warn the younger readers that might happen to
stumble upon the article. Incidentally, here's the plugged in.com review that I’m referencing in a link
below.
Under the “Conclusion” section, the writer of this
article, Paul Asay describes the most violent scene of the film (by the way, I
just want to thank Mr. Asay for watching this film so he could tell us from
firsthand experience how deplorable it is).
Christian Grey, the main male character of the film, is in a sexual situation
with the main female character, Anastasia Steele. I don’t know the specifics of their sexual situation,
and quite frankly, I don’t want to know.
But Grey gets the urge to punish Anastasia. So, while she is completely naked, he tells
her to bend over, and he begins to hit her with his belt. He demands that she count the lashes aloud as
he does so. He stops at six. Afterwards, in tears, she angrily asks him,
“Did that give you pleasure?”
This is sick. I
feel grimy just having to write all that out.
And yet, because it’s Valentine’s Day, countless couples have subjected
themselves to this movie. I’m taking a
stand today. I’m clearly stating that “Fifty
Shades of Grey” is not harmless entertainment; it is vile, filthy, and
repulsive. I don’t say this just because
of this one scene (although some have already cited it as an example of
physical abuse and I would agree). In my
opinion, “Fifty Shades of Grey” is a film that never should have been made in
the first place. It’s a strong indictment
on the sexually obsessed culture that we live in.
Beloved readers: I freely admit to you that I have not enjoyed
sharing the content that I have brought up.
Once again, I went back and forth as to whether I should even talk about
this. But the Bible says, “Take no part
in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the
things that they do in secret. But when
anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible” (Ephesians 5:11-13;
ESV). I’m simply trying to shine light
on this film.
In conclusion, I can imagine someone responding to me
with something like: “You Christians are always shouting out what you are
against. Why don’t you tell me what you
are in favor of, for a change?” OK, I’ll
do that. I’m in favor of the incredible
gift of love. I’m in favor of wholesome
expressions of romance. I’m in favor of
a man cherishing women, and treating them with the honor, admiration, and
dignity that they deserve. When it comes
to “Fifty Shades of Grey” you don’t get any of these virtues.
Kevin
