Greg Chandler
02/19/15
For the past two weeks the entertainment world has been mesmerized by the novel turned movie Fifty Shades of Grey. From morning programs to the nightly news, stories have abounded dealing with a fascination for this graphic work of Hollywood. Americans have responded favorably, with the opening week racking up over 81 million dollars in ticket sales. What is Hollywood’s dream, however, is a nightmare for Christians who sadly watch as moral decadence descends even further.
While the author of this article has neither read the book nor seen the movie, it takes little investigation to find the premise behind this work. Without going into graphic detail, the work presents a young college student who becomes mesmerized with a man bent on perverted pleasures. The book and subsequent movie follow the relationship as it develops between the two and provide vivid detail of their encounters. In fact, 20 of the 100 minutes of this film are dedicated to these depictions. Though this storyline and lurid detail have great attraction to millions of readers and moviegoers, Christians must realize the dangers that such a work poses.
First, it fills the mind with impure thoughts. The Lord recognized the impact that the mind (sometimes called heart in Scripture) has on subsequent action. In relation to this idea, Jesus stated, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person” (Matthew 15:19-20a). When the mind is filled with debauchery, it should be no surprise the impact that it will have on actions. To avoid such thoughts and actions, the mind must be nourished on those things that will draw it closer to God. The Apostle Paul expressed this idea by writing, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8). A book/film such as Fifty Shades of Grey fails in every area mentioned by the apostle. While God does not prohibit amusement and entertainment, He most certainly does prohibit the kind of entertainment that would lead one to think on thoughts that are totally foreign to godliness and holiness.
Second, it presents women in a depraved manner. While some try to argue that a love story is housed within the sordid tale, reality makes it readily apparent the young lady in the work is only an object of gratification. For much of the past century, women have fought for respect and dignity. Whether this be in the voting rights campaigns of the early 1900’s, the equal rights campaigns of the 1970’s, or the equal pay for equal work campaigns of late in the century, a concerted effort has been demonstrated to show that women are the equals of men. Interestingly, no stories have emerged of women’s groups and organizations boycotting the work under consideration. Few if any articles have received national attention from women expressing outrage over the depiction of women simply being the objects of desire. In fact, most of the women who presented nationally televised programs announcing the film’s release seemed agog at the prospect of attending its opening. Such is a far cry from the picture that God presents of women. Proverbs 31 stands at the zenith of God’s descriptions of His love for this part of His creation. Describing the godly woman in glowing terms, He concludes by stating, “Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates” (vv. 30-31).
Third, it takes one of the most intimate of relationships given to man and woman and presents it as debased. It is interesting to contrast God’s description of romantic love as presented in Song of Solomon with the work under consideration. While the latter makes a mockery of this relationship, the former describes the beauty of the relationship as a mutual admiration and appreciation between a happily married man and woman. No one who views the film Fifty Shades of Grey would come away with a depiction of what God has intended from the beginning for man and woman. In fact, little if any value would be gained in this regard. Biblical teaching, however, demonstrates the attitudes necessary on the part of both man and woman for their marriage to flourish and this intimate relationship to take its rightful and enjoyable place.
Finally, it is another danger for young Christians to become caught up in the moral decline of their nation. While older Christians are also in danger, those who are younger often feel more of the pressure to conform and participate in whatever ungodly activity may currently be the rage. With the massive media attention given to this film, there is little doubt it will be viewed by those who are young and impressionable. Young Christians must stand firm and “Remember their Creator in the days of their youth.” While others may view those who oppose such films as old fashioned and prudish, the righteous, no matter their age, must not fall to such assaults on purity.
Is one movie really so bad? While the answer to this question is yes, it is more important to see this as simply one more wrong step in the moral decline of a nation. With each step downward society takes, it is essential for Christians to remember the words spoken concerning the faithful who came before. In the Hebrew writer’s description, they were people “who desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one” (11:16a). It is often hard to stand against popular trends and to keep a pure mindset in an age spent on immorality. Still, this is not the first time Christian values have been assaulted and, if the world stands, will not be the last. It is time for all Christians to maintain diligence and stand their moral ground. With this, God is pleased and they show themselves as those who also seek that heavenly country.