I was asked to write an article dealing with the phenomena of the movie 50 Shades of Gray. No doubt you have heard of the books, as well as the movie that is breaking box office records. While I have linked several well written articles on social media about this topic, I wanted to write not only about 50 Shades, but about a Christian's worldview when it comes to secular entrainment in general. Please keep in mind, this article is written for those who profess to be a Christian, not for those who need to be reached with the gospel.
Anytime one is seeking to discern God's will for their life, they must start with Scripture. The Bible provides the framework from which our thoughts, words, actions, and decisions must flow from if we profess Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Let me share Ephesians 5:1-12 to frame our discussion:
"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret" (Ephesians 5:1-12 ESV).
So, how do these verses in Ephesians help us as we shape our Christian worldview in regards to entertainment? The Apostle Paul in Ephesians 5:1-20 gives us general instructions for holy living. He focus in purity of life; both by avoiding evil deeds and associations and adopting holy practices.
Paul begins by discussing love, specifically the love that Jesus Christ showed us through His sacrificial death on Calvary (vv. 1-2). He tells believers that they are to "be imitators of God" (v. 1). The Greek word for imitator (mimētēs) is the term from which we get mimic; someone who copies specific characteristics of another person. As imitators of God, Christians are to imitate God's characteristics, and above all His love. The whole of the Christian life is the reproduction of godliness as seen in the person of Christ. Imitating Christ's love is possible because "the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us" (Romans 5:5).
From this foundation, Paul goes on in verses 3-20 to give instructions on holy living. He centers on wisdom in speech, sexual purity, associations, and other aspects of a thankful life. In verses three and four, Paul outlines the perversion of the pattern of godliness that believers are to strive for. Whatever God establihes, Satan will counterfeit. Where God establishes true love, Satan produces counterfeit love. Counterfeit love characterizes those who are of the world, just as true love characterizes God's children, those who are citizens of heaven.
In contrast to godly, unselfish, forgiving love, the world's love is lustful and self-indulgent. It loves because the object of love is attractive, enjoyable, pleasant, produces desired feelings, or is likely to repay in some way. It is always based on the other person's fulfilling one's own needs and desires and meeting one's own expectations.
Which brings me back to 50 Shades of Gray. I confess that I have not read the books or seen the movie. However, I have read a synopsis of the books so I could have a working knowledge of the plot and themes it contains. Based on this information, I can say with confidence a Christian should not read the books or see the movie. The reason is contained in Ephesians 5:3-20. What is the basic premise of 50 Shades? A young, wealthy businessman is attracted to a young impressionable woman. He draws up a non-disclosure agreement and a second contract based solely on a sexual relationship ruled by dominance and submission with sadomasochism.
The word "immorality" that Paul uses is Greek word (porneia). It refers to all sexual sin, and all sexual sin is against God and against godly love. Why would a Christian go to see a movie that degrades women, promotes abuse towards women, and distorts the wonderful intimacy God intended in a covenantal marriage relationship?
Paul goes on to say a Christian should avoid "filthiness", which is general obscenity and "silly talk" used only here in the New Testament. This word is derived from the Greek word (mōros), from which we get the word moron. It literally means, "dull or stupid, talk only befitting someone who is intellectually deficient." Finally, the apostle says we should avoid "coarse jesting." This word carries the idea of quickly turning something that is said or done, no matter how innocent, into that which is obscene or suggestive. According to Paul, a Christian subjecting themselves to this is incompatible with the lifestyle we are called to live.
So, how should a Christian form a worldview that impacts their decisions in regards to entertainment?
1. Filter every television show and movie through Scripture.
I know you are thinking, "Bryan, it's just entertainment. It is nothing serious." Jesus said in Matthew 6:22-23:
“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!"
What you allow through your eyes affects your mind, body, and spirit. If you allow these images that are contrary to God's Word into your mind, it affects your thinking, emotions, perspectives, and decisions.
This not only applies to 50 Shades, but to television shows such as The Bachelor which also degrades women and makes a mockery of how a young man or woman should seek a spouse. Ask yourself, "Is this television show or movie consistent with God's character and my calling as a Christian?" If the answer is no, avoid it.
2. Realize that the entertainment you permit in your home will be considered acceptable by your children.
Let me ask you a question. Would you be OK if your daughter entered into a relationship with another man like the one depicted in 50 Shades of Gray? I would venture to say no. Would you want your daughter to be a contestant on The Bachelor? If the answer is no (and it should be) then why watch it?
When we watch this kind of entertainment, we are sending a signal to our children that we are OK with that type of behavior. Your actions speak louder than words.
3. Understand that your Christian witness will be severely diminished or rendered powerless if your lifestyle is like the world.
As Paul stated in the Ephesian passage above, we are called to be "imitators" of Christ and His witnesses. When we act like the world, we forfeit our right to be heard. If our entertainment choices are no different than an unbeliever, why should they listen to us when we attempt to share the love of Christ through the gospel? It is hypocritical at best, and undermines the work of Christ at worst.
One of the reasons many of our churches are in decline is because there is no discernible difference in the lifestyles of Christians versus non-believers. We have not only lost our platforms to be heard because of our hypocritical behavior, we have more importantly lost God's blessing and anointing which we so desperately need.
Let me encourage you as a fellow believer. Don't compromise your witness and integrity by subjecting yourself to 50 Shades of Gray or any other entertainment that is direct opposing to the Word of God. Choose to honor Christ. You won't be disappointed.
Pastor Bryan
