Pastor's Pen - March 1, 2015

“FIFTY SHADES OF GREY” MOVIE

This all may be a bit late, but I still want to share some comments
I have heard from others.

One woman movie reviewer didn’t exactly comment on the details of the movie, but spoke about how women, young and older, “should speak about the Godgiven gift that they are, which wasn’t portrayed in this particular movie.” She spoke especially about “mothers helping their daughters make informed and Christlike choices about their current and future relationships and not be afraid to speak openly.” She suggested that “women link arms and show the world a glimpse of the redemptive God we serve.”

Then she had what I thought was an excellent suggestion. She recommended that we take the “Fifty Shades of Grey” and respond in a countercultural, Christian way to its messages. She gave four suggestions.

• “GIVE to organizations that work tirelessly to release women from the bondage of abuse. By that action we can provide resources to women who may have no where to turn. This can be your voice for hurting women who may not be able to speak for themselves.”

• “PRAY for all men and women who will be affected by this movie, especially those victimized by the message of this movie that states that abuse is acceptable. Pray for women who don’t love themselves as God does.”

• “SHARE this message with others. You may be changing someone’s life.”

• “SUPPORT familyfriendly and faithbased movies and television programs.” Give your dollars to viewing those forms of entertainment.


Isn’t it tragic that the book, “Fifty Shades of Grey” sold more than 100 million copies and the movie was one of the most anticipated promoting torture as sexually gratifying and normalizing domestic violence, especially violence against women, is not what should be attractive to Christians.


A former head of the Commission on Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence for the City of Milwaukee stated in an editorial that “we need to understand that love does not cause
pain. The character, Christian Grey, is controlling in a way that, in real life, is very unhealthy. Do not
mistake him for Prince Charming.” She recommended that any woman who feels endangered or threatened should call the Domestic Violence Hotline at 414-933-2722.


Archbishop Dennis Schnurr of Cincinnati called the movie “a direct assault on Christian marriage and on the moral and spiritual strength of God’s people. The story line is presented as a romance; however, the underlying theme is that bondage, dominance, and sadomasochism are normal and pleasurable.
We need to highlight the beauty of God’s design for loving relationships in the bond of marriage.”

Fr. Ralph