2022-12-02

50 Shades of Grey Movie PosterThe cultural uproar that is E.L. James’ Fifty Shades of Grey has taken the world by storm – first the book trilogy and now the highly anticipated film. Critics everywhere have weighed in on the controversial film – some referring to it as a disgrace and others with differing opinions that are less critical.

The line being drawn is in reference to the question on many minds – will you be condemned for watching Fifty Shades of Grey? Can a film exposing sexual pleasures and dominance be detrimental to your soul? Unfortunately, there is no cut and dry answer. If you’re debating on watching the film, the underlying question you should ask yourself first is if whether or not you are engaging because you’re curious of the cultural trend or because you’re unhappy and depressed within your life.

If you’re reading or watching Fifty Shades to escape your own marital issues, then yes it’s unhealthy. Watching a scandalous film will not provide you with answers to redemption for your own problems. Instead, your own issues will be fueled by aggression. However, if you’re partaking in viewing the film with a cultural expression mindset, then those circumstances are different. You’re comfortable with who you are and know where you stand.

Philippians 1:28 says, “And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.” The most important thing for any human being is the salvation of the soul. If your eternal destiny is settled, then anything else that can happen to you is of little importance in comparison. In this passage Paul discusses the difference between the saved and the lost – referring to them as adversaries.

There is a difference between the saved and the lost in this world. The lost do not understand the saved, and the lost are not of the same spirit as the saved. In other words, if you are living the path of life that is recognized as admirable and righteous then you have nothing to worry about. Watching a film, like Fifty Shades, is not going to place you in a condemned state. Odds are your current path of life, based on your morals and ethics has already set your destiny.

The film can be argued into many controversial directions. Is the movie just about objectification and domination or is it a fairytale of love that isn’t common because of the social statues and barriers that it isn’t. Matthew 7 says, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Allow others to make their own decisions without casting preconceived notions on their way of life. Fifty Shades of Grey is a film about love – something that we all experience. Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey live out their love in a way what works for them, others should not caste judgment or condemn.

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