"50 Shades of Grey" is probably a landmark crossover movie of sorts of our times.
I mean a crossover of porn into mainstream cinema—a concept that was sure to materialize especially after movies like "Blue is the Warmest Colour" were acclaimed in the recent past.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Dakota Johnson even wins an Oscar for her role as the sexually abused (yes, BDSM is abuse, no matter how the media loves to paint it otherwise) lead female character. The media will of course celebrate her for the “boldness” to take up this “challenging” role.
With normalcy steadily bowing out and depravity firmly setting in, what is a worshiper of Christ ought to do?
Avoid it of course and spread the word why.
I believe that choosing to not watch "50 Shades of Grey" is also an act of worship
Here’s why
1. Obedience
We are obeying Christ’s words to be in the world but not of it (John 15:19).
Obedience is worship (1 Sam 15:22)
2. Offering
By refusing to be part of the acclamation of sheer immorality, we are willing to not be conformed to the standards of the world. Instead, we would rather be offering our minds to God.
This is an important ingredient of spiritual worship taught by St. Paul. (Rom 12:2)
3. Holiness
By self-controlling our senses for the cause of holiness, we demonstrate that we truly know our God (1 Thes 4:3-5).
Holiness is worship.
4. Honor
By refusing to watch the movie, we honor all the women that we are called to love starting with our mothers, wives, daughters and so on.
I believe practicing honor of those who should be honored pleases God and is also worship (1 Pet 3:7, Eph 6:2, Heb 13:4, Rom 12:10)
5. Real love
We choose not to support the abuse of women, which is exactly what this movie glorifies.
Make no mistake, abuse is never love.
Standing up for real love is worship. (1 Cor 13:6)
And btw, did you know that OutreachMediaGroup has published a thought provoking video on this subject recommending us to watch “Old Fashioned” instead? Check it out.
Come, let's worship the Lord.
It is the duty of every man to uphold the dignity of every woman. – Pope John Paul II
