What Does "50 Shades of Grey" Say About You?

I didn’t read the book "50 Shades of Grey" (even though 100 million books were sold. **There are 316 million people who live in the United States). I will not be going to see the movie. I want to protect my heart, my thoughts, and my marriage. So I can’t address the content of the book or the movie from an experiential perspective. However, I want you to make an informed decision about whether or not you are going to see the movie.
Before you decide if you are going to read the book or go see the movie I challenge you to honestly answer the question, “What Does 50% Shades of Gray Say About You?”

• Are you planning on seeing/reading it without investigating the content (sadomasochist, pornographic content)? It that wise?
• Will reading a book or watching a movie with sadomasochist, pornographic content express worth and honor for your spouse?
• How does your spouse feel about you reading a book or watching a movie with sadomasochist, pornographic content? Have you discussed how reading this book or watching this movie makes them feel?
• Does your reading/watching it speak to issues (perhaps sexual problems) in your marriage?
• How would you feel if you discovered your spouse was reading a book or watching a movie with sadomasochist, pornographic content?
• Does your hostile, virulent hatred of a book/movie you haven’t read or movie you haven’t watched, polarize you from someone who maybe searching for spiritual solutions? Christians can get emotional and say things that sound angry and judgmental so shouldn’t they address this subject from a perspective of genuine concern?

I have collected several blog posts that address some of the concerns that I am feeling. I believe you should be informed about the type of movie you are watching or book you are reading. The blog posts below will provide you with information you need to make an informed decision. I have no doubt that the content of the book and the movie is provocative and sensual. There is a reason why the book has sold so many copies. However, I am just as concerned that watching a movie with sadomasochist, pornographic content could be revealing something about the viewer – something that should be addressed.
This blog post was posted in an online magazine for teen girls that is edited by my daughter Julie Partin.
This blog post is written by a very popular writer named Matt Walsh. Matt’s style is usually logical and very emotional. His uncompromising opinion occasionally make people mad.
I found this article in the Christian Post. It is written from a Christian perspective.
This online resource (pluggedin.com) is an invaluable resource when investigating the content of a book or movie. I recommend review this site anytime you or your kids are curious about the content of a book or movie. You should bookmark this site so you can develop a habit of investigating content you or your kids are reading/watching. I conducted a search on the site for article about “50 Shades of Grey.” Here is the list:
This is a video from a segment of Sesame Street. I am curious why a publically funded children’s television program needs to parody a book with sadomasochist, pornographic content.
The final article ask the question, “Can anything about this book/movie be redeemed for the gospel?”
Please don’t blindly stumble into our irreligious culture without understanding how your beliefs and expectation are being shaped. Your faith and moral code will be formed by the secular culture whether or not you are even aware of it.
The bible says that marriage and sexuality is God’s gift. It is to be treasured and honored as such.

Dr. Phil Sallee, Pastor
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