Magic Mike – Movie: Released Summer 2012
“A male stripper takes a rookie under his wing and instructs him in the finer points of their trade” (Fandango).
Fifty Shades of Grey – “The first book in the erotica trilogy that began life as Twilight fan fiction before becoming a best selling ebook, has sold 31 million copies worldwide, to date. In the US alone, the book hit 20 million in sales in July” (Forbes). According to a NY writer interviewed by CNN, much of the success of these books is due to the “virtual anonymity” women have when downloading E-books.
What does a Church Lady have to do with Magic Mike and Fifty Shades of Grey?
I love to read and go to the movies. I love to see how people think differently and see the world from their perspective. I love a good story that will make me laugh and cry. I also love great non-fiction.
So why this post?
- A week or so ago I saw the Facebook status of a young professional man who said, “I’m surprised to see how many Christian women are going to see the movie Magic Mike.” I took note of his question – but what I noted more was the firestorm that ensued just because he questioned Christian women for going to see this movie. I had to say, that as a leader of Christian women– I was shocked too. It became obvious, status after status, that groups of women were getting together to go to the movie.
- Dr. Oz featured several women on his show that were encouraging others to read Fifty Shades of Grey for the “health and spice of their marriages.” Really? Soon after, I’m watching Neil Cavuto give business news and what do they discuss? Fifty Shades of Grey. Cavuto’s show focused on skyrocketing download sales of the book. But, before the segment ended, one of the panel members suggested that maybe a little porn would be good for all the married couples.
Wait a Minute!
I’m seeing women post about how books and movies like these are great for their sex life.
Porn – at any level – is never going to benefit your marriage.
Ask the wife who has found her husband at the computer… again. Ask how valued she feels.
Women my age (48) and older: Well, Come On! You ought to know better. First, there is a clear double standard in that most would be highly offended and hurt if their husbands wanted to meet the guys to go to a strip club, but it’s “ok” for them to go watch a movie with their girlfriends about a male stripper?
Second, it’s just weird to be reading “Mommy Porn.” Do you really want your sons and daughters to know that’s what makes up your reading list?
Some women I know grew up in legalism and now have thrown all restraint to the wind.
Believe me, I’m not for creating more rules or giving instruction where there is none. But, last time I looked, Philippians 4:8 isn’t legalism.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.
Younger Women – my heart goes out to you. Maybe with all the craziness of this world no one has shared with you “what could be.” Maybe no one has taken the time to model a marriage that gives you hope. Maybe we are failing to talk frankly and honestly with you about what the Bible has to say about sex and marriage.
May I be one of those “older women” who has gone a little farther in life to say, please be careful? It may seem harmless now, but this is dangerous territory.
I see marriages that have been ravaged by the affects of porn. It is common to talk with any number of wives who are in pain and torment over the addictions of their husbands. And, increasingly, women are confiding about their own addictions to pornography.
I have to wonder, Why are these books/movies so popular among Christian women?
In her book Divine Design, Nancy Leigh DeMoss said, “when I read Proverbs 7, in my minds eye I see women I know who, though they are ‘churched’ and consider themselves to be believers, have made choices that are more consistent with the world’s way of thinking than with the Word of God.”
What about marriage?
Married now, or in the future, I hope for your marriage everything Intended for Pleasure. May you enjoy Red Hot Monogamy. May you find freedom and joy in all Intimate Issues.
“Magic Mike and Fifty Shades of Grey are the titles of this year – there will be new ones tomorrow. Magic Mike had less than enthusiastic box office results, while Fifty Shades of Grey has become a current cultural phenomenon.
The connection between the two is you.
Pure doesn’t mean – lacking adventure. Pure doesn’t mean boring. Pure is “free from what vitiates, weakens, or pollutes” (Merriam- Webster).
“Being a Christan is less about cautiously avoiding sin than about courageously and actively doing God’s will.” ― Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Romans 16:17 “For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil.”
What do you think?
Lisa H. Bryant 
This is GREAT Lisa! I’m so glad you’re willing to take a stand and encourage women, not based on legalism but based on the hope for God’s best. Based on love and purity.
Thank you, Cheryl.
Exactly right Lisa. You are spot on. I have been so puzzled by the number of Christian women I know who have gone to this movie and read those books. I just do not understand. I do not understand at all. Thank you for this post!
Kathy, thanks for the encouragement!
Love that you spoke about such hot topics with women today. I’m asked frequently why I won’t read the books, and etc… Thanks for adding such wisdom to my life! Great post, keep it up 🙂
Rachel, love and appreciate you!!
Lisa, this is very well written and valuable for those who are curious about all of this. I stand with you! It pays to research before you buy into something like this movie and this book. The Bible says it all…we must heed what HE continues to teach us. The Bible has never change, but many people today seem to think all is okay today. Thank you for speaking up!!
Maryann – thank you. You are a mentor to me. ((Hugs)).
Lisa, I could not agree with you more! Thank you for putting your thoughts into words to influence the world!
Andrea, you are a blessing. Thanks for the encouragement – and sharing the post.
Lisa, thank you so much for sharing. I agree with you that we should use God’s word as the guide as to what we view and read.
Thank you – Donna! Hugs to you.
Thank you for taking a stand in today’s world. I grew up in a legalistic environment and understand how many who grew up in that want to stray far away from it. However, God’s wisdom and His word is not legalistic it is the best way to live our lives. I believe that Phillippians 4:8 is the best way to live our lives.
Nena – thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much Lisa…this is so relevant for our times…
Father, allow Your truth to permeate our hearts, that You may be glorified through the passion of our marriage relationships!
Amber – i love how you word things. That is my prayer, too.
love you!
Awesome Lisa! Thank you for taking a stand and speaking out so boldly on such a hot topic. Very well done…..
Written with such love and esteem for women. Thank you, Lisa.
“to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” Proverbs 22:1
Thank you, Brenda.
Well done, Lisa. Our remedy – the Word and books like Wrecked! Saw your comment on Jeff Goins site and followed your link – glad I did!
Hi Roberta – thank you for your comments and for sharing how you found me. I’m anxious to read my copy of Wrecked. :0)
Wonderful job. Thank you so much for speaking the truth.
Thank you, Catherine.
Loved this, Lisa. When talking with a friend earlier in the summer I was shocked to find out that she was reading 50 shades of Grey. When I reached out to her and advised her that it was dangerous and directly against scripture, she became very defnsive and accused me of being narrowminded. Thanks for being a great role model and standing for the “right” instead of the “popular”.
Susan,
Thanks so much for writing. Have a great night.