Let me clearly state that I have not read the books or seen
the movie, nor do I intend to do either. The movie contains scenes of fornication, sado-masochistic bondage, the exploitation and abuse of women, the degradation of human nature, lies, deceit, the abuse and distortion of true freedom, etc. It glorifies what mortifies God. To put it bluntly, I think it is sinful to watch the movie or read the books.
But why have so many people - especially women - flocked to the theaters to see the movie?
Now don't get me wrong. It seems clear to me that part of the reason for the movie's popularity is the wide acceptance of pornography in our culture. People have become so desensitized to images which are an affront to holy purity, to the beauty of sexual intimacy and to the dignity of the human person, that "Fifty Shades of Grey" looks like Windows 95.
But why have so many people - especially women - flocked to the theaters to see the movie?
Now don't get me wrong. It seems clear to me that part of the reason for the movie's popularity is the wide acceptance of pornography in our culture. People have become so desensitized to images which are an affront to holy purity, to the beauty of sexual intimacy and to the dignity of the human person, that "Fifty Shades of Grey" looks like Windows 95.
However, is it possible that such a movie is so popular because people are longing but unable to obtain the real thing (true love and intimacy) that a counterfeit seems a great option to them?
When I lived in Rome there was a whole business carried out by illegal immigrants of selling "knock off" handbags. They had much of the designer look but were not the real thing. The purses were cheap and very popular. People wanted the real thing but couldn't get it so they settled for a distorted copy.
Many people long for attention, intimacy, selfless love and have a hard time finding it. Their hearts are made to love and be loved yet they settle for lust and being used.
When I lived in Rome there was a whole business carried out by illegal immigrants of selling "knock off" handbags. They had much of the designer look but were not the real thing. The purses were cheap and very popular. People wanted the real thing but couldn't get it so they settled for a distorted copy.
Many people long for attention, intimacy, selfless love and have a hard time finding it. Their hearts are made to love and be loved yet they settle for lust and being used.
Women, ask yourselves: “Are my motives for
seeing this movie pure? Does the movie present the kind of intimacy that is true, lasting and respects the dignity of the other person? Do I want my husband/boyfriend/son to be like
Christian Grey? Do I agree that women should be sexually exploited even if they
consent to it?”
Men, ask yourselves: “Does this movie help me live purity of mind and heart? Would this movie truly inspire my son or daughter? Would I want them to learn from the movie how to interact with the opposite sex? Do I think it is morally acceptable to treat women like Christian does – as sexual objects for my own selfish pleasure?”
Men, ask yourselves: “Does this movie help me live purity of mind and heart? Would this movie truly inspire my son or daughter? Would I want them to learn from the movie how to interact with the opposite sex? Do I think it is morally acceptable to treat women like Christian does – as sexual objects for my own selfish pleasure?”
EWTN had
a very interesting and helpful discussion on the movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCdm3PY2D1o
Bishop Loverde, Bishop of Arlington, wrote how the movie
helps pornography go mainstream: http://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2015/02/porn-goes-mainstream
Bishop Malone, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Laity, Marriage,
Family Life and Youth, wrote a letter to the Bishops of the United State about the
film: http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/marriage-and-family/upload/Malone-to-Bishops-Fifty-Shades-of-Grey-2-4-15.pdf
Do you family members and friends a great favor and save
their souls by putting aside the desire to be "politically correct" and tell
them: "Don't go to see the movie or read the books. They are ugly corruptions
of the beauty of women, the goodness of human sexuality and in truth they
saddened the heart of God. If you long for real intimacy, look for it in a relationship of real love."
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