I know talking about this will spark discussions for and
against what I want to say and I welcome both. Recently, someone loaned me 50
Shades of Grey by E. L. James. Not knowing what I was getting myself into I
read a few reviews on the book and opened with caution. At first, the book was
riveting. I love a good romance. It was fun and playful to remember the
feelings of first falling in love. Boy meets girl. Boy pursues girl. Girl
daydreams about boy and on and on.
Within the turn of a single page, however, the book takes on
a dark, twisted, and distorted view of relationships. I am not known for my
ability to stomach harshness, crudeness, or vulgarity so it is no surprise to
some that this book would not be on my top ten list of must reads. In fact, I
ended up turning to the last two pages of the book to see how it ended and gave
it back to the person who loaned it to me without finishing it.
What I did read from the book is enough to have based an
opinion. I fully believe in the sexual unity of a man and wife according to God’s
word and believe that it is a gift meant to give pleasure and for our personal enjoyment.
I do not believe that it is meant for abuse, domination, submission or unhealthy
fantasies.
The characters in the book are Christian Grey and Anastasia
Steele. Christian’s good looks and what some may call “charm” instantly rivet
Anastasia. She craves to know more about him. His success, intelligence and good
looks make Anastasia feel like a giddy schoolgirl because his interest in her,
regardless of the warning signals that she feels within, make her think she
must be important to have his caught HIS eye. As their “relationship” begins to
grow, so does the dark and mysterious ways of Christian Grey.
My intent is not to give the book away for those that have
not read the series. However, I do want to point out a few things that made my
decision to put the book down emanate.
1.
If sex was designed by God for a man and wife’s
pleasure, this book quickly knocks that down. Two people who barely know one
another engage in borderline abusive sex.
2.
God created man and woman equally in His image.
This book takes the role of submissiveness to a whole new level by making the
act of sex what a man DOES to a woman, rather than an act of love given from a
man and woman to each other.
3.
God made woman to bring out the best in a man
and to be his partner. Grey’s acts of dominance, requirements of discipline and
obedience, and complete control over every aspect of Steele’s life are forms of
abuse to make Steele feel she can’t live without him.
I am not naïve enough to believe everyone will agree with me
or that my review will make someone who is intent on reading it, stop from
doing so. However, I want to caution my Christian friends who want to read this
book. I believe that with the right frame of mind, it can be read. The only way
it should be read is cautiously and with the intent to form an opinion to share
with our culture in hopes that it will bring someone to Christ.
We all have needs and desires that we seek to fulfill in
ways God did not intend. This book, I feel is a danger to the single woman who
wants to remain pure and the wife who feels her needs are not being met by her
spouse. There is a reason we have wants and desires that we seek temporary
fulfillment for. Because deep down we know our every need cannot be met by
anyone or anything. That is where I encourage each of you to look towards God.
He designed and created us and only He can satisfy completely. And His love is
not abusive, nor is it dominant or penalizing.
Rachel W. Clark
