Magic Mike and 50 Shades of Grey

There’s been much talk on blogland this week about the movie Magic Mike and the book 50 Shades of Grey. I questioned whether or not I should throw my two cents in. Haven’t we heard enough already?

50 Shades of Grey is an erotic novel, and Magic Mike is a movie about male strippers, and both are very, very popular with women right now.

I’m reminded of a song I sang many times as a child, Oh be careful little eyes what you see, Oh be careful little eyes what you see. For the Father up above he is looking down with love, Oh be careful little eyes what you see. It seems we’ve lost this mindset.

1 Peter 1:15-16 says, But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

Christ has called me to be holy, I’m to strive to be like Him. It’s not easy and I am far from perfect. But I want to do everything I can to be like Christ.

Magic Mike and 50 Shades of Grey have both been described as “Mommy Porn”.  Something about that suggests to me that they might not be something Christ would want me to see or to read.

So, I’m choosing not to see Magic Mike or read 50 Shades of Grey. What about you? What are your thoughts?

I love this song my Casting Crowns called Slow Fade……..I’ve had it on my mind all week!

I hope you’re having a great Sunday!

P.S. My friend Mandy at House of Rose wrote a post on why she decided not to read The Shades of Grey. She did a great job of explaining why she’s not going to read it. You can read her post here.

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  1. Just one little note about the Fifty Shades series – although there’s a lot of sex, it all happens between two people who eventually get married and are in a monogamous relationship the entire series.

  2. I’ve heard of the book, but I really didn’t know what it was about. Thanks for enlightening me, and no thank you; I will be passing on reading that book. Mysteries are the genre of my choice. HA, HA! I don’t really care to see the movie either. It’s makes me uncomfortable to watch/read that kind of thing.

  3. Oh Megan you are making wise choices!! Your marriage will be blessed because of your decisions. As Christians, Christ has called us to the narrow road. It’s not always easy but it’s the right path.
    Keep your eyes on Christ, he is faithful!!
    Blessings,
    Cyndi

  4. Cyndi, thank you so much for posting this! I too decided not to read the book, or watch that movie. I try to remind my girls (18 & 14) that our lives (including what we think and what we watch and what we say) should always honor Christ, and that I choose not to put anything like that in my mind, and that we should guard our hearts. I sometimes fail (wish I had reviewed the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo on pluggedinonline.com before i saw that one). A friend of my oldest daughter gave her the book to read (50 Shades) and I told her I didn’t approve, but she had to make the choice for herself (she’s going off to college in the fall). I did tell her the reasons that I would not be reading it. When we dropped it off back at her friend’s the other day, I asked if she finished it. She said that no, she decided not to. As my girls get older, I realize that I really CAN let go of them and actually TRUST GOD with them. That may sound silly, but I’m somewhat of a control freak. But I’m trying to learn to lead by example and explain to my girls WHY rather than give them an arbitrary list of rules. Your post gives me great encouragement. Satan would have us believe that we’re all alone and we are weird for not following the crowd and trying to stay up with all the popular fads. Thank you for reminding me what really matters every time I read your blog.

  5. Hey Megan! It’s Cyndi’s sister, Traci, and I just want to say I am so proud of you for being a “prude”. 🙂
    You will be rewarded in heaven and on earth for your decision to take a stand. Bless you and your marriage!!!

  6. Cyndi, thank you for writing this post. My sweet husband and I will celebrate our second anniversary tomorrow, and I have heard so many “jokes” from friends that I should read/watch to spice up our marriage now that the honeymoon phase is over. I declined to see the movie with a group of friends (other young, newly married women) last weekend, and was laughed at and called a prude. “What’s the harm?” a girlfriend of mine asked. I can’t imagine a more harmful thing to add to my life, let alone my relationship with my husband! I appreciate your encouragement on this issue, it solidifies my decision NOT to participate! I am thankful for God’s message through you today!

  7. Cyndi, so funny, I reflected on that same song when talking about this topic on FB! Great post, I’m in complete agreement with you!

  8. I am just shocked that we even have to have a discussion about it. I am glad you and other women are writing about it on their blogs, but somewhere deep inside it just seems so weird that we even have to think it needs to be said. You know? We have got to stand for righteousness. The Bible is clear on this matter and that should be enough.

    Thanks for the post. You are 100% right. Lisa~

  9. I think those types of movies and books reaffirm to women a lie we so desperately want to believe…that we can find true satisfaction in the flesh…whether its from our looks or our relationships or our hobbies or even our passions…but God tells us that true, deep satisfaction only comes from a relationship with HIM…as Christian women we need to tell the world there is much deeper relationship to satisfy our hearts…and its found with our Savior, Jesus Christ… thanks for the post!!

  10. I wanted to share this resource in case you don’t know about it. I always check out movies before we go or watch a DVD. http://www.pluggedin.com ~ it’s Focus on the Family’s review site. It gives all the content, so you can make an informed decision. I am really losing my interest in movies these days.

  11. Thanks Melissa! We all will have to stand before God one day. I want to live my life pleasing to Him. Thanks for stopping by! Have a great day!
    Blessings,
    Cyndi

  12. Thank you Aubrey! I’m sure a lot of people think I’m too conservative. I just want to be like Christ! I’m not perfect but some things are black and white!
    Have a great day!
    cyndi

  13. I agree Ashley. I don’t want to be so offensive that non christians won’t visit my blog but I’m pretty black and white on this issue. Thanks for sharing!
    Cyndi

  14. I know that making a choice to do what is right on your blog, facebook, twitter etc… isn’t easy, but we all have to stand before God one day and I think I would be ashamed to say I saw this movie or that I had wasted time reading this book. Love love love Casting Crowns ( and the song slow fade)!! Thank you for taking a stand for Christ.

  15. This topic has come up in my circle of friends lately too. I will not be seeing this movie or reading this book. As a mom to an almost 17 year old daughter I don’t think that it would be wise to let her see her mother partaking of these things. I am also a Sunday School teacher, and what would that say about my witness? I think mostly though that we live in such a society that people really have become numb to these things and God’s word tells me “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Proverbs 4:23 I will choose to guard my heart.

  16. It is definetly a black and white issue! Would you want your husband to watch a similar movie with women actors? Would you take Jesus to the movie with you? I have 3 young boys and a daughter on the way….what would they think of my choices if I went to see this movie? I appreciate your post and others on this subject because I was hearing so many women talk about going to see the movie and wondering if I was the only one who thought something was totally wrong with it! I love your blog!

  17. I couldn’t agree more! There are a lot of people talking about these things like they are good. I like what the apostle Paul has to say; he gave a good barometer for what is worthy of our attention: Phillippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
    In a world where these things are being touted as worthy of our attention it is refreshing to read a dissenting opinion. Thanks!

  18. I’m standing with you. Honestly, I didn’t know about either but kept seeing comments on Facebook about people going to see the movie or recommending the book. Thanks to your info, I knew it wasn’t something I would want to watch or read.

    Debbie

  19. I only heard about 50 Shades of Grey last week and your blog is the first time I’ve heard of Magic Mike. I apparently don’t get out much. I won’t be reading the book or seeing the movie. I’m busy getting caught up on the Andy Griffith re-runs…….. 🙂

  20. I, like you, feel this is a black and white issue! It’s all or nothing. I have had several “Christian” friends who went to see this movie and loved it! I just don’t get it. I also do not want to sit in judgement, but…We are to keep ourselves from even the “appearance of evil.” Does the Bible not say that if we dwell on these things we already commit adultry in our hearts. Sure don’t want ANY part of that!

  21. This was a great post. I am so glad you chose to share. I for one have no desire to participate in either of those. I love the verse you shared. “Be ye holy, for I am holy.” I think that is something Christian women are lacking in a lot of areas now a days. I tend to be a little more modest, but feel a little offended when I’m at church with “christian” women who look and dress no differently than the “lost” 15 year old girls walking the streets. It’s so sad.

    I am sure the Lord is using this blog of yours to help train women in all of these areas. Keep it up.
    ~K

  22. Thx for this post Cyndi…. and for standing for what’s right!!! I am soo thankful I have absolutely NO desire to watch or read either! Thank God we “hunger and thirst after righteousness” and not this garbage!! Stay sweet… love all your encouragement!!

  23. Totally agree with all you said. I’m not a tv watcher and I hardly watch anything at the movies. This will not be one of them. I am a book lover but will not be reading this one. Like you said, it’s a black and white issue. There’s nothing to think about!
    Thank you for sharing wise words!

  24. So glad that you posted your view Cyndi! So many people can benefit for reading your blog because you are always speaking the truth and I LOVE IT! Way to stay strong to your beliefs and I am glad I am not alone in feeling some of the things that I have. Thanks for linking to my post!!

  25. Absolutely will not read the book or see the movie. I agree with you wholeheartedly. I just read in my devotional this morning about how we’ve forgotten how to blush. “Ain’t it the truth!”

  26. I don’t need the temptation either! I think I’m just surprised how many christian women think it’s “okay!” When did porn become okay??
    Thanks for sharing!
    Blessings,
    Cyndi

  27. Laurie I read her post the other day and it was wonderful!! She really got me thinking about the Casting Crown song. We have to be careful what we see and read!! The devil is waiting to pounce!
    Thanks for stopping by!
    Cyndi

  28. I’m totally okay with being uncool about this!! I can’t imagine taking my 26 year old daughter to see it. Neither of us would be comfortable!
    Thanks for stopping by!
    Cyndi

  29. I don’t watch rated R movies either. I can barely watch some PG-13 these days!! I had no idea the language was so bad either but doesn’t surprise me!
    thanks for stopping by!
    Cyndi

  30. Nope, I won’t be participating in either one. And I had no idea that the language was so vile in Magic Mike. That alone would have me shrinking in my seat (or, more likely, walking out).

    Since I didn’t allow my boys to see R rated movies when they were growing up, I made the decision at that time that I wouldn’t see them either. I don’t feel my life has been lacking in any way. My boys are 26 and 24 now and on their own, but I still have no desire to go to R rated movies.

  31. I totally agree 100%! Several ladies where I work were talking about going and one asked me if I wanted to go and another piped up….she won’t go she’s a “Christian”! Gave me a chance to explain what a Christian is and I am definately glad that they can see that I am “different”. I am holy, I am set apart because of Jesus Christ. I call it like it is ….it’s nothing but pornography (they can put a cutesy name on it but it’s still porn)I know a Christian grandmother that is taking her 18 year old grand-daughters to see the movie and I am utterly speechless! It’s one thing to be a cool grandma but taking them to see something like this is setting them up to fail. We don’t need to be like those toads in the pot not noticing when the temperature is gradually being increased until it’s boiling! Stand firm ladies!!

  32. I am with you on this, Cyndi! Totally! It has been hurting my heart to see my married Christian sisters be giddy over this book and movie like they are totally okay to invite into their lives and then talk about openly in social media forums. I am FAR from perfect, but I can honestly say that I have zero interest in these types of things – I am someone’s wife, someone’s mom (several someones’ mom in fact), and that carries certain resp with it. Here’s another great post on this issue with a very lively discussion going on:
    http://melissajenna.com/2012/06/30/50-shades-of-magic-mike-in-which-i-am-very-uncool/

    Thank you for speaking out!!! God bless!

  33. I don’t need the temptation either! I think I’m just surprised how many christian women think it’s “okay!” When did porn become okay??
    Thanks for sharing!
    Cyndi

  34. I never considered reading or seeing either one. I am bombarded with enough by just turning on the TV, going to the grocery store or turning on the radio. When we knowingly expose ourselves to these types of things we are just asking for temptation and I don’t need to invite anymore temptation into my life.

    Love that Casting Crowns song!

  35. I’m sure there will be some who disagree or “unfriend” me and I’m okay with that too! Christ has called us to the narrow road Crystal and we are never promised it will be easy.
    Thanks so much for stopping by!
    Blessings,
    Cyndi

  36. Well said Vicki! Our world is dark enough! My husband said this morning, the darker the world, the brighter our lights will shine. I want my light to shine!!!
    Thanks for stopping by!
    Blessings,
    Cyndi

  37. Well said Vicki! Our world is dark enough! My husband said this morning, the darker the world, the brighter our lights will shine. I want my light to shine!!!
    Thanks for stopping by!
    Cyndi

  38. Oh Wanda I don’t mean to make any more hoopla over the movie or the book. I just feel I need to take a stand. I want my blog to honor Christ and when there’s a hot topic and I feel it’s clearly against what Christ has for us, I want to share my heart.
    I’m with you friend….it’s a spirit of oppression!!
    Blessings,
    Cyndi

  39. I was a little afraid to post anything because I don’t want to sit in judgement but this is such a black and white issue for me.
    Thanks friend!
    Cyndi

  40. I will NOT be seeing this either…I have actually been unfriended by “christian” woman over my stand against both the books & the movie. I am ok w/that b/c at this point in my life I am not going to worry about what people may think I want to make sure that God is pleased w/me. It seems that the roles in society have been reversed for the moment & women are being attacked w/porn & they are finding ways to justify it. I pray that women continue to stand up against Satan & his attacks.

  41. I cannot even imagine sitting through it with a 17 year old and a 19 year old! I also didn’t know it used the f word that many times!! Unbelievable!
    Thanks for sharing!
    Cyndi

  42. I believe that 50 Shades of Gray and Magic Mike are both not appropriate shows for young or older Christian woman/ The bible says a womans desire should be for her husband. The film Magic Mike goes the opposite direction of what the bible teaches. The world we live in now is dark enough and Satan is alive and well. We as Christian both need to stand up and speak out against things we know go against what the Lord preaches.

  43. No way. Not planning to read or watch either. I’m so tired of the hoopla over them both! I can literally feel my skin crawl when I see a post on Facebook or a blog regarding them. So many women/young girls are clamoring to be a part of the “fun”. When I asked a friend on FB why she was reading the books…it turned into a hot debate. She was very defensive (duh) and tried to shame me for being judgemental regarding such fine literature/writing! I felt sick even mentioning it.

    I sincerely feel a spirit of oppression over the books & the movie.

    My prayer is that God would convict those caught up in this as “just fun entertainment” and call them to make a change in their lifestyle. I also wonder how they would feel if the situation was flipped and it was the boyfriends/husbands going ga-ga over 3 books & a movie about female strippers? Probably a little hurtful.

  44. totally agree with you… only, I think you went a little too easy because you are such a sweet sweet lady 🙂 50 Shades and Magic Mike are two things that involve very sinful things and are something that Christian ladies should have nothing to do with. There. I said it. I’ll be totally uncool and mean. What gets me is if the rolls were reversed most women would be livid if their men were going crazy over a movie about women strippers. Maybe I am not speaking with very much grace here but I think in an instance like this, where there is NO gray area, we should be taking a stand. Our church uses receive, redeem, or reject when it comes to cultural things…. these definitely fit the in the reject category…no question. :/

  45. I will not be doing either, and I am so thankful that I have no desire to at all. I truly believe it is wrong to bring another into my marriage ~ whether that is in the flesh, through pictures/ movies, or thoughts. I only want my husband to ignite my fire! I also think the stripper movie is just profane. I read the review after hearing one blogging mom that she was numb after sitting through it with her 17 & 19 year old daughters. That movie uses the F 150 times. Ugh!!