Okay, I decided to show what happens when you pull information from the bible out of context and use it to back up your feelings. It's just not always legitimate. I know this is going to cause all sorts of chaos, but I'll disclaim ahead of time.
I have a good heart. I believe in God, but I do not believe in an outdated book that people pick perfect little pieces from to support their agendas or beliefs. I believe in being kind to each other, respecting each other and the earth, and doing unto others as you'd have done to you. I believe that people should get married and have kids, in that order, but I also don't believe that premarital sex is a one-way ticket to hell. I believe that everyone has their own story, their own journey, and if it doesn't happen the way God believes or I believe it should, then I should keep my damn nose out of it, appreciate their story and love them for who they are and not their past.
I also believe in freedom of speech, gay marriage and good literature. I believe in awesome debates and butting heads because it makes people think and care about things. I believe in stepping outside of your comfort zone in nearly every aspect you can because that's usually where life happens! I believe in an open mind and that happiness is defined differently for every single person.
I'm writing this because yes, I did read 50 Shades of Grey, and I may not pay to see the movie, but I might watch it when it's free on some platform. My biggest irritation is people claiming that the bible is dead set against all themes involved with this story.
A: 50 Shades is a work of fiction. It's a book. I've read much more horrific and terrifying things than this. (Have you ever read Stephen King? How about the A Child Called It series by Dave Pelzer? THAT is truly horrifying.) With some people's reactions, if you've watched or read anything with any sort of love scene in it, then you're sinning, and I find it hard to believe that some of these people follow through with this conviction throughout their entire lives. That would mean very limited television, movie and book exposure. If people do live that way, then more power to you! I admire the commitment and self-control you must have.
B: The verses below are pictures I personally took from my Precious Moments bible, a "children's" bible, which I had read cover to cover by the time I was in 6th grade. Stripped of everything else in the world, do these passages seem appropriate for school-age children? Would you let your kids read this when they are in 1st-6th grade? I feel that would violate my previous sentiments.
C: The Good Book is flawed in this; bad people use it out of context, and it doesn't allow for the progressing times. I don't believe that God leads with fear, and that is what a lot of the bible drills into your head. Well, I don't want to be afraid of God. I don't think he wants me to be afraid of him. I think he accepts me for who I am, flaws and all. I think he forgives bad behaviors and rewards good behaviors. I think he allows us to feel what we want, when we want and gives us power to work through things so we learn from our journey. I think he gives us fear so that we know that these are the things we have to overcome and that if we fear something, we're probably on the right path.
Now, I'm not trying to discredit the bible, I'm not trying to start a religious uprising. All I'm trying to say is that the same bible that preaches some of the very beliefs that I uphold, that most humans-regardless of religious beliefs-adhere to (back to being kind and respectful, love thy neighbor, honor thy father & mother, etc), the same bible that preaches basic human decency, is the very place that I found some of these passages that promote heinous behaviors. Everyone is afraid of something. Fear does not equal sin.
I do not condone domestic violence, and I understand that the relationship between the two characters-especially their physical relationship-is not something that everyone will feel comfortable with. That's fine. Nobody is being forced to read the series, watch the movies or live the lifestyle. But it's unfair to judge the books or movies if you A) haven't read/seen them, or B) don't understand the relationship.
I get it. I don't have a relationship like this, but for whatever reason, I understand why these two characters are the way they are. I understand why they feel comfortable in their roles of their relationship. I also understand that the way they interact is not domestic violence. Plus, it's fiction. I see some manipulation, sure, but I've never met anyone on this planet that didn't manipulate in some way, even if their intentions were pure and good. It's human nature. Plus, it's just a book. I think a lot of people have judged quickly and skimmed the surface of this series. If you look deeply, there are many facets, undertones, and layers of human complications, heartache and finding a connection with someone you truly love. It's not all about the sex in this book, and that is the biggest misconception that people have thoroughly blown out of proportion. Plus: It. Is. A. Book.
I've said my piece. I'm open-minded, and I believe people are inherently good. Everyone is just looking for a place to fit in. I just think that everyone just needs to remember that these are CHARACTERS in a book, not real human beings on trial.
