Russell Wilson and the Fifty Shades backlash

“[D]o not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2, NKJV).

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson is on record confessing his faith. “In terms of my legacy off the field, I want to be a Christian man that helps lead and helps change lives and helps serve other people,” he told reporters prior to this year’s Super Bowl. “In terms of my faith, my faith is everything: God comes first, family and friends come second, and football comes third.”

The 26-year-old Wilson, whose team lost the Super Bowl to the New England Patriots, has often quoted Bible verses on Twitter. That’s why some of his Twitter followers and others were confused when he endorsed Fifty Shades of Grey, the movie about fornication in the form of sadomasochistic sex:

“Thanks for the early showing of #50ShadesOfGrey late last night. Great movie.”

My first reaction was surprise. Why would a Christian watch a movie like that, let alone admit it publicly? In response to Wilson’s tweet, one person called the movie “moral filth.” One man wrote, “Really? I’m honestly not sure how you can quote Bible verses all the time and then say this is a good movie. …” Some called his endorsement “sad,” and a few implied that Wilson was endorsing domestic and sexual violence. Another man reminded Wilson that young people look up to him.

Instead of apologizing for “offending” people, which is the usual response to such backlash, Wilson stood his ground. He tweeted this:

“Saw a movie filmed in the town I call home. Provocative/disturbing no doubt but that does not make me less Faithful. Have a blessed day!”

I started thinking about my own entertainment choices. Although I don’t intend to read the Fifty Shades books or watch the movie, I generally avoid “Christian” novels and faith-based movies and TV shows, unless the shows are documentaries. I’m not a fan of romance novels, “clean” or erotic. I read and watch murder mysteries and thrillers, and I don’t mind a bit of “earthiness” in them. I don’t hide my entertainment choices, but perhaps I should put more thought into what I consume.

One of my reasons—or excuses, depending on your point of view—for reading and watching stories that might contain fornication, adultery, salty language, etc., is I’m a mature Christian, and observing these things won’t cause me to stumble. The Bible is clear that fornication is a sin, but is it also a sin to read or watch stories that include it? Is it only OK when the fornicator ends up repenting or “paying” for the sin? Does it come down to redemptive storytelling versus titillation? Food for thought.

They say character is who you are when no one is looking. If that’s the case, everyone, saved or unsaved, has room for improvement. Sinners, all. Pray on this: What do you consume when no one’s looking?