Answer: That our culture, society, and world is in desperate need of Jesus.

First, if you want to read a great post about 50 shades here are two that I would recommend

Kevin DeYoungs Post – Gospel Coalition

Nitty Gritty Love

Now, an encouragement and word of caution. In all honesty I don’t know how much mental focus and time 50 shades deserves. Actually, I do..not much. There are certain things that our culture produces that we need to simply reject. 50 shades is one of those things. It is not helpful, meaningful, nor does it provide any benefit for us or our society at large.

However, 50 shades can teach us something. It can teach us what our society and culture is longing for. The underlying themes and motives for the fanaticism around this book/movie seem to be a desire to find a sense of freedom, liberation (sexual, emotional, relational), and ultimately a desire to be wanted uniquely and intimately. I can think of no other message than the Gospel for these needs. The fact is true freedom and liberation is found when we submit ourselves to the perfect kingship of Jesus. The sacrifice of Christ was great and His work in rescuing us from sin and death was final. Colossians 1:13-14 explains what took place on our behalf for the glory of Christ.

Finally, lets spend less time talking about this book/movie and more time figuring out how we can engage this dark world with the message of the Gospel. Here is one practical thing I plan on doing.

• I have three sons. I want to model to them what it looks like to be Godly men. My aunt Michelle wrote a post I referred to earlier. In it she says that girls seem to want Mr. Grey’s not Mr. Darcy’s in todays culture. I’m planning on raising 3 Mr. Darcy’s #TeamDarcy. But really, I want to raise three boys that grow up to be men of God and reflect the character and nature of Jesus. None of which is embodied in Mr. Grey.

Now, what can you do?

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