On Valentine’s Day weekend this year, two movies will debut in theaters across the nation. These two films portray relationships in radically different ways.
One of the movies is called
Fifty Shades of Grey. While it is being marketed as a romantic story, it is actually a graphic portrayal of a young woman agreeing to be abused and degraded in an unhealthy sexual relationship.
Leaders in the Religious Alliance Against Pornography (RAAP) have stated, “The contrast between the message of
Fifty Shades of Grey and God’s design for self-giving and self-sacrificing love, marriage and sexual intimacy could not be greater.”
Some people claim that pornography is a victimless vice. It is not. It undermines marriages, stunts the capacity for healthy relationships, diminishes productivity at work, and preys on human frailty and wounds. A list of resources to help men and women who are struggling with pornography is available at
http://www.foryourmarriage.org/help-for-men-and-women-struggling-with-pornography-use-or-addiction/.
In stark contrast to
Fifty Shades of Grey is another movie that will be in theaters beginning on Valentine’s Day. It is called
Old Fashioned. This film attempts to depict the beauty as well as the complexity of a romantic relationship in the context of contemporary culture. It tries to show how authentic love draws us out of ourselves, helps to heal past wounds, and makes us better persons.
For those who want to take in a new movie around Valentine’s Day, consider going to see
Old Fashioned. The trailer may be viewed at their website:
www.oldfashionedmovie.com.
Bishop Michael J. Sis
Catholic Diocese of San Angelo