Book Review
Fifty Shades of Grey
by E. L. James
Read if you're interested in relationships, or books for adult.
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0.5
VerdictNot recommended
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Book Summary
This book explores the intensely sexual and dominant-submissive relationship between a young, naive college graduate, Anastasia Steele, and a wealthy, enigmatic businessman, Christian Grey. It details their explicit sexual encounters and the unfolding emotional complexities within their BDSM dynamic.
What it does well
Watch for
- — The explicit and central focus on non-marital sexual activity, including BDSM, directly contradicts biblical teachings on sexuality, which reserve intimacy for the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman (Hebrews 13:4, Ephesians 5:31-33).
- — The portrayal of the relationship, particularly the power dynamics and sexual submission, can be seen as problematic and potentially glorify behaviors that are not conducive to healthy, Christ-centered relationships based on mutual respect, love, and equality (Ephesians 5:21-33).
- — The book romanticizes physical and psychological control, which stands in stark contrast to the Christian call for self-control, freedom in Christ, and love that 'does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking' (1 Corinthians 13:5).
Verdict
Christian readers are strongly advised to avoid this book. Its core themes and explicit content are in direct opposition to biblical principles regarding sexuality, relationships, and purity. Engagement with this material is likely to be spiritually detrimental and undermine Christian values.
ALIGNMYREAD RECOMMENDATION
“Christian readers are strongly advised to avoid this book. Its core themes and explicit content are in direct opposition to biblical principles regarding sexuality, relationships, and purity. Engagement with this material is likely to be spiritually detrimental and undermine Christian values.”
Biblical alignment
Areas of concern
- —The explicit and central focus on non-marital sexual activity, including BDSM, directly contradicts biblical teachings on sexuality, which reserve intimacy for the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman (Hebrews 13:4, Ephesians 5:31-33).
- —The portrayal of the relationship, particularly the power dynamics and sexual submission, can be seen as problematic and potentially glorify behaviors that are not conducive to healthy, Christ-centered relationships based on mutual respect, love, and equality (Ephesians 5:21-33).
- —The book romanticizes physical and psychological control, which stands in stark contrast to the Christian call for self-control, freedom in Christ, and love that 'does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking' (1 Corinthians 13:5).
- —The language and themes are overtly sexual and gratuitous, which is contrary to the biblical admonition to avoid 'obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking' and to focus on 'whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable' (Ephesians 5:4, Philippians 4:8).
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