A wink and a nod to soft porn for women?

Is pornography bad for men and good for women?

Is it “cool” for women to indulge in a little “soft porn”?

Is “soft pornography” allowed for women but a sin for men?

Then how do we explain the current popularity of “50 Shades of Grey” among women, including Christian women?

The book has sold more than 40 million copies internationally and has topped best seller lists around the world. Yet, what makes the book (the first installment of a triology) notable is its explicitly erotic scenes.

For some reason, there is a deafening silence in the church about Christian women not only being engrossed by the novel, but openly gushing about their delight in it. There is an endless drumbeat of conversation about the problem of men being addicted to pornography, but open recommendations by Christian women of a trendy erotic read.

It’s more than hypocrisy.

Perhaps we’re best guided by Paul’s admonition to the Ephesians:

17 With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their
minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives
because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against
him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity. 20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy,” Ephesians 4:17-24.

It may not be the culturally cool thing to call out this issue among women, but if the church ignores things like this, what else will it ignore? And by “things like this” I’m not talking about book bashing, but rather the silence of the Church toward the bigger issue of seemingly dismissing for women what it easily condemns for men. It’s time to be a little more consistent with our biblical convictions.

Scotty