“To be hypercritical of the world and not hold Christians up to the same criticism is to show our ‘Blind Side’”

By: American Decency Staff

A relative takes me to task regarding my analysis of The Blind Side.  First his comments then mine. Quoting: I see your point of view about the Blind Side —- but. Maybe being a resident of Fremont you do not see what I see in our churches in Grand Rapids.  There isn't a hairs difference in the way Sandra Bullock portrays Mrs. Tuohy and what I see women in our churches.  I've seen just as tight, provocative dress by 'Christian' women.  This is not new.  And it has bothered me for years. I would like to ask these 'Christian' women 'If Jesus were to walk into our church and see what you are wearing, would he be pleased?'  Would YOU be proud of the way you are dressed — or ashamed? I don't know if you have seen the Tuohy family or not.  They have been interviewed on TV at least twice.  I can't say that the real Mrs. Tuohy wore that type of clothing, but it would not surprise me in the least. On the other hand, how many 'Christian' families do you see portrayed in ANY Hollywood produced movies?  Just MAYBE the non-Christian world got a glimpse of a real Christian in action.  And, maybe they will see a difference between Christian action and the way the world acts. When we look at a movie with such 'tunnel vision' and are so critical that it doesn't come up to our standards does that mean GOD can't use this movie to bring some lost souls to Christ.  Do you criticize the 'Christian' women and the way they dress like you do Sandra Bullock in this movie? Don't we, as Christians, have to demand that our women change the way they dress BEFORE we have the right to criticize the way non-Christian women dress?  When you go to Wal-Mart or the malls in large cities, can you pick out Christian women from non-Christian women by the way they dress?  Or act?  I can't!  We have a LOT of work to be done.  Unfortunately it needs to start in our own churches. You have a very good ministry and mission going after Abercrombie & Fitch and the filth displayed on supermarket checkouts and all that you do, but I really think you're missing the point in this movie.  Is the message here the sexuality of Sandra Bullock — or might it just be the Christian message that will win the day? To be hypercritical of the world and not hold Christians up to the same criticism is to show our 'Blind Side'. My response: Thanks for your comments on my email alerts.  A couple of responses: The movie was worthwhile.  I'm glad to have had the opportunity to have watched it. Fremont is not cut off from the influences of the world - as is no one in this media age.  And for myself,   I do get around a bit on ADA business from Orlando (regularly) to Washington DC (regularly) to the Rivertown Crossings Mall.  I’ve been in churches where Christian women have gone down the path of immodesty as well. It saddened and bothered me. God's calling upon me at the core level is being salt and light to the Christian community – to exhort, encourage, remind believers "to pursue holiness without which no man shall see the Lord."  It is not always appreciated but that goes with the territory though I can honestly say I'm not looking to be picky or to pick a fight. You state it yourself that it has bothered you for a long time that the church doesn't address the concern regarding immodesty and that many within the church dress inappropriately.  By God's grace, I'm not going to be as the church – silent.   I believe that what I said needed to be said and heard – giving the message that dressing so provocatively is not pleasing to God, damages the Christian testimony and is hurtful in a variety of ways to His people. I acknowledge that I could have been more positive about the powerful message of the movie. However, so many already have been so positive, and, I did begin my comments saying that I liked the message of the movie. That being said – as a Christian with the calling that I believe God has given me – I felt compelled to address issues of blatant, hyper-sexuality that were throughout the movie.  I anticipated having 10-15 people unsubscribe.  In reading the emails that I have received, I believe that I represented the views of many hurting women who know their husbands struggle with such images. We do have a lot of work to do.  This movie gave me a great opportunity to do the work that the church will continue to fail to do. Every summer we send a bulletin insert out to the church entitled "Immodesty in the church" addressing this very concern. I have also brought this issue up with my children when they were under my roof and even beyond when necessary. We have an impossible mission but by the grace of God we still stand.  Modesty, holiness, decency are run rough shod over by the world and the church.  We shed that light into the darkness and take opportunity when we see the need.  I felt the need here knowing that many Christians have already viewed and will view this movie.  I didn't want anyone that I have even a modicum of influence with to think that such dress was appropriate attire for a Christian.   They may not agree but I want them to know that silence doesn't mean approval. God bless you ….  And thanks for sharing your heartfelt views with me. Bill ============================================== One resource that we find particularly helpful is Nancy Leigh DeMoss’ “The Look: Does God really care what I wear?â€Â https://secure4.afo.net/ada/main.php?f=store/display =============================================== Your support is important to our ability to make a difference: donate online at: https://secure4.afo.net/ada/main.php?f=donate/display9 American Decency Association Bill Johnson, President P.O. Box 202 Fremont, MI 49412 ph: 231-924-4050 www.americandecency.org http://www.twitter.com/billwjohnson

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