Naked Truths
"Critics weigh in on what makes nudity in film wrong, right, and R-rated"
Jeffrey Overstreet | posted 7/01/2001 12:00AM
5 of 5
The Bible on Birthday Suits
Is there consensus here? Critics agree that lustful thoughts are to be discouraged, and thus individuals need to exercise restraint and responsibility, acting responsibly in view of personal weaknesses and temptations. In a wonderfully extreme exhortation, the Bible says we had better pluck out our eyes than be led into temptation. But that refers to all temptation: perhaps it's that SUV in front of you on the highway, or whatever is in the glass of the person next to you at the restaurant. Should an auto enthusiast barricade himself in his house to avoid seeing that SUV that makes him jealous? Or should an alcoholic avoid all restaurants to avoid the temptation to order that margarita? Perhaps. But wouldn't it be better to develop self-control and wisdom that would nip that sinful desire in the bud? Jesus was adamant about avoiding temptation, but he was also strong enough to know how to enjoy wine, dancing, and the company of sinners, and he exhorted his disciples to go, to be "in, but not of, the world."
J. Robert Parks says, "A critical aspect of all of this is a proper understanding of Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8 and 10. We as believers must recognize that we have very different weaknesses." Michael Elliot refers us to Philippians 4:8, where we are exhorted to focus our minds on what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, and worthy of praise." For David Bruce, it's important to remember Acts 17:16-34, and, like Paul, go out and engageour neighbors, listening to their stories in order to better understand how to serve them and love them as Christ would. Doug Cummings reminds us of Mark 7: 'Hear me, all of you, and understand: there is nothing outside a man which by going into him can defile him; but the things which come out of a man are what defile him.'" And Steve Lansingh offers these scriptures: "On the glory of the created body: Genesis 1-2. On the necessity of examining human sexuality: Song of Solomon. On the importance of flesh to God—the incarnation of Jesus: John 1:1-14. On the usefulness of stories in teaching truth: Luke 10:25-37, 15:11-31. On the diversity of choices within the Christian body: Romans 14:2-8. On the revelation of God through sinful people and actions: Gen. 1-Rev. 22."
Sounds like the Scriptures have quite a bit that is valuable for "teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness"—even in ways that can inform and enrich our experiences at the movies.
Coming Soon: Wrong, Right, and R-rated , Part Two—Do You Give a *@%$? What critics and Film Forum readers think about all that cussing in the theaters. Most people would agree that "bad language" is indeed a problem, but can we agree on what it is? Or how to respond to it?
* * *
Note: Film critic Holly McClure says she treats films as entertainment, rather than art, which further sets her apart from the majority quoted here, most of whom consider films an art form and address them as such. Why did so many men reply, and only one woman? I would be interested in hearing from women who have an opinion about the appropriateness of skin onscreen, especially since—and this is a "revealing fact"—moviemakers seem happy to expose females but rarely risk even a glimpse of male nudity. (back to text)
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