What Would I Know

It seems some people aren't really happy with my take on certain popular books and movies.

I've been taking a lot of flack for condemning Fifty Shades of Grey without reading it. Well, for the record, I have read sections and I have read tons of very thorough reviews and analysis of the full text. Having said that, this is my response.

I don't need to use drugs to understand addiction, or be mentally ill to have compassion for the mentally ill. I don't have to be homeless to care for the homeless, or be a former criminal to believe in giving second chances. And I don't need to read or see pornography (even soft porn) to know it isn't healthy for relationships or a positive example of an equal, loving relationship.

I could turn the question around. Have you read about healthy relationships? Have you watched Fireproof or Romance without Regret? How about studying Theology of the Body? Have you read Finding your Soulmate without Losing your Soul? I think after studying both sides of this issue, my critics may feel differently.

And what would I know about true love and healthy relationships/marriage...oh wait, in a world of divorce and apathy, I'm happily married and madly in love with my hubby of 25 years! I teach PreCana, give marriage talks, write on marriage and I counsel people struggling in their marriages, have a degree in social work and am a trained parent/marriage coach... Oh, Yeah...nothing!

When those criticizing my opinions have that experience, maybe I will value their misguided defense of (what I consider destructive) books and movies a little more.