April 12, 2011 by Stacy McDonald
Part 2 of Beaches, Bikinis, and…Bibles?
If you haven’t read Part 1, please click HERE first!
Part 2 of Beaches, Bikinis, and…Bibles?
Last night, I took my daughter to a movie that has been heavily promoted by Christian outlets (you can read a positive review by Focus on the Family’s PluggedIn Online here, along with some of their caveats), and praised by Christian friends. Soul Surfer is the story of Bethany Hamilton, a Christian girl who bravely faced a horrible accident, a shark attack that cost her one of her arms, a tragedy made even more difficult because she was a competitive surfer.
I remember when the accident happened in 2003, and because 13-year-old Bethany was homeschooled, it was a poignant story for me; I was among those inspired by this young girl’s courage and hopeful that her trial would be a testimony to the Gospel of Christ as she had a platform to share her faith in Jesus to so many people. Looking at her website, Bethany is very open about her Christian faith. However, this message is not strongly presented in the movie.
There were lots of mixed messages in Soul Surfer. Because the real story of Bethany has elements that were left out of the movie, it is hard to criticize it without people coming to the real Bethany’s defense. I have not read Bethany’s book about her experiences, and looking at her website I am impressed by her desire to give thanks to God in Christ for what He has done in her life.
The concerns Stacy and I have about the movie have nothing to do with the real Bethany and her genuine testimony, though she and her family, according to stories I’ve read, seem to be pleased with their portrayal in the film. Our concerns stem from the watered-down message of the movie. It is syncretistic with worldly philosophies, from the gratuitous portrayal of lots of tanned and sexy bodies, to the ephemeral references to “faith” and “love,” to the humanistic message of personal success and fulfillment, unmoored from the importance of doing all things for the glory of God (I Corinthians 10:31).
In this movie, it seems that the glory mostly goes to a girl who refuses to give up in the face of adversity, a feel-good message, but one that could be presented by any secular motivational speaker.
Slip Sliding Away
In Part 1, Stacy already mentioned the dearth of real Christian content in Soul Surfer. Some places in the film almost get it right, but miss the mark by a mile by misapplying Scripture (see the PluggedIn review linked above for ways the non-Christian producers attempted to further minimize the Christian content).
For example, when Bethany first decides to try to compete after losing her arm, her father tells her it won’t be easy, and she says, “I don’t need easy, I just need possible.” When he replies, “With you, anything’s possible,” it evokes for believers Matthew 19:26, where Jesus says, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Because we are so used to sewage coming from Hollywood, it’s easy to embrace a movie that shows a family that goes to church, talks about faith, and prays before eating. But, using a sliding scale for what we promote as a “strong Christian message” is where we get into dangerous territory.
If our standard is based on something being better than bad, we are building our house on the sand. Just because this story involves beaches doesn’t mean we are safe on that kind of shifting foundation. Our foundation is the unchanging Word of God. Our Lord said in Matthew 7:24: “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (emphasis added).
There were several places I noted “listen to your heart,” self-esteem, or personal fulfillment messages. When Bethany had given up her dream of surfing after a disappointing experience in her first competition after losing her arm, then begins to think she will try again, she asks her father for guidance: “What am I supposed to do now?” He tells her to “pray, and listen for what comes next.”
He does not pray with her, however, and there is no caution about looking for answers in God’s Word as our hearts are prone to deceive us when we look for answers there (see Jeremiah 17:9, and the entire chapter, for beautiful words of encouragement about not trusting in our own strength but being utterly dependent upon God).
Later, when she is preparing for her comeback, Bethany’s father gives her advice about how to choose the right waves so she doesn’t waste her strength: “Listen to your instinct–trust it.” Though this might be common surfer advice, in the context of the previous conversation and the not-quite-right emphasis on looking within rather than to God for help, it comes across as mysticism rather than biblically-grounded counsel.
When Bethany wows everyone with her amazing come-back at the end of the movie, and everyone is proud of her for her tenacity and courage, as well as admiring her great skill in spite of missing an arm, she asks her mom, “What am I supposed to do now?” Mom replies, “You’re supposed to enjoy it, all of it, for the rest of your life.”
Enjoy “it”? What does that mean? Bask in the glory she gets from winning? Be happy with herself that she didn’t quit? This is far from the message of the Bible that “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23) and “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 10:39).
The Westminster Shorter Catechism tells us what our chief end is—our primary purpose in life when we belong to Christ: “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.” Him, not “it.” If that is not our focus, then we are making an idol out of our own self-fulfillment and not giving God the glory that is due only to Him. We must glorify the Creator, not the things He created.
Itsy Bitsy, Teenie Weenie Yellow Christianized Bikini
Stacy spoke strongly about the immodesty in this movie. I called it gratuitous, and it was. All the talk I’m hearing about surfing culture and Hawaii standards notwithstanding, I was offended by the nakedishness of most of the people, young and old, men and women, in Soul Surfer.
This is not a prudish problem, it’s a problem with that shifting cultural sand again. There are wide-ranging standards within which we can agree to disagree about what constitutes modest dress. I have been the recipient of disapproving looks from women who are “homier than thou” in layers of frumpy clothing, something I think can be argued is sometimes immodest in the way it draws attention to itself and cultivates an attitude of self-righteousness through dress.
But, what we wear does matter. Everything matters to God, and what we wear on the outside comes from what’s in our hearts. I have sometimes made an idol out of my appearance by looking in the mirror too often and being more concerned with what’s on the outside than what’s on the inside. So what about the beach bodies in this movie?
The beach attire was so skimpy, that it barely covered breasts and genitals. The mother and father in the film were often dressed in “clothing” that revealed their tanned and ripped bodies, which was disconcerting in light of their ages (Helen Hunt is almost 48, Dennis Quaid is 57) and their portrayal of Bethany’s parents.
The video clips of the real Hamilton family during the end credits shows a mother who would not look appealing in a swimsuit, but, looks like a very sweet lady; and, if authenticity was indeed a factor, I don’t know why Helen Hunt was chosen to portray her over someone who was more motherly and less sexy.
In the last scenes of the film, when Bethany shares an award with her most difficult competitor, her father’s shorts are so low on his hips while he’s cheering that I was concerned about a wardrobe malfunction. I think the men’s immodesty in the movie needs to be addressed as well as the women’s.
The Hawaiian surfing scene may involve a laid-back attitude toward this attire, but the biblical injunctions about modesty and nakedness are the standard in this case, not that shifting sand again. Isaiah 47:3, Exodus 28:42, Leviticus 18:6-18, Genesis 9:22-23, and Habukkak 2:15 all refer to the shame of nakedness or the sin of uncovering another’s nakedness to look on them.
We see in John 21:7 that being improperly clothed can be considered “naked,” when Peter made sure to cover up before getting into the water to swim to where Jesus was. If we are desensitized to the unclothing of our culture, then we need to conform our thinking to the standard of the Bible, not to the context of the culture.
As God’s “called out ones” (ekklesia, the Greek word for Church), we are to be a distinct people of God, pursuing holiness, not cultural compromise. This is to be done always with an attitude of humility and patience, but we are still to reprove, rebuke, and exhort from the Word of God (II Timothy 4:2)…always remembering what we ourselves deserve and what God has given us in His grace and mercy, lest we make idols out of our own pride in our “godly attire.”
If we are not clothed with the righteousness of Christ, we could be wearing a burkha and still be immodest. That does not excuse falling off the horse on the other side, however. Law without liberty is tyranny, liberty without law is license (“By no means!” –Romans 6:2). But the law of liberty (or truth AND love –II John 1:3…or spirit and truth–John 4:24) are joined perfectly in Christ Jesus, the One we must please and obey.
I know that there are many people who will watch this movie and not even think about the problem of modesty. It’s a problem because we are desensitized like the frog in the boiling water, and maybe this movie has created a good opportunity to talk about that!
Creating Eunuchs
It’s a well-known fact that many men have a problem with pornography, something that was addressed very biblically and carefully in the Christian film, Fireproof. Putting larger-than-life bikini-clad teenagers in front of Christian boys and men and then telling them to not lust, but to discern the Christian message in the movie, is ignorant at best.
If men do not have a problem with seeing women who are virtually unclothed, then perhaps we ought to wonder what that indicates about their sexual health and consciences.
When King David noticed Bathsheba bathing on the rooftop, he reacted as any normal, healthy man would–he was aroused. At that point he had a choice: he could keep looking, or he could turn away and refuse to indulge himself in lustful thoughts. He did the former, with terrible results. We need to teach our sons to deal with the cavalcade of immodesty, but we don’t have to intentionally place them in the path of it.
Exercising self-control is an important practice for all Christians. Yet, if we expect our husbands and sons to be functional eunuchs who have an on/off switch when it comes to their God-given sexuality, we may desensitize them in ways that have deeper consequences than we expected.
As a mother of seven sons, I want each of them (and my husband!) to be excited about his own wife’s unclothed body, and studies that show “overexposure to erotic stimuli exhausted the sexual responses of healthy young men” concern me.
This is not about a couple of church ladies who expect us all to be desexualized robots; we are actually concerned that the blithe acceptance of immodesty among Christians will be detrimental to their families in this area, as some shrug at what is a deep and beautiful gift from God to be enjoyed only in the context of marriage.
That He reserved nakedness for the privacy of marital intimacy shows God’s grace to us, in that Adam and Eve were ashamed of their nakedness after they sinned; yet, He properly clothed them and redeemed their ability to enjoy each other as husband and wife.
Some are quick to defend the skimpy attire and surfer subculture as long as they “love Jesus.” But, those whose pagan culture is characterized by nakedness, or close to it, often change when they come to Christ. Peter Hammond, a long-time missionary in South Africa and the Sudan, wrote about his concerns with young American Christians who come to help him on short-term missions trips being a stumbling block to newly-converted-from-paganism Christians in Africa.
Some Christians treat even the ungodly practices of pagan cultures as sacrosanct and like Captain Kirk’s crew they have a “Prime Directive” to leave those cultures alone. But, the regenerate believers in some of the darkest places, when they have new hearts, want to live new lives, inside and out. If they were naked, they put on clothes. If they mutilated their bodies, they stop. Hammond says:
African cultures value politeness and hospitality highly. So unless you probe and ask lots of penetrating questions you will never know that you have offended your hosts. They will continue to smile and be friendly even as the door slams firmly shut to further ministry.
For example, in Africa, it is generally considered a disgrace for a man to have long hair. This is not only cultural, but Biblical: “Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonour to him.” (1 Corinthians 11:14). Yet you will see many long haired and pony tailed men heading out “to evangelise the pagans in Africa” oblivious to what a “stumbling block” they are.
The Good Parts
Though I think it missed the mark, there were some things in Soul Surfer that I appreciated:
- Bethany’s mother shows real concern over her daughter’s (and her husband’s) obsession with surfing and competition. She wants her daughter to find her identity elsewhere (though she never says that it should be in Christ).
- Bethany is very concerned for her friend who was there when the shark attack occurred. Later she is gracious about her friend having an opportunity that she is missing out on because of her accident (a photo shoot, which Stacy discusses in her review). Though the scene itself was problematic, Bethany’s heart toward her friend showed selflessness.
- The family in the movie is very close with one another, and Bethany’s brother and father are protective of her when she comes home from the hospital to an onslaught of media outside their home.
- Homeschooling is mentioned in a positive way.
- People who are suffering disabilities are portrayed as valuable and there is a lot of encouragement about not giving up because you have a physical obstacle.
- Bethany is very kind to a girl who has been nasty to her, and she thanks her for not going easy on her because it has helped her to try harder and do better. Because of Bethany’s kindness, she eventually wins over her “enemy.”
What Could They Have Done Differently?
When the movie ended and the video of the real Bethany was shown in the end credits, I enjoyed watching her much more than the fictitious Bethany, especially when she did give credit to Jesus Christ for her success. I still did not like to see her in a bikini in a couple of shots, but I noticed that in many of the videos and photos of her, she was wearing a t-shirt or top that covered her up, even when she was surfing.
If a movie has to be made about this story (and I think there’s a discussion for another time about whether it needed to be done in a feature-length movie, rather than a documentary), the constant exposure to the bodies of the actors was not necessary to the telling of the tale. They could still have had a good and authentic story without exposing so much flesh.
Stacy and I are sympathetic to some reactions to criticisms of the movie, and we want to reiterate that we are only addressing the film and not Bethany herself. I believe that one of the reasons this is a problem at all is because we are lazy. We want easy answers to how to dress, so we often either dress in a frumpy way that covers our bodies or in a sleazy way that looks like everyone else.
It’s hard to find lovely things to wear that aren’t immodest. I was looking for a dress for my teenaged daughter to wear on Easter, and every pretty dress for young girls is about a foot too short. It takes a lot of work to help our daughters dress beautifully and appropriately. The answer isn’t to be as plain as possible. God’s called-out ones ought to be distinct in their loveliness…inside and out.
We are not gnostics who either act as libertines or treat our bodies as indifferent. We need to keep taking dominion over this area and be the trendsetters and problem-solvers who demonstrate what beauty truly is.
We also need to stand firm against spiritual syncretism. God will tolerate no other gods before Him, and His people ought to be very jealous for His rightful place in our lives and our culture. Syncretism with self-esteem, generic religious messages, and feel-good stories will lead people astray. They need the message of the Gospel loud and clear in a story that is touted as a Christian tale, else we are creating idols for others to worship.
Idols in Our Hearts
A couple of weeks ago I took my daughter to a women’s conference that discussed idols we all create in our hearts. Ever since then, we have been mulling over the welcome reminders that we are prone to daily place all sorts of thoughts and objects in the place of honor that belongs to God alone.
Because of what God’s Son, Jesus Christ, did for us–condescending to become a baby who grew into a man, living a perfect and holy life, and suffering and dying for our sins, then giving us His righteousness so we can live holy, set-apart lives to His glory–because of all that, we ought to be grateful women who are anxious to please our merciful God in every area of our lives. Yet, we still cling to our pet sins and justify our compromises, setting up sad idols in the place that rightfully belongs to our just, holy, and loving Father in Heaven.
We all do this. I was humbled as the speaker told stories about herself and women she’s counseled, who indulged in prideful, angry, and petty personal hurts in their idolatry; but, I was even more convicted as she spoke of how we even make idols out of good things when we take the focus off the Giver of those good gifts. We need to focus on His glory rather than our own desires, even if we have “good” motives for those desires.
It may be that we want a good marriage, godly children, peace and unity in our churches, or health. But, when our happiness comes from saying, “If I only had this…”, no matter how noble that goal, we are idolators. I have been thinking a lot about this lately, and it has given me much of which to repent.
There is a lot of confusion in our culture over things of much deeper import than just how we dress. Most people think they can get to Heaven by brownie points and they judge themselves by that sliding scale…”I’m not that bad!”
That’s not the standard God uses, and we must give them a warning and give them the hope that is found in Christ alone, and what He did for us in His life and His death and His resurrection. “Repent of all that displeases God and turn to Him for salvation” is what we should model and speak. Being a Soul Winner is much better than being a Soul Surfer. To God alone be the glory!
You can visit Carmon Friedrich at Buried Treasure Books as soon as she has it back up and running, which, hopefully, will be very soon!
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59 Responses to “Part 2 of Beaches, Bikinis, and…Bibles?”
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Thank you Carmon….that was a very interesting perspective on this. I think that personally there are ways you can have self control in your Christian life and not be a eunuch in the bedroom, but I have never heard that opinion!
I haven’t seen the movie, but from what I see, an older teenager Anna Sophia Rob plays a 13 year old. Mix that in with immodest bikinis and we’ve got trouble there. That hasn’t been addressed!
In light of the fact that this movie will be viewed by many unbelievers, I think we would be amiss if we didn’t take advantage of using this movie to produce great conversations that could easily include a clear gospel message. I took my daughters to see Soul Surfer (but not my sons) and I was very impressed with how accurate the movie is to the true story. I was also impressed that the movie includes spiritual content and that the Christians actually appear to be normal, nice, and happy — not frumpy, cheesy, sad or depressed. Could the movie be better? Probably. Would I have preferred that the girls kept shirts on over their bathing suits? Yes, but they didn’t and I think those who do not see this movie will be missing out on an opportunity to engage our culture. Suggest it be seen by girls only if need be, but don’t throw out the baby with the bath water.
Great Post, Mrs. Friedrich!
You have given me a lot to think about. I really like the comment before me. My daughter already knows that bikini’s aren’t modest. She also has been to the public pool and has seen what girls are wearing. I won’t run from the world, but I will talk about it and go to the Bible for answers. I can’t pretend that it isn’t there. But we do talk about it when it comes up. I take that as part of her spiritual training. Also, this is just as important for my boys. They know that a lot about modesty and what the Bible says about it because we have open dialogue and we also discuss how they can protect their eyes.
My mom and I hope to see this movie with two of my friends (both girls) as a learning home-school-field-trip. (kinda) but we already decided not to take the boys along. We’re going to talk about it later to. We hope to use it as a learning experience. And my friends and I (not to mention my mom) wouldn’t be caught dead in a bikini!
Smile,
Natalya
“If our standard is based on something being better than bad, we are building our house on the sand.”
I love that.
It’s so sad to hear that the “real” story, the real reason behind Bethany’s courage had been taken out of the picture and replaced with human strength. It would be really good to see movie where the lead characters are all giving back the glory to God because He is the real Hero and all of us are just part of His great movie.
I pray Christian people in media would stand up for this. I could imagine how big the impact would be upon the lives of people if we would all be brave to share the whole message and not try to tone it down so it would be fitting for Hollywood.
Thank you for the awesome review! ;)
Interesting to note that I heard Bethany interviewed on NPR before I ever heard of this movie anywhere else. Even though the interviewer asked her at least one very open-ended question that would have been an easy opportunity for Bethany to give God glory, she did not even mention Him. I listened to the whole story/interview on NPR and had no idea this girl was even a Christian.
Very good article Carmen. Thanks to you and Stacy both.
Thank you Carmon for writing this, and for focusing on a subject that many people tend to ignore. Modesty is an important issue that needs to be addressed, not only for us but for our children.
This is an article I saw off of CNN of this movie – I guess its getting a lot of hype from the Christian community! Thought you’d find this interesting:
http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/04/12/soul-surfer-opens-after-fights-over-depicting-faith/
I’ve been wondering what the secular “take” is on this movie. Here’s an interesting review Carmon found at salon.com. I especially appreciated his question (to Christians) in the last quote:
Why are Christian Movies so Awful?
“For example, in Africa, it is generally considered a disgrace for a man to have long hair. This is not only cultural, but Biblical”
I strongly disagree. Jesus likely had long hair, and the Massai tribe in Africa had men with long hair and women with shaved heads; the women believed their heads were beautiful and the men dyed their hair red for battles so they’d look fierce. Nature tells us no such thing; many of the beautiful, strong Native men had long hair. Other than this quote, this post by Carmen nails it. Haven’t quite finished reading it, though.
Finished it, great article. God allows no compromise or idols in His followers.
Some Christian stories do have the handicap of either being too mushy or too liberal, books and movies alike; one book even had a villainous, evil protagonist claiming faith. Here are a few recommendations of true Christian films from me, a couple with rough edges: The Christmas Child, Fireproof, No Greater Love, The Book of Eli, The Crucible, The Christmas Shoes, The Christmas Blessing, and Devil.
Oh yes, and The End of the Spear.
“If men do not have a problem with seeing women who are virtually unclothed, then perhaps we ought to wonder what that indicates about their sexual health and consciences…
“Exercising self-control is an important practice for all Christians. Yet, if we expect our husbands and sons to be functional eunuchs who have an on/off switch when it comes to their God-given sexuality, we may desensitize them in ways that have deeper consequences than we expected.”
Carmon – I so appreciated what you said about the issue of being desensitized to nakedness. It made me think of children who are exposed to violence:
Child A is protected in a loving home, and sees his parents regularly treat one another with respect and affection.
Child B is in a home where domestic violence, screaming, throwing things is a regular occurrence.
Imagine if Child A went to visit Child B’s home and witnessed the arguing, fighting, and screaming that Child B is exposed to on a regular basis. Child A would probably be shocked and horrified. However, while the affects of domestic violence have surely already harmed Child B over time, it is likely that his reaction would be more indifferent or nonreactive.
Child B has been desensitized to violence, probably as bit of an emotional protection for him. However, this doesn’t mean it’s the way it’s supposed to be, or that it doesn’t affect him at all.
In a huge way, I think the same thing has happened with nudity in our culture. What God created to be a (good and holy) “big deal” in marriage, has become “no big deal” thing because it’s been splattered on the streets and on the movie screens and treated as a “common” thing.
Sexuality is a powerful and beautiful gift from God – it deserves to be protected. And nudity is supposed to evoke a reaction. Let’s keep it that way, but in the context of intimacy in marriage.
I appreciate the time and detail that went into writing this review, as well as the one written by Stacy. It helps me in making decisions about what to see or not see and what to present to our family.
However, I don’t understand the jabs at women who dress in a manner that you consider to be “frumpy” or “plain.” No Scripture was presented as to why a woman should dress this way or that, other than our call to dress modestly and not to adorn ourselves outwardly as a way of attracting attention or a substitution for good works.
While making the assertion that we must all agree that bikinis will never be modest by anyone’s standard, there seems to be an assumption that we should likewise agree that some clothing is TOO modest. I can’t agree. Neither do I assume, as the author does, that women who have a different standard are looking at me with disapproval because I choose to dress differently than they.
Carmen said this, “then we need to conform our thinking to the standard of the Bible, not to the context of the culture.” I couldn’t agree more. Which is why we should not criticize our sisters for choosing a plain mode of dress, simply because we don’t like it, or the context of this culture doesn’t approve.
Carmen also said this, “The answer isn’t to be as plain as possible. God’s called-out ones ought to be distinct in their loveliness…inside and out.” That sounds pretty good, but is that taught by the Scriptures? What does it mean to be “distinct in their loveliness”, particularly pertaining to the outside? How could a Christian woman be “distinct” from a non-Christian?
From what I can understand from God’s Word, our outward appearance is to be modest, but nowhere are we told it is to be distinct. As a matter of fact, the ones called “frumpy” and “plain” are more “distinct” and this you judge.
I’m not sure how a critique of bikini clad women can turn into a slam against those being very careful to be modest, but you managed to do it. And, like the immodesty in the movie, your words against the plain were gratuitous and not necessary for making your point.
I think that things can be cultural, contextual and not be unBiblical…for example, the hair issue. We don’t know exactly what length of hair Paul considered long for men. In a culture where women may never have cut their hair, a length simply long enough to ponytail (maybe right above the shoulders) is significantly shorter in comparison.
Regarding nudity, I also think this is contextual and cultural. I realize I am probably in the minority on that. Three of the quotes that Carmon cites refer either to nudity being part if a distinct judgment of God, or else a situation where someone (a parent, also) is acting like a fool and so is uncovered in a humiliating way.
There are all kinds of situations wherein we can see nudity that are not sexually charged:
- Missionaries who go to more nudist cultures see the nudity there, and if they are going to truly interact with the people they can’t always be averting their eyes.
- Doctors see nudity, and there is no Biblical passage that says it’s a-okay for them, it’s just an assumption we make.
- Anyone who goes to an art museum sees nudity.
- If you have anthropology books you see nudity.
- You see nudity even in documentaries about certain war situations.
It is not Biblical to say Christians are called to avoid any or all of these situations. It’s certainly possible that some people will find any of these situations titillating, but in general I think “even men” can see these things and not be sexually desensitized or driven to lust.
That said, I do think that beach scenes tend to be sexually charges situations, and most states of undress we see today in the media are also.
Hi Terri. It’s not about being TOO modest; it’s about deliberately dressing frunpily to draw attention to how “modest” you’re being. It really comes off as an act of pride, and it certainly draws attention.
Hi, Terri…I apologize if I offended by my statements. I was attempting to address some of the critics elsewhere, of the concerns about immodesty in this film, those who snidely remark that if you have a problem with it then you must be one of those “prairie muffins” who think all women need to adopt a mode of dress that is a Christian form of the burkha like what conservative Muslim women wear. As the author of the Prairie Muffin manifesto and one who happily calls herself a prairie muffin (when my site is back up you can read what I’ve written about that), I do not wish to bash anyone who is concerned about modesty! I have been the recipient at times of some distinct coldness from those who take pride in their plain appearance. That does not mean all women who choose to dress plainly would do that, but it does happen that pride in one’s appearance can also come from that direction, too.
As to being distinct and lovely, God’s word speaks of the adornment of the bride of Christ and brides in general, praising her loveliness (see Psalm 145, Rev. 19). If we want a healthy look at married love and intimacy, the Song of Solomon is filled with references to the appearance of the beloved. The famous Proverbs 31 woman takes care about her own and her family’s appearance: her household is clothed in scarlet, her own clothing is fine linen and purple. That’s not very plain!
But the true basis of beauty isn’t what we put on our bodies, but what comes from our hearts. I’m sure we can agree that that is what is MOST important. I would fall in the camp, though, that it can be honoring to God and our husbands to express creativity and beauty in our appearance, when our desire is to please God in that as well as in every area of life.
So according to some people, it’s either bikinis or burkhas? Please.
I find it interesting that we are so harsh. God has used many unworthy vessels. Rahab was a harlot. What would we have to say about her? Yet God used her. King David was an adulterating murderer, but God said he was a man after His own heart. Jesus ate with the publicans and sinners. How do we cast them? Do you think the prostitutes Jeses ministered to dressed the same as the virgins? God uses all kinds of people no matter how marred we may consider them. Is this girl a CHirstian? how bold is she? Did she crumble under pressure? God knows, and He is the judge. He has never passed the gavel. Can he use this message inspite of itself? Absolutely! Perhaps this movie will at least send some searching in the right direction. ANd He has clearly said, “You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart.” Bottom line is the people who need to hear that there is hope don’t know that bikinis are wrong. THey don’t know the doctrinal falicies in the film. But perhaps they will be challenged to search for Truth, and I cannot and will not scorn the imperfect methods that God may choose to use. How arrogant we are to assume that God can only use perfect, doctrinally sound vessels like us.
I am troubled…..I assume, because I haven’t seen the movie, that these bikinis and immodest moments occurred quite early in the movie. Clearly this was against your conscience and yet you watched the entire movie. Now you sit judging Hollywood–who doesn’t know God’s take on modesty. Why didn’t you leave? Why did you go to a beach/surfer movie in the first place? To him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not to him it is sin. You and your daughter clearly put yourselves in a spot where leaving the movie would have been the best solution, and yet you stayed and took it all in. The Bible also says that to engage in something that violates your conscience is sin. THis movie obviously violated your conscience, and yet you clearly point out that you watched it beginning to end.
Mary –
Please remember that these reviews referred only to the Hollywood movie, Soul Surfer. They were not a critique of the real Bethany Hamilton, her testimony, or her ministry to others. So, your reference to the “unworthy vessels” that God has used have nothing to do with our examination of a secular movie that is being celebrated and promoted as a “Christian testimony” by the Christian community. Did you read the review?
Also, you said:
That’s right; and they never will if the Church continues to use worldly means to market the Gospel, and cheapen our testimony.
You are right – they need to hear that there is hope – but I don’t think they’ll get that message from Soul Surfer.
Hi, Mary…you say that what I wrote is harsh, but if you re-read it perhaps you will reconsider that. A good friend says that God ordains the means as well as the end, and when you read the Bible carefully, you will see that is true! For example, our Lord Jesus spoke very strongly against those who would take the Word of God and twist it for their gain (in the Sermon on the Mount he repeats over and over: “You have heard it said…but I say”). Paul the apostle spoke very strongly against those who would try to join the Gospel with worldly ideas, thus leading people astray.
That is what this movie does, with a man-centered message of not giving up and depending on the strength within. References to faith or love are given with no object on which to base those ideas. Jesus and Paul did not condone changing the message to make it more appealing.
Christians are to defend the Truth. That is truly loving others, to help them find that Truth without subterfuge or compromise. My criticisms are for those who would use the Christian audience to promote something that does not glorify God explicitly, calling it a Christian story, and claiming it is family-friendly as well.
Mary, my last comment was a response to your first comment. Now I will address your accusation that I was sinning to sit and watch the movie…
You make a good point that we should consider whether we should watch something we think is sinful. It can be a difficult question. I do have concerns for Christian movie reviewers who watch some very explicit movies in order to warn us about their content. “Brokeback Mountain” comes to mind. “Soul Surfer” showed a lot of skin, something even those Christians who support the film have commented on but glossed over because they liked the “message” of the movie. During the warmer months here in California, I see all sorts of similar undress, and I am not sinning to notice it. I do not condone it, though, and if I have an opportunity (as I do in this review) to address whether Christians should not only copy the world in its immodesty but even defend it…then I will use that opportunity to give a biblical perspective on the issue.
Now, since you haven’t seen the movie, I won’t be addressing any more of your comments unless you address what was written in my and Stacy’s reviews. We went to a lot of effort to give specific concerns about the movie, and if you would like to speak to any of those directly, maybe we can have a discussion.
Carmen, thanks for responding to my comments. I”m not sure why you thought I was offended, I was not, so there is no need to worry about that.
What concerns me is your use of Scriptures to support principles that don’t, in fact, come from the Bible. To say that the idea of a distinctive Christian loveliness can be found in Song of Solomon (where there are beautiful, poetic descriptions of breasts) or Proverbs 31 is a huge stretch. In a culture where having fabric of any kind came from much diligence, and having dyed fabric came from wealth can hardly be compared to the choices available to us today where, for the same amount of money, we can choose clothing that is either immodest or modest.
I believe it detracts from your point about the obviousness of bikinis being immodest to speak of other styles of dress as being the cause of pride. Perhaps the case can be made that women are prideful about their clothing regardless of where they fall on the scales of modesty, modernity, beauty, loveliness, etc. Is there any sin that is more deeply rooted in the heart than pride? In no way does it come from dress.
Being lovely is no protection from pride. Even when ones outward adornment is given directly by God. (See Ezekiel 16) Christian brides are no more lovely than secular brides, and therefore no more distinct. The only way the bride of Christ can be lovely is to be washed in blood, she can never be lovely by choosing lovely adornment. A woman who thinks her adornment is distinct and lovely is certainly no less prideful than one who believes her dress is discreet and modest.
Adorning ourselves with good works is the only way to be lovely. It is not possible to define the wide range of clothing that can be worn by a Christian woman which would not violate our duty to be modest. Likewise, it would be impossible to list the types of clothing which are worn by women who take pride in their choices of dress, because it includes ALL types. Therefore, it seems unwise to single out the “frumpy” and the “plain” as if they are the exclusive possessors of this sort of pride.
I am assuming that you chose the “frumpy” as merely an example and not as an all inclusive list. And you are basing your example on your own personal experience. By that standard, I can say that I’ve met more women who had a prideful air about their clothing who were dressed in the latest fashions than those that were more plain. For some reason, many of the women in my acquaintance attach particular value to the brand name of their shoes. Pride is distinctly unlovely, is it not?
Hi Pat,
Carmon and I took a lot of time to specify why we believed the movie did not promote a Christian message. You say that it included “spiritual content.” By that, are you referring to the two Scripture verses, the female youth pastor, and the outdoor church scene? Did you read the entire review? A few Christian props in the midst of a sea of worldliness does not create a Christian message.
Thank you so much for addressing this movie, and these issues that are a constant in the world we live in. You have been a blessing and encouragement to me through these ‘reviews’. Again, THANK YOU!
Terri – I would disagree with some of your points. God made us physical creatures, as well as spiritual ones. We are to glorify God by all that we do; and, the way in which we choose to adorn ourselves, or present ourselves to others, matters. A wife who is careless with her appearance; and who purposely chooses clothes that are sloppy, unbecoming, sack-like, or “frumpy” (because she thinks it is a “holier” way to dress) may be walking in a form of pride. That certainly does not mean that anyone who dresses in a way that “we” think is frumpy is purposely doing so, or is doing it for this reason. In fact, it doesn’t even mean she is dressed frumpy – it may just be our own opinion.
However, I have had women tell me that in an effort to be modest, they purposely chose “unlovely” clothes. They really thought this pleased God. It was almost a form of penance to them. By reacting to their former pride in wearing immodest clothes that flaunted their bodies, they swung the other way and became prideful in their “modest” attire. It was a form of “more is better.” If modest clothes are good, then clothes that completely hide the fact that I’m a woman, or that are perhaps “ugly,” must be better.
I think there is balance. God loves beauty. We see that in all of His creation. We see beauty in His Word. A woman who is adorned with good works radiates beauty from within – but that doesn’t mean she should hide or mar her outward beauty (other than what should be hidden for her husband). Our flesh is a withering flower; therefore, it is foolish (and prideful) to trust in it. However, Christ’s Bride is beautiful and pure (so modesty is important), and that should be evident on the outside because of what’s inside.
“However, Christ’s Bride is beautiful and pure (so modesty is important), and that should be evident on the outside because of what’s inside.”
I would probably not be considered modest enough, and don’t think I would be considered frumpy…but either way, I really take issue with the “should” in this sentence. It’s the same kind of “should” I have seen in a particular book by a popular reformed woman writer, who said “Christians *should* have the cleanest homes on earth.”
I realize that when you speak of loveliness you are not talking about whether someone is objectively beautiful, but about their adornment. But there are people who 1) have no “fashion sense” and/or 2) don’t care about what they wear because they have other concerns or 3) may be like me, and tend to look a bit disheveled no matter what they do.
I do agree that the Scriptural passages about adornment and beauty affirm that it is all well and good to seek external loveliness in your dress and adornment, but it’s not a command not to be frumpy, or that God is actually not honored if someone actually is a bit frumpy. Ultimately, it’s a spiritual picture, which I know you know :-) Whether someone is focused on “lovely-ing up” their appearance as far as dress, hairstyle, etc. is largely a personality issue
Hi Samantha -
We’re really getting a bit off topic, but I wanted to address the three points you made. You said, “There are people who…”:
I’m not talking about fashion, necessarily. I’m talking about choosing clothes that are lovely and cheerful, as well as modest.
It depends on what those “other concerns” are, and on how much they “don’t care.” If you’re in a concentration camp, you obviously have bigger concerns than physical appearance; but, if you’re living a normal life, and just don’t feel like making an effort to be neat and presentable, then there may be a problem.
I saw your profile pic and you don’t look disheveled to me! :-) We’re not talking about “dressing up” all the time or trying to keep up with some flaking fashion trend. We’re talking about allowing what’s “inside” to manifest on the “outside,” so that our testimony is more obvious and consistent.
I think the other concerns could really be any tasks or pursuits or interests…for some it could be a lack of time management, or a kind of forgetfulness about appearance. That’s how I am…I sometimes go a day without looking at myself in the mirror. I am at home a lot, so that probably has something to do with it! I will brush my teeth, but I have been known to go all day without brushing my hair, and I wash it much less often than is common to these days.
I wear odd colors and patterns together, wear mismatched socks if that’s all there is. I wear lots of skirts made in India that are kind of thin and fragile and can tear easily, and what I usually do about that is tie a knot in the skirt where the hole is and keep wearing it until there are just too many knots all over it. I am an artist who uses various media, and I go out with paint under my nails and the skin around my fingers can sometimes be stained for days. I really do think that for many Christians with a certain perspective about what proper attire and grooming is for a good testimony, I would fall way short! But I also get lots of compliments on my attire and my appearance in general…so go figure!
I just know that I am an oddball in many ways in the Christian world…not theologically at all – I’m reformed across the board ;-) – and I have thought a lot about whether my very personality is a sin, because of issues like this – and “this” includes all the injunctions we hear so often about how a woman will fulfill her calling – the beauty, the housekeeping, the proper tasks and pursuits, etc.
Thanks a lot…this is a good conversation ;-)
Very good reviews and comments.
This is always what happens when Hollywood gets ahold of these things.
I’ve believed for a long time your idea of modesty is between you, your husband, (parents if not married), and most importantly God. For various reasons modesty may be a little different from person to person. Telling someone how to dress to be modest is legalism. Respecting and supporting the belief that this is between you and God is freedom and fosters a personal relationship with God. I respect the opinion but just feel like it’s treading on thin ice to lay out rules of modest dress. Just my 2 cents.
Great posts on this subject. I am glad that you ladies care enough to sound the trumpet of concern!!
I appreciated the comment, also, on male immodesty. Many folks miss this issue – the near nakedness of men.
You have offered many thoughts that we should take to heart regarding modesty and God’s word.
Thank you!
Hi, Samantha! I miss my “bohemian” friend :-). I get what you are saying, as well as Terri. Sometimes we get our ideas of “beauty” mixed up (even when we are in the modesty camp) with American middle class traditional, and we can still be missing the point! Stacy did a good job pointing out that beauty is not to be pursued for its own end, and all our actions, including choosing what to wear, should come from the heart that is devoted to pleasing God.
Even those who are “oddlball” or “plain” do have to make choices about what to wear. The woman who thinks wearing plain clothing is preferred still has to decide on colors and patterns and fabric. As Stacy pointed out (and Jesus, too, when he spoke of how richly God clothed the lilies!), God loves beauty. How we define what that means can vary, and can sometimes be absolutely wrong. I think we need to be deliberate about choices in appearance, just as we should in every area of life, in imitation of God’s creativity and holiness as we take into consideration the purpose of what we wear in different circumstances.
For some other good input on this topic, I suggest reading this post at GirlTalk: http://www.touchofclass.com/product/l888-001.do?code=CMF01&gclid=CNHvqvuyn6gCFRs5gwodImeKIA
where Carolyn Mahaney quotes John Angell James in _Female Piety_:
“This taste [for beauty], however in many cases it may be altogether corrupted in its object, wrong in its principle, or excessive in its degree, is in its own nature an imitation of the workmanship of God, who, ‘by his Spirit has garnished the heavens,’ and covered the earth with beauty.”
Not always, Mary; there are some superior films even in Hollywood.
“Now I will address your accusation that I was sinning to sit and watch the movie”
I don’t think you were, especially since you didn’t even know what all it entailed. There is the question of explicit things in films that Christian critics watch, but it’s not a terrible dilemma; prayer helps, informed opinions are important, and I’ve learned a lot lately how turning one’s head can help in a theatre; if it’s a DVD, the skip button’s a wonder.
Elise, thanks for this link. Thought it was interesting what CNN said about it….
“Kevin Sorbo, who plays Holt Blanchard, the father of Hamilton’s best friend, said, “Sony (Pictures, the film’s producer) was afraid to throw in the word Jesus. They said you can have God but not Jesus. They were worried about that.
“The studios, you can’t really fight them,” he said. “Hollywood screams for freedom of speech but only if you agree with them. It’s a very two-faced industry.”
Sorbo said Sony wanted to take out another scene in which Bethany Hamilton wakes up in the hospital. Her father, played by Dennis Quaid, is shown reading a Bible. He reads to her from Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through him who gives me strength.”
Thank you so much Mrs. McDonald and Mrs. Friedrich for your movie review/article. It is amazing to me to see everything our culture has done to pollute the minds and hearts of people (especially young people) everywhere. I wholeheartedly agree that just because something is labeled ‘Christian’ doesn’t mean it’s appropriate for Christians to be watching or listening to. It is astonishing the number of things the world has Christianized. From Christian dances for young people (church proms etc), to christian rap, “youth groups”, and as we have seen Christian movies. The Bible is very clear about modesty and purity and this movie has clearly violated both those commands. It is just another one of Satan’s tactics to pull young people away from the church and to show them that you can do those things and …still go to heaven. I would also like to comment to another persons comment about showing the movie only to the individuals daughters. Why do they need to see that? By showing them this film they can see the ‘fun’ that the girls had in sneaking out with the guys and dressing immodestly. All while your sitting there trying to tell them this is wrong their probably wondering “Those girls are having a good time, and their Christians too!’ A totally contradictory way to show your daughters what not to do, because of course, Hollywood is going to glamorize everything to make it look as appealing as possible. And also, why not show it to the guys? Don’t they need to be aware of what’s out there and what to avoid? And hey, who doesn’t know that as soon as your daughters come home… “Hey! Guess what we saw…. Just some thoughts. ~A sister
It’s so good to find others who have standards when it comes to modesty. Thank you for these interesting reviews. I don’t watch movies, only watch nature documentaries, documentaries etc, and because this is based on a true story, it would have ‘passed’ my “is it safe?” test, if I’d known about it. But swim-wear offends me because I know that if you asked the same person to go to church wearing it, or underwear-which covers up just as little, they’d refuse. It makes no sense to me.
Hannah, Christian dances and rap are not inherently bad; it all depends on the content. I and every young person I know have been greatly blessed by youth groups.
What a revelation, that CNN info! Problem is, they didn’t have to include Bethany’s unrepentent sneak-off to the party or the bikini dance her friend did to appease HollyWood.
“From Christian dances for young people (church proms etc), to christian rap, “youth groups”, and as we have seen Christian movies. The Bible is very clear about modesty and purity and this movie has clearly violated both those commands. It is just another one of Satan’s tactics to pull young people away from the church and to show them that you can do those things and …still go to heaven. ”
I’m you aren’t actually saying that anyone who likes the rap style of music, or has gone to a prom, or belonged to a youth group can’t possible be regenerate.
In my above comment I meant to say “I’m SURE you aren’t saying…”
Two fantastic posts about this film! You both are amazingly blessed with Godly wisdom and insight.
“…we need to conform our thinking to the standard of the Bible, not to the context of the culture.”
Amen! I’ve already encountered one fellow Christian who used the excuse that the movie is just depicting the surfing culture accurately. I’ve always wonder why such a thing is so critically important? Would the film suffer if it were “less accurate” and the actors in it were more covered up? If it’s written well, then no, it wouldn’t.
“If we are not clothed with the righteousness of Christ, we could be wearing a burkha and still be immodest. That does not excuse falling off the horse on the other side, however. Law without liberty is tyranny, liberty without law is license (“By no means!” –Romans 6:2). But the law of liberty (or truth AND love –II John 1:3…or spirit and truth–John 4:24) are joined perfectly in Christ Jesus, the One we must please and obey.”
That’s just pure gold right there.
Thank you both for your wonderful, inspirational thoughts on this film.
Thank you Samantha, for bring that to my attention. I am very sorry if I offended you, as I did not mean it that way. Satan knows that as young people, we are very easily tempted to do wrong, therefore by putting those things out there, he is luring you in… first you get comfortable with one thing and then the next, before you know it Satan has you out on the edge with him. It is a matter only to the individual and the parents to decide whether or not his child should participate in certain activities, I am in no regard saying that just because you listen to a certain kind of music that you cannot go to heaven.
Jenifer,
As stated above, I did not mean in any regard that youth groups are bad, I am simply stating what I have heard from personal testimonies and not on my experience. I am very thankful to all youth group leaders as they are doing a wonderful job to win others to Christ. I would like to apologize to anyone finding my comment to be offending. Thank you once again, ladies, for your comments and bring those things to my attention. God Bless. ~A sister
Thank you, Hannah. No offense taken at all.
I recently watched a tv preacher on a day my children were sick and I couldn’t attend church. The camera panned the audience and a 50-something woman with a very large bosom was wearing a top that had a high neckline, but her bust was greatly accentuated and noticeable because of the coloration of her blouse. This was a middle-aged woman, and she probably had no idea that her choice of “modest” clothing was actually drawing attention to her large chest. Out of perhaps 50 people on the tv screen, she was very noticeable and distracting. This is something her mother or another female relative should have dealt with when she was younger. Her clothing, although “modest” by worldly standards, actually made a neon feature of her assets. I wish all mothers would discuss these things with their daughters.
Hello Stacy,
what is wrong with men with naked torsos? We women are not visual; we do not get aroused by that. So, what is the big deal about that?
Thank-you!
Again, I absolutely love these two posts you’ve done.
You’ve handled them in such a beautiful, beautiful way, and still absolutely hit the nail on the head.
This movie can give such a view of Christianity that is incorrect, and basically takes Christ, and some of His teachings, out of the Christian faith.
Bravo to your (and your daughters) insights, and taking the time to write them all out to us here.
Thanks, Cecilia! However, Carmon Friedrich (of http://www.buriedtreasurebooks.com) wrote part 2. :-)
Thank you so much for this review, Stacy! I am so glad that some Christian homeschool leaders are taking a stand for truth. I entered into a conversation on Facebook in reponse to a popular Christian homeschool leader’s question, “Who is going to see Soul Surfer?” In response to one concerned mother’s concerns about “blatant immodesty”, and my post which copied Focus on the Family’s Plugged In Online comments about the skimpy beachwear on the movie, the leader contended that the bikinis were NOT immodest. At first I was very confused… I thought to myself, “Surely she didn’t mean to imply this…” , but after I asked her to help me to understand what she was trying to communicate, she made it very clear that that was exactly what she was saying. I re-stated her contention, “the Soul Surfer bikinis are not immodest”, and she again confirmed it. Because this leader contended three times that anyone who had a problem with the bikinis needed a heart check, I told her that my virgin adult daughter’s discomfort concerning the clothing of the Aucas in End of the Spear had been due to her PURITY, and encouraged her to not judge those like my daughter who might feel uncomfortable with Soul Surfer’s beachwear. I also suggested (echoing her words) that she might do well to examine her own heart. I encouraged her FB friends (over 2780) to watch the movie trailer to discern for themselves whether or not the bikinis were immodest and whether or not they might prove to be a stumbling block to family members. All this time, I was very calm and not offended, but was trying to sort it all out for myself and my family (I am still shocked… I never would have thought I would hear a Christian homeschool leader contend that a bikini can me modest; is not “modest bikini” an oxymoron?). Because of this, she removed my comments and also removed me from her friend list. Honestly, I did not anticipate this because I had made a special effort to be reasonable in my responses, and was sincerely under the impression that differing opinions were welcome. When I wrote to her to ask what I had done to deserve to be treated in such a manner, I was told that I was lacking in understanding, grace and love. I was told that the movie communicated TRUE GRACE. Wow… talk about turning the grace of God into licentiousness (Jud 1:4 KJV – For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.) . She told me that she was sure that if I went to see the movie I would feel like a fool; I told her that if I went to the see the movie, although it may have many redeeming qualities, I would be saddened because the ones on the screen, those she had hailed to be worthy of emulation by all fellow Christians, wore little more than the Aucas who did not know the one true God. I am still saddened… and still praying. Please join me in prayer for all who may be led astray by this leader’s teachings concerning the grace of God.
Thanks to Carmen as well!
Wow, Necia. Honestly, I think some bikinis are more modest than others (some show little more than the stomach) and as a collector of art, I am not always bothered by nudity, but reading your post shocked me. You’re “lacking in grace and love” because you pointed out the obvious? And were told you would feel like a fool if you saw the film? How dare she speak that way. You advised people to watch the trailer themselves, the most reasonable thing to say. But no, apparently we can’t make up our own minds if it means being honest about the world, can we?
The content of a movie that is said to be “Christian”, is important, but I think the more important issue is the “content” of Christian people. I have attended many different churches (different denominations) and seen more breasts hanging out than I used to see in bars before I was saved. I must admit some of them were new Christians who may not know better, but some of these women were up on the stage singing as part of the praise team! This is even seen in the “holiness” type churches; the ones that years ago wore the long dresses and long sleeves. We have to gently and humbly advise these women to cover their “private” parts! It all has to start in the home (don’t allow your daughters to dress that way and don’t dress that way yourself), and let’s do our best to at least respect our place of worship.
All I can say is Amen Carmen and Stacey:)
John 15:19
“If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.
Thank you so much ladies for this review! After reading all of the comments, I am reminded that even in the church, we have different views of modesty! I highly recommend the book you already recommend…The Undressing of America…because it teaches what the Bible says about modesty.
On another note, my husband, who works for AFA, turned down the chance for them to sell this movie, because of exactly what you said! He was socked when he watched the pre-release of it, and had to “gaurd his eyes” for much of it! Just thought you would like to know that not everyone in mainstream Christian reviews recommends this movie.
Thank you again!