The Acacia Community

Jonathan Acuff’s new book, Stuff Christians Like, is getting a lot of attention for its humorous treatment of the “goofy” parts of Christian culture & faith.  Using satire to make fun of some pretty classic topics, Acuff allows the Christian community to laugh at themselves, especially some of the stuff we often wish was a million miles from being associated with “us”.   Since we’re in the middle of our Film Fest, here’s a taste of the book as Acuff takes on R-rated movies:

Watching R-rated movies … but only if they’re violent

For Christians, it’s completely OK to watch R-rated movies, but only if they got that rating because of violence. If they’re rated R because someone is getting their head cut off or there’s a battle scene that’s so gory, blood splashes on the camera lens, don’t worry. God’s cool with that. However, if the movie is rated R because of sexuality … well, I hope you enjoy your fold-out couch bed in hell. It’s gonna be a hot one, my friend. A hot one, indeed.

I’m not sure where this rule came from, but it’s true. Not only do Christians watch violent R-rated movies, we’ll quote them from the pulpit, build sermon series around them—even show clips from them during service. I call it “The Braveheart Rule,” and my theory is that it’s because of the Old Testament.

Have you ever read any of the Old Testament? It’s hardcore. Samson smashes people in the head with a donkey jawbone. A priest runs a spear through two people having sex. David carries Goliath’s head around like a bowling ball. It’s violent. I think Christians read that and assume: “Cool. God’s down with some wanton violence. R-rated movies, here we come!”

But if there’s any nudity, if a single nipple makes a cameo at any point, forget it. Throw that piece of nonsense in the trash. That is horrible. We’ll have to wait until they show the edited version on TBS.