Pornography is Not a Turnaround, Repentance is.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.

—John 1:1-5; 3:19

I was looking at an article on CNN and then followed a link to an article on People Magazine’s website about Hugh Hefner and Lindsay Lohan. Apparently she posed nude for Hefner’s Playboy Magazine. I don’t read People Magazine, and rarely do I visit the website except to read a specific article mentioned on CNN. I figured any photos with the article wouldn’t be graphic, so I clicked through and read.

The gist of the article is this: Hefner was at first a little uncertain about having Lohan pose for his magazine given her personal issues that are all over the news media every few weeks, but is pleasantly surprised that the magazine issue is selling so well.

A few observations:

1. I find it ironic that the head of a company that specializes in the mass distribution of pornography and the objectification of women would be wary of controversy. Lest we attribute this uneasiness to a burdened conscience, we should remember that Hefner’s main purpose in having celebrities featured in his magazine is primarily to increase market share and make money. He was concerned about Lohan because her appearance could be bad for business.
2. Hefner stated that Lohan’s appearance in the magazine “is intended as a turnaround.” It may well be that Lohan again rises to stardom and makes millions of dollars, gets involved in a somewhat stable, cohabitating relationship, and maybe even has a few kids. But that is only a Hollywood turnaround. In relation to God, repentance and faith is the only turnaround that matters. Lohan’s most recent public act is merely one step further in the direction of depravity and despair.
   
3. Hugh Hefner also said “this is a born-again beginning for Lindsay.” Again, repentance and faith is what makes a man or woman born again. The cheap substitute experience that Hefner offers is merely a shadow and a perversion of the image of God present in every human being.