What Christians Can Learn from Liam Neeson’s “Shocking” Revelation

As an actor with a career spanning several decades, Liam Neeson has appeared in numerous films and television shows, many of which have contained explicit sexual content. However, despite the fact that such scenes are commonplace in the entertainment industry, Neeson has revealed in a recent interview that he feels embarrassed both filming and watching them. While some may view Neeson’s discomfort as a personal preference, there is a deeper, more fundamental issue at play: the immorality of watching or participating in sexual activity outside of marriage. This viewpoint is supported by Christian teachings.

“When we go to movies that have sexual scenes, we are paying Hollywood pimps to pay actors to prostitute themselves for money.”

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We once produced a video where I gave people a simple scenario. I asked married couples what they would do if they were in their bedroom in intimacy and suddenly noticed someone peering through a tiny gap in the bedroom window. They immediately said that they would call the police, because the person is obviously some sort of sexual pervert. I would then ask if they went to R-rated movies. When they said that they did, I inquired if they watched the sex scenes. When they said they did, I asked, “What’s the difference between you and that sexual pervert who is looking through your window?” The common reaction was: “Wow! There’s no difference.” To which I would reply, “Yes, there is. You are paying for yours.” When we go to movies that have sexual scenes, we are paying Hollywood pimps to pay actors to prostitute themselves for money.

The irony is that Liam Neeson not wanting to do or watch sex scenes is newsworthy. It becomes news when an actor says it’s embarrassing to look at or be a part of a sexual scene outside of the bonds of marriage. This shows how depraved our culture has become.

The Bible is clear in its teachings that sexual activity is meant to be reserved for the context of marriage between a man and a woman. Genesis 2:24 says, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” This passage establishes that the physical union between a man and a woman is reserved for the bond of marriage. Similarly, 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 states, “Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” This passage reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and that we should not engage in any sexual immorality, which is any sexual activity outside of marriage. Add to that the fact that Jesus said if we as much as even look with lust, we commit adultery in our heart (Matthew 5:27-28).

“The Bible is clear in its teachings that sexual activity is meant to be reserved for the context of marriage between a man and a woman.”

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Watching or participating in explicit sexual activity outside of marriage is, therefore, sinful. As believers, we are called to avoid anything that is immoral or impure and to set our minds on things that are noble, true, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). Watching sexual scenes is not noble, true, or praiseworthy. Rather, it is a form of lust that not only leads to a distorted view of sex and relationships but is a sin against God.

Neeson’s reluctance to film such scenes may be seen as an admirable quality, as it is a reflection of his personal convictions. Then again, it may just be that the fire tends to burn down when we hit our seventies, as he has.

While some may view sexual scenes as harmless entertainment, these scenes go against the fundamental teachings of the Bible. As believers, we are called to avoid anything that is immoral or impure and to guard our hearts and minds against such influences. By doing so, not only do we honor God, but we also avoid the subtle deception of playing the hypocrite.