Erectile Dysfunction commercial gets woman kicked out of church

Posted on October 26, 2010
Viewed 2128 times
(22) comments

OK... I know this is sensationalistic... but here's the headline in Australia's Herald Sun newspaper: The star of an erectile dysfunction commercial has been kicked out of her church until the ad comes off air.

The story revolves around Libby Ashby. She told the newspaper that she has been 'disfellowshipped from her local church after appearing in an ad for an erectile dysfunction ad: "They have said I would not be reinstated until the ad comes of the air."

Here's the ad in question:

Umm... let's just say the ads on Australian TV make ours look pretty lame.

Here's more from the newspaper:

Ms Ashby, a single mother, said she knew when she was filming the ad that it was in poor taste.

But she said she had taken the job because of the money.

"My VISA was calling out for mercy," she said.

"It was against my better judgement to it. I don't like to offend people."

Ms Ashby, who didn't say which Christian church she attended, said the bible spoke clearly about sex.

"The bible speaks very openly about sex in an honourable way, but I don't think the ad is honourable.

"It offends a lot of people," she said.

So... the 'actress' is clearly guilty about her part in the commercial. "Ashamed" might be a better word.

But should the church 'disfellowship' her?

Who would have thought that a church would have to deal with something like this?

But get ready... the church is going to have to deal with A LOT of things like this as we move forward. The question is... HOW?

OK... here's the question. Let's say that this lady went to your church? How would/should your church respond?

Todd

Source from Group Sects

Comments

if you want a Globally Recognized Avatar (the images next to your profile) get them here. Once you sign up, your picture will displayed on any website that supports gravitars.

Tom on Thu, November 04, 2010

What about the most important point. Did she tithe from the paycheck for the commercial?
Shawn Wilson on Mon, November 08, 2010

Really? Really? Why is it that the Church asks the world to respect her when all she does is condemn, condemn, condemn? There is no reason for her to be “disfellowshipped!”. The Pastor should I’ve used this as a way to address the problem of ED with the married couples in the Church. I’m sorry but this is one of the many reasons my generation is leaving the “Church” for real fellowship.
Shawn Wilson on Mon, November 08, 2010

Oh yeah, by the way, that commercial is awesome!!
Oliver on Tue, November 09, 2010

the church has erectile disfunction, it has lost all its potency as it as sold out to “the culture”.
Earl on Fri, November 19, 2010

Judge not, lest ye be judged.

This is a perfect example of why I don’t belong to an organized church. Despite the benefits of worshiping with others, the downside of snobbishness and puffery always trump true spirituality and forgiveness. Hypocrisy seems an inescapable human trait that flourishes within the Christian cult.
eB on Fri, November 19, 2010

I agree that snobbery and hypocrisy are terrible sins, far worse than acting in a “naughty” commercial. I agree that as this story is presented, the church in question seems horribly ungracious toward the woman. And grace is our foundation.

I don’t understand why many of the commenters on these reply threads think her acting in the commercial was not even an issue. I want to separate how her former church treated her from my question here. As Christians we are to attain to a more virtuous calling, keeping in mind to be modest, being careful not to get involved in dirty jokes and similar things. I do think that as Christians we should be encouraging folks to strive toward better things, not only in thought (see Philippians 4:8), but in deed. While there are far worse things than this commercial, and the woman’s finances are a valid consideration, it’s still a questionable choice for a dignified daughter of the King of Kings. Shouldn’t we encourage church members and friends to trust God to help them in their lives without having to morally compromise, even a little bit? For those of you who see nothing wrong with acting in that commercial, please explain.
Rob Bagwell on Thu, December 09, 2010

She should find a new church. If she submits to such “church disciple” she simply justifies their judgmental attitudes. God is the judge, especially when no identifiable sin can be identified. Get over it Christians, there are alot of other issue more vital and jugular to the Church of God at this time in world history.