Russell Wilson -- Yeah, I Saw 'Fifty Shades' ... But It Doesn't Make Me a Heathen

Russell Wilson is on the defense -- claiming he's NOT a godless infidel ... just because he saw "Fifty Shades of Grey."

The outspokenly religious Seattle Seahawks QB has been under attack on social media Friday morning ... ever since he revealed that he went to a screening of the sexually charged S&M flick on Thursday.

Some of the comments directed at Wilson were harsh:

-- "I'm more than a little confused, Russell. I thought you professed to be a Christian.
-- "Really? I'm honestly not sure how you can quote bible verses all the time and then say this is a good movie..."
-- "Don't say you represent Christ, and the publicly endorse a moved filled with immorality and sexual violence."
-- "COME ON MAN!!! THAT MOVIE IS MORAL FILTH!!!"

Well, Russell heard the critics loud and clear ... and decided to respond with the following statement:

"Saw a movie filmed in the town I call home. Provocative/disturbing no doubt but that does not make me less Faithful. Have a blessed day!"

Then, Wilson doubled down ... saying his favorite movie of all time is "Scarface" ... the cocaine-centric gangster classic.