SCL

A few friends and I rented the first one a few months ago and recorded our own audio commentary, which mostly consisted of hysterical laughter, pointing out every single plot hole, and generally practicing our sarcasm skills.

That is as far as Twilight's value goes.

I am so glad Twilight hasn't infiltrated our Christian world yet… the day someone writes a Christian version of Twilight is the day we stoop to new levels of ridiculous. We've got so much better stories to tell.

I laugh at the hilarious single college guys who read the books and watch the movie just so they can have something to talk about with the single college girls, especially when they talk about how the books "actually aren't that bad". Then I remember when I once claimed to like the writings of Nicolas Sparks, and I hang my head in shame.

Happy Jim's Birthday to you too, Sho.

[...] Today’s post on the site had to do with the Twilight Saga phenomenon and the temptation that Christians might be facing to co-opt the current vampire craze: Across the country pastors are tempted to do Twilight sermon series. Around the world, Christian authors are thinking about the parallels of the everlasting life of a vampire and the true everlasting life of a Christian. Christian film producers are feeling the siren’s call of Final Cut screenplay software. “Just write a Christian version of Twilight, just write a Christian version of Twilight.” [...]

I like the Twlight books and movies; I went to a midnight showing on Thursday. I call Twlight "fluffy fun". It's something non-deep that gives me a break from all the grad school related paper writing and reading. Twilight is one of the books that helps my brain shut down for a while.

However, last night I was in Barnes & Noble, and I saw a poorly written Christian devotional based on Twilight. Maybe you should do a post on devotionals based on secular/cultural phenomenons.

I have seen the first movie, I read four of the books and I will most likely see this second installment. My thinking is that as a youth minister I'm going to have a lot of my kids who watch the movies and read the books and I'm a firm believer that if I'm going to have any say about it, I should know what it is that I'm talking about, and I can't do that with Cliff's Notes or Spark Notes.

So would the Christian version be called… wait for it… "Trilight"?

Wow. I am amazed at the comments. Really? Leave a Bible Study to go see this film and you say that doesn't make you any LESS of a Christian? A lot of you fans are talking like addicts. There is only one thing that is to have such a strong pull on us in this life and that's Christ. Anything that draws (or tears, and pulls) you away from Him (i.e. a Bible Study) is definelty from the enemy. You can justify these books/movies all you want, but the truth is we really shouldn't be watching them should we? Lets be honest Christians. And Harry Potter, and Horror Movies. Lets all pray for discernment here.

This is why the is virtually no difference between Christians and non-Christians. We do the same worldly things watch the same horrible movies and act like God is turning the other cheek. Do you know there are Christians in other parts of the world that would never watch the movies that American Christians watch? Our standards are so low people…

I like how so many comments start with "not that I'm against vampires or anything" Is this a Christian blog??? Vampires guys! They're kinda evil??? We'd rather blither our way into being cool with a popular book/movie than take a stance against pervasive paranormal entertainment and sorcery/witchcraft targeted at kids.

I love the Twilight series (the books)! I would also like to state for the record that *any* brand or form of entertainment (namely, the internet) has the potential to pull us away from quiet times, Bible studies, etc. so please put a hold on the Twilight-specific finger pointing. I've also always loved vampire stuff, even before Twilight. It's a fun form of fictional entertainment to me, as Disney (talk about a lot of sorcery and witchcraft) might be for others. To be completely honest, I've never felt convicted about my liking for vampire stories. I do worry about young kids and their ability to discern fantasy from reality, but I'm 24 so no worries there. I think Stephenie Meyer is a great story writer and it's a pretty rare feat for any book to hold my attention for longer than the first 15 pages.

ps. I also enjoy Disney, just wanted to clarify that. I was just using it as a comparison.

not sure about the true love of someone who loves you so much he won't kill you. plus the writing is horrid. http://umbl0g.blogspot.com/2009/11/book-report-tw...
God is good
jpu

The thought of a Christian version of Twilight brings me back to the day when Christian music jumped on the Boy-Band bandwagon. Is the Christian music/art/film world so lacking in creativity that all we can do is copy pop culture?

I've read the series about a year ago. It's poorly written, some of the characters are flat and uninteresting, and I have some serious issues with some of the messages. It's pretty ridiculous and over the top… but I kept reading. Despite all of my qualms, the story got the better of me. I've come to the conclusion that while I don't have the full out hate for the series as some people do, I enjoy playfully mocking them. (For example, I saw New Moon on Sunday, and my best friend and I (we're both social workers) tried to diagnosis Bella's mental health issues. And so many times I found myself trying to restrain a fit of giggles and/or sarcastic comments.) However, I'm 24 years old… and as some people have already said, I have concerns for teen girls who read it.

I really couldn't stand Bella for most of the series. Girl's got some serious self esteem and dependency issues. It also bugged me that there was no build up to Bella and Edward's feelings towards each other. They barely know each other and they end up in the woods professing their love towards each other. That's really nothing new, though. Look at most classic fairy tales… Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty. There's one magic moment with perfect prince charming and *poof* true love! (I did enjoy that Disney poked fun of this in Enchanted with the lovely Amy Adams a few years ago.) Edward Cullen simply brought the perfect prince charming character back into vogue.

I'm single and have a hard enough time just finding nice guys. So if younger girls start expecting a perfect prince to rescue her from an evil witch or getting smashed by a van sliding on ice… well they'll be disappointed at best.

Oh and if you can't wait for the Christiany Twilight book series, go ahead and get a Christian-ized Twilight t-shirts yet? http://www.christiantshirtshop.com/gf9315.html

As a youth worker, I also find it beneficial to have read the books. I was not a fan of the first film, but I plan on seeing the second one anyways. I heard it's done a lot better and is very close to the book. As with most books/films people read/watch these days, there are positive and negative elements. One of my young people challenged even me through a Twilight-themed "Thought for the Week" she writes and posts around her school. The tagline for the film is "When you can live forever, what do you live for?" She pointed out that, as Christians, we DO get to live forever…so what are we living for? In the films and books, their focus is on loving each other forever, but do we put that much time and effort into Christ? I'm not saying it should be a sermon from the pulpit, but it is interesting food for thought. Especially when so many of our young people, girls in particular, can relate to it.

All that, and Harry Potter too! Don't get me started…

I'm the mom of a college-aged daughter who devoured the books. I read them, too to see what she was into, and really got hooked. Now, my daughter is a strong Christian. She frequently calls me in tears about what God is doing in her life. She's committed to purity – and I know she means it – but she's also a girl, and a young adult.

I went to a late night showing her and a few of her girlfriends who are also committed to purity. They all love, love, love it.

Here's what I think.

These books are strongly romantic due to a couple of things: Edward is pursing Bella above all else – not casually, not offhandedly – he is 100% into her. Her, not just her body (though he loves that, too), he loves her.

Newsflash: girls and women need this. We need to be adored and pursued and caught. Doesn't happen much in the "real world".

Also, they can't/won't "go all the way". Edward (crazy as it sounds) died a virgin and remained that way until he and Bella get married. Ditto for her.

Yeah to the author (who I think is Mormon) for working that into the romance AND for it having a universal appeal. Imagine. Such a blockbuster success for a chaste, passionate, adventurous love story.

Oh, and another thing I noticed. There isn't a swear word in the whole thing. Again, how is that commercially successful? Crazy. Or is it?

I like Twilight. But I LOVE Harry Potter. That's all I have to say.

funny you wrote about this today when i read about this yesterday : The Ultimate Christian Novel – Cassidy: Amish Vampiress of the Tribulation: http://www.challies.com/archives/general-news/ram...

Back in the day if you saw a glittery vampire you'ld just go, "Hey look! Its David Bowie!" I wonder why He hasn't sued yet…

Whew. I'm probably going to get blasted here. In fact, I was afraid to say anything for fear of being called judgemental. First, whatever you're convicted of is between you and God. But for me, I can't watch or read these books. One, because of the vampire content. Call it what you like, but to me, it lands more on the occultic side of things. Two, the obsession Edward and Bella have with one another. That is not emotionally healthy and is unrealistic. For what it's worth, each person has to decide for themselves. But let's not say "hey he didn't sleep with her" to justify the occultic principles. Just simply say you aren't convicted by it and be comfortable in that. Just my humble opinion. Let the arrows fly…..

I'm patiently waiting for the RiffTrax.

Where is a fireman to burn the book? (Farenheit 451 reference) I thought that all stupid books were banned? Ok, so I did not read them, but I have <female> friends who despise it, and my sister read through the series in two weeks or less. That would qualify the book as retarded, as well as the movies. I just hope my book does not gain the same level of overratedness. but I would be rich from it.

I have and will never see these movies nor read the books.
As well, I will boycott any church that even thinks about incorporating twilight into anything they do.

I honestly have no clue why people like the movie. But that is just me.
I would have stayed and listened to you Jon.

I think Cornelius wants to poo on the heads of those standing in the Twilight line.

I've heard a pastor once say much like the pornography that men look at, gives them this image of a woman that isn't necessarily real and a very difficult if not impossible standard to live up to, so do most modern "chick-flicks". When woman actually say things to a guy like, "Why can't you be more like Edward." It may not be actually at the level of pornography, but the question is if it is wise to get SO into.

I didn't notice anyone else mention the new book out by Kimberly Powers. It is called "Escaping the Vampire: Desperate for the Immortal Hero". It is not so much a vampire book as it is a commentary on why there is such an allure for the Edward/Bella story. I have a promotional sampler from YLO (interlinc) and from what I have read it is like a "Gospel According to Harry Potter" type of book.

You said, "Hold strong! Unless you’re a youth minister, resist the urge to work teenager romance vampire references into your sermons. Fight the good fight! We can do this. We can resist this trend."

Thanks for not making us youth ministers look too bad for wanting to use this material! I think it is fun to harness the messages of popular media to generate some discussions with our teens, but I agree it can be lame if it is not done in the right way to the right crowd!

I am in Louisville visiting friends for a few days…I feel like I should be inspired to funny-ness due to my temporary proximity to Stacy from Louisville. But…nothing. There's so much comic gold in making fun of Twilight, but I actually enjoyed the books, so I'm having trouble mocking the Twitards.

I bought tickets to the midnight showing of New Moon six weeks ahead of time. Since I read this post this morning, I've been asking myself, would I have given up those tickets if I'd had the chance to hear Jon speak live that night?

I think I would have. That's how badly I want a Booty God Booty button. I mean, that's how much I want to hear you speak, Jon!

I had enough teenage angst in my life while I was a teenager; I have no desire to pay money to watch a movie of it. So, I will neither read this series, nor watch any of the movies.

I love the Twilight saga for different reasons than most girls, I am in love with Stephenie Meyers' writing style. I watch the movies because I love seeing those characters come to life. Not all girls are obsessed with the "hot guys".

Ummmm…..okay, am I the only to remind people that these books are written to be FICTION! I don't think Stephanie Meyer set out to hide subliminal messages of good over evil, abstinence, or what happens to our soul. From what I've read about her, she had a dream and put the characters in her dream on paper to create a story. Seems pretty simple to me! Yes, the books now have a large following, but if my memory of history is correct……there were (and still are, as I can testify living close to the home of Graceland in Memphis) some pretty fanatical fans of Elvis. There are conventions dedicated to people who dress up like Star Trek characters and ……GULP!…….even speak in some weird made up language. Twilight is just the latest crazy bandwagon ( and yes, I am along for the ride) but this is not the first-nor will it be the last pop culture craze. So, whether you're Team Edward, Team Jacob, or Team "I couldn't give two figs about this stupid movie", just let me indulge my inner tween!

I have read the books and, yes, I do have some criticisms. Not about the writing, that is way too easy of a target. The problem that I have with the series is that it glorifies several different things:

- Idolatry: The language that Bella uses to describe Edward for all 4 novels is the language of worship. She literally worships him throughout the first book. The problem with this is that this kind of idolatry will ultimately set up a teenage girl for heartbreak and disappointment. Secondly, it will set a girl up to be taken advantage of by a guy who is perfect on the outside and rotten on the inside.

- Unhealthy or Co-Dependent relationships: In the novels, Bella constantly ignores her friends and family to spend time with Edward. These kinds of relationships are very unhealthy and usually lead to really bad choices all around.

- Glorification of Selfish/Narcissistic behavior: Nowhere, in any of the books or movies, is Bella called out by her father (or anyone else for that matter) for her attitude. She is essentially a selfish little petulant girl who wouldn't know how to honor her father if her life depended on it.

- Glorification and normalization of Pedophilia: This is something that I find VERY VERY VERY disturbing. In books 3 and 4, the werewolves will "imprint" on someone and thus they have a form of "love at first sight". It breaks up already established relationships and (most disturbingly) allows Adult or nearly adult males to imprint on female toddlers and infants. The characters only react to this mildly, and then accept it as normal. To the point where Jacob (in the 4th book) gives the equivalent of a "promise ring" to an infant. What surprises me is that the usual child advocacy groups have not denounced this series outright.

Premarital Sex: Finally, this series does not adequately address the issue of pre-marital sex like some claim that it does. Oh, they don't have sex prior to marriage. It doesn't mean that they refrain from it, rather they dance along the edge of it like two people doing the tango on the rim of the Grand Canyon. Case in point: at least twice in the series Bella tries to physically seduce Edward prior to marriage. Also, it blurs the line between pre-marital sex and sleeping together. From book 1 on, Edward spends almost EVERY NIGHT sleeping in her room. They don't choose to stay chaste because it would involve the possibility of pregnancy, no…they choose to stay chaste because he doesn't want to break her. The novels make the blindingly obvious point that, given the chance, they would be getting it on. In fact, in the fourth novel, when Bella (now married) expresses the opinion that physical pleasure might just make her consider staying human for longer Edward makes a joke that they should have just been having sex then.

Edward = Emotionally and almost physically abusive stalker: Several times in the books does he mention that he has to protect her, so that means that he is constantly following her around. He does things in the novels that would qualify anyone else for jail time (IE: Sneaking into her room at night without her knowledge or consent). He stalks her. He keeps her places against her will. This is all accepted without question or concern by anyone, including her father…the Chief of Police (who must be pretty darned lousy if doesn't recognize the signs of an abusive relationship).

Unfortunately, a lot of girls that I know will say things like: Edward is so Christ-like in his pursuit of Bella, and it symbolizes how God pursues us. I really think that those are just lousy excuses to brush off the things that we know are wrong.

ffftt.
fffftt.
fffttt.

Even a ninja couldn't catch all three.
(the ffffttt are the sound of arrows going through the air)

I secretly think that Jon is attacking everyone that hates twilight with the profile "youreefncrazy"
Because inside he is longing to let everyone know that he loves twilight he just does not have the courage to stop hiding behind a fake name.
Nice play Mr Acuff, but I am on to your games.

Actually, Twilight is a Mormon allegory. So depending on how you define Christianity, Twilight is a Christian series.

It amazes me how Christians are reading the Twilight books. Why would you read anything that has to do with vampires? We are supposed to stay away from the things of darkness!

Quoting from another blog (http://www.deliveredbygrace.com/?p=872):
"In Deuteronomy 18:9-10, God commands His people to refrain from witchcraft. He calls it an abomination! In Isaiah 8:19, God again warns against such practices as communicating with the dead. It should also be pointed out that in Revelation 21:8, the Apostle John warns that all sorcerers will have their part in the lake of fire and brimstone. Therefore, the totality of God’s Word stands opposed to witchcraft and the evil that surrounds such practices."

And let's look at Galatians 5:19-21: "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."

I believe when you expose yourself to vampires, witchcraft, the paranormal, anything that derives a power from a source that is not from Christ, you are opening yourself up to potential Satanic attack and harassment. Because of this, I am staying away from Twilight. It doesn't honor God.

I have, in fact, read all of the Twilight books. And I have seen the first movie. But admittedly, when I originally watched the preview for the second movie, I couldn't help laughing.

We need to keep fighting the good fight against vampires! Keep them at bay! Good work, Jon, I couldn't have said any of this better myself.

I apologize in advance for not reading the comments clear through, so I'm sorry if someone has beat me to it.

I think a sermon (series) on Twilight would be a really good thing (if directed at an audience who knew what it was), and I think you're barely scratching the surface of why. There's a whole byplay in the books about souls and whether vampires have them and what one has to do to be damned and/or saved. Speaking as a Lutheran, I see about six million ways this could be a great jumping-off point for a sermon on salvation by grace.

Going a step further, you could touch on why the books appeal to so many people: the desire to be loved, unconditionally. Isn't that what Christianity is about? We don't need a vampire to be willing to die for us, *someone* *already* *did*.

Then there's about ten million ways it could be used as part of a lecture series (as opposed to a sermon). How about family? What does it mean to be a family? Loving people we don't necessarily like? Doing the right thing even when it costs us? Healthy ways of dealing with depression?

Especially as a Lutheran, I think it's begging for a thoughtful deconstruction of its message on faith and salvation, because I absolutely disagree with it. The vampire thing, to me, is just a side note—take "vampire" as a metaphor for "really really big sinner", and you have yourself a pretty decent start on a salvation-by-grace sermon.

continuing…

I hadn't thought of this from the perspective of a teenager, but I can see your point that the author doesn't portray AT ALL a healthy image of self-worth or godly relationships or even of sex. I defended her earlier, because I appreciate her advocacy of abstinence before marriage – and I do still appreciate her having this message, as she is the ONLY voice in mainsteam media saying this – but I do see the dangers of the rest of the story (spending nights together, spending most of their time together alone in a private place, etc). Anyone following suit would certainly be putting themselves in a huge temptation.

So thanks for the different perspective! I don't often change my mind once it's made up, but you definitely got me thinking.

The funny thing about the series is that, to the secular world, it is marketed as a Christian alternative to stuff like Harry Potter and etc. Stephanie Meyers is well-known to be a Mormon, and it apparently shows in the chastity of the books (according to reviews– I haven't read them).

For the record there is a Christian vampire novel published BEFORE Twilight, and more closely related to classic vampire stories – Lifeblood by Werner Lind – currently out of print from its first printing (publisher went out of business) but he is trying to either get it published elsewhere or go the self publishing route (check for word about it at his profile on goodreads.com if you're interested) – Short but well written – and is very clearly a Christian vampire novel written by a Christian who likes vampire stories, rather than someone trying to use it JUST to reach the youth who love Twilight… Does it have a good message? Yes – but its a good story too and its not its ONLY purpose…

Read the first book, but I have a serious vendetta against badly written books. As for the films…I also have a serious vendetta against bad cinematography, editing, lighting, special effects, acting, writing, and dialogue. The movies have all of that and more. I saw it because I promised my sister-in-law I would go see it with her, and the whole time I was wishing I was in the next theatre over watching Precious. I am proud of Christians too. I was expecting sermons just like there were against Harry Potter and the DaVinci Code. Hurray for growing up.

I don't think it's much of a love story if the guy's big demonstration of love is to not kill his girl. I decided to read Twilight before my 14 year old did and I wrote a book review. http://umbl0g.blogspot.com/2009/11/book-report-tw...
God is good
jpu

I read all four books, and I bonded with a girl friend last year over Twilight, which was a start of an amazing friendship. And I've watched both movies, and have both soundtracks.

It is teenage fantasies in a lot of bits, but the fact that someone 'perfect' wants someone so average is quite a universal theme.

And my friend pointed out that the description of Edward in the first book at the meadow was literally lifted from Songs of Solomon. I can't see how much more Christian-y that can get. Lol

Welcome, yourefencrazy, let Stacy from Louisville be your guide to the site!

If you didn't catch it earlier… http://mkpalos.wordpress.com/2009/11/01/the-twili...

Oh my – the funniest thing I've read in a while! I heart whoever this Mateo guy is. A "must read" if you are a Twi-hard fan, or never read and/or seen any of it. A quick read to get the story without reading the story.

Disclaimer: I have not read the books or seen the movies. However, I have several close friends who have, who've described them in detail, and I've read a fair bit of material on them, including some excerpts. So while I haven't experienced them fully, I flatter myself that I have a pretty good base of knowledge as to how they operate.

My problem with Twilight is on two levels.

First, as a Christian and a woman, I'm so worried about girls and women who are reading the books obsessively, allowing their hearts and minds to be molded by an unreasonable, unhealthy, unChristlike presentation of romance. Edward's and Bella's desire for each other has an entirely carnal base; they are obsessive, immature and manipulative toward each other. Bella is a shell of a character, with little independence, personality or inner strength. Being in the relationship is the highest possible good–there's no other element to her life, no other way in which she's pursuing happiness or self-actualization–and there's little criticism or portrayal that perhaps she should not simply look to a man or a vampire or a werewolf to protect her and make her who she is. This is already a problem that women struggle with, and literature like this only exacerbates the issue.

Secondly, I am wholly opposed to Twilight on the grounds of art. *The writing is terrible.* I cannot stress that enough. You simply can't deny it. It's trash. There is essentially nothing admirable about its style in any instance that I've seen (and a few of my friends who've read the book, whom I know to be discerning, intelligent, widely-read and well-educated, heartily concur with that). I am not one to argue that we should only read stunning literature that breaks new ground stylistically or upholds the highest standards of literary scholars at elite universities: however, there are plenty of easy novels for entertaining light reading out there that are artistically acceptable. There is literature for kids, teens and young adults that is well-written, yet makes for a supremely pleasurable pastime without much effort put into decoding the text, and while I have that around I will not be feeding my kids' brains with drivel. A sad proportion of the population today can hardly put a decent sentence together, much less describe a scene or express a complex emotion or thought with any kind of vividness or originality, and reading bad writing (even without placing it on some sort of pedestal) will never turn a person into a good writer. Honestly I'd much rather have my own kids watch a well-crafted movie or television show because at least that'd help develop some appreciation for and sensitivity to good writing and other aspects of art.

The obsession–coupled with a functional trivialization–of the supernatural/paranormal is another issue, a very troubling one, but it doesn't factor into my anger about Twilight nearly as much as my disturbance at its emotional influence and lack of literary value.

I have a few things to say here:
1. Edward is portrayed as a gentleman. He's based on Gilbert Blythe, Fitzwilliam Darcy, and Edward Rochester. The three most popular male figures in popular novels, why isn't everyone freaking out about those novels? Also, is that so unrealistic today that a man can be a gentleman??
2. Bella is so stupid. All the readers (at least that I've spoken to) know this and hate her. She's an idiot, portrayed as a plain, clumsy, weird girl. She isn't the only female in the book; and the rest are hardly like her. Edward's sisters/mother for example, Alice is strong willed and sees the future, Rosalie is stubborn, competitive and obsessed with vanity (usually a male-thing), and Esme is loving and nurturing but still strong. Victoria the other vampire is independent and strong as well as countless other female characters you will encounter IF YOU ACTUALLY READ THE SERIES.
3. That's all I can write for now but there's more, I guarantee it.

In conclusion. You should probably read the books (and at least try to open your minds a little) before you critique stuff you have no idea about. Get off your high horses.

If they made a Christian version of Twilight, or any movie for that matter, it would suck.

I read the entire series and enjoyed it. It's fun and light (extremely light) reading though it can not be called a literary work of art by any stretch of the imagination.

The fact that you have so much free time is not baffling.