Twilight is a series by Stephenie Meyer, I'm sure like me you've heard of it from a lot of people. I heard about it firstly because of a review in a magazine, it sounded interesting. Since then I've heard about it from friends and people at school. So I decided after looking it up to place it on hold at the library. I just got it yesterday and I couldn't put it down, I ended up staying up till 12:00 at night just reading. The first book Twilight is about Isabella Swan (Bella) who moves to Forks, Washington after her mother remarries. She goes to live with her father (Charlie) And on her first day at school she see's Edward Cullen.
The plot of the book is centered on him being a Vampire and both of them falling in love. This is a really good book, it deals with vampires and werewolves which to christians that would seem very evil. My mother even didn't want me telling her about it because of that very thing. I do not think vampires ad werewolves are such a big deal, they're make believe and they are no different than any other fantasy stories we see now. Such as Chronicles of Narnia, and Eragon. There is no slander to christians or to God in this book, the only mention is when Edward mentions that his adopted father's father was a priest who wanted to kill vampires and other creatures like them.
Overall this book has some funny moments to it and the characters make an interesting read.
I do wants to say though this book is for Young adults and I wouldn't suggest letting a younger girl read it, there isnt major physical content but I admit it does get a tad bit close. In my opinion this book isnt offensive to any christians, but if parents have strong rules on what they're kids read I suggest reading the book to make sure its to their standards.
I decided to write this in a christian perspective because I haven't yet seen anyone who has written a review from a christian standpoint. I would though like to hear from others on how they view this book. So if you've read it or have a question for me please comment!
Hope this has been helpful.
-Katelynn
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22 comments:
I haven't read the book yet but I'm insanely curious and planning to pick it up ASAP. The reason I'm reading it, though, is because I do have some concerns about the worldview it might present (specifically, making "the dark side" appear good). I'd like to see where it stands in terms of purity and teaching Truth... any ideas, from one who's read it?
I'm not really sure, maybe I am a little bias since I really like the book. But what do you mean for purity and Truth? Purity before marriage, does kinda okay during the first two books. But their are talks about it in the third one, nothing happens though. After you read it let me now what you think.
Hey Katelynn. I'm an editor for a magazine for Christian high school students, Ignite Your Faith (www.igniteyourfaith.com). I enjoyed reading some of your posts. I was looking for some thoughts on Twilight for the magazine. And you helped! God Bless.
I just read Twilight to review for a new teen book review site I'm apart of. The site is actually for Christian parents and the book reviews are based on the book's content. I haven't gotten my review up for it yet, but I hope too in the next week or so. I kind of got the same impression as you about the book. It was really good and really drew me in, but the physical stuff was a "tad bit close." I like how you worded that. Their romance seems to be heading to a very passionate and physical level although it hasn't really gotten very far yet. They both seem to be open to an intimate relationship, and the only thing stopping them is Edward's fear of killing Bella. I would have liked to see more of a "marriage-then-intimacy" view of their physical relationship. As a parent, I would recommend it more for college-aged.
I didn't really have a problem with the vampire concept. It was quite tame as far as the amount of bloodshed. They are vampires with a conscience, which was a nice twist. Please stop by Teen Lit Review if you get chance. We are having a book giveaway.
I'm a youth leader and decided to read Twilight after a girl from the group became somewhat obsessed with it. I've only read the first book- but here is my take, for what its worth.
I agree Katelynn, the book does not explicitely speak out against God or the Bible. However, it does not present a Godly message either. As a youth leader and parent of a 10 year daughter, the obsession that Bella has towards Edward is concerning. She gives up all regard for herself or her family to be with someone that she knows is dangerous. I can see high-school aged girls reading this book, longing for a relationship with someone like Edward that would not be healthy to their Christian lives.
I can see a paraellel between Edward and Satan. Satan was called the "Morning Star", the most beautiful of angels. The lies he offers up can appear to be beautiful outwardly, all the while he is trying to cheat you out of eternity with God. Bell is so smitten with the beauty and power of Edward, she is willing to offer up her own mortality to be with him forever- even if it means losing all she is and has known.
Satan sneaks into our lives wherever he can. Now I'm not saying that reading this bood damns us to hell. However, I'm don't think reading this book is to the glory of God either, and I would cautian parents to make sure your child was not getting hooked to the point of giving up quality time with God or family.
Just my two cents.
I read all three books in Twilight series in a three day period. I fully agree with anyone who says these books are not only well written, but absolutely brilliant. I will say this, however. After I read them, I had a very, very hard time. I experienced a lot of mental spiritual warfare and I literally felt like I was locked in the story. I immediately discerned a spirit of witchcraft on these books and it made me angry because I loved them! But I literally had to get them out of my house, that's how bad it was.
So I went to God with it and He showed me what is going down. It isn't obvious and it isn't about the content of the books, it is something entirely spiritual. The spirit behind these books is identical to the spirit behind Harry Potter and the spirit behind certain music, like My Chemical Romance. Look for the things that draw obsession out of this generation and pull them away from God. I guarantee you every one of them, the major ones that are addicting to scary and dangerous measures, are a tool of the enemy to infiltrate witchcraft into the lives of an entire generation of young people.
I'm not saying this from a judgmental, outside perspective, I am speaking as someone who is very, very familiar with this sort of thing and who experienced it first hand. If you want proof, you can find dozens of Wiccan and Witchcraft websites that promote these books. Doesn't that tell you something? And if that isn't enough to convince you, let Isaiah do it.
"Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter."
-Isaiah 5:20
The biggest thing that stood out to me was the way vampires are portrayed as "good" in Twilight and witches and wizards are portrayed as "good" in Harry Potter. It is NOT about the content of the books, people. It is about the deceptive spirit behind them.
Open your eyes.
I am a Christian myself, but I do not agree with not reading about good witches or good vampires. I do strongly beleive that everywhere we turn good is bad and bad is good. However when Isaih said this he was not refering to things that man made up (I know witchcraft is real, I do not mean that, I mean mythilogical creatures) he was talking about comandments such as sexual purity, and how now everyone thinks that abstinance is just a theory, it is not I know for a personal fact. Humans made up vampires, and someone decided they were bad, Stephenie put her own personal spin on it and made some of them choose the right, what is wrong with that, they knew that killing was wrong so they didnt do it and they had to use will power not to. (kinda like staying a virgin until your married). I never got a dark feeling from reading those books. The only thing that bothered me was the tid bit too discriptive kissing and that Edward would stay the night with her in her room behind her Fathers back. I even felt that the part where she wanted to go all the way with him was a good thing for young readers to know. They feel those feeling and it is a good way for us to be able to talk to them about them and know they can say no. He said "no bella, I want to be married first" and then in the end when he was the one succoming to temptation she showed him what true love really was and said "no, I dont want to take that from you, until we are married" Now that is where real romance is when you put their needs and desires before your own urges, because you want them to be happy.
Like Abby, I have read all three books. I really was not interested in reading the books at first because they were about vampires and werewolves, and though I would love to blame my friend for forcing me to read the first few chapters of the first book (Twilight), I really have no one else to blame but my self for actually buying all three books and reading everything else that Ive missed. In short, I loved the plot, I loved the love story that blossomed between Bella and Edward and I loved the action packed storyline that kept me hooked until i finished reading the third book.
On the other hand, the morals that the books try to instill in the readers leave a lot to be questioned. For one thing, Bella's love for Edward consumes her to the point that she is willing to give up everything she has - her family, her friends, the life she knows, even her own soul, to be with Edward. It does sound very, very romantic. On the other hand, as a Christian, this is something that really bothered me. After all, what would it profit a [woman] to gain the whole world, to have the love is she dying to have, if she loses her own soul? The danger is that people who are unsure about the reality of heaven and hell might be led astray by Bella's seemingly right decision, no matter how romantic it sounds.
Another thing that did not seem quite right was how Edward's reason for not consummating a more intimate physical relationship with Bella was the fact that he might kill her. The writer does mention marriage in the plot; on the other hand, it seems that marriage and valuing each other's purity was not the most important reason for delaying sex. The writes points out that given another circumstance, Edward would give in to Bella's desires if it was safe enough for her. The danger is that even Christan readers might believe that sex without the commitment of marriage is permissible. It is the thoughts of the heart that counts, and pleasing God is not in theirs. Both Bella and Edward's virtues are being desecrated already whether they actually commit the act or not because pleasing God by delaying sex is not their priority.
All in all, I concluded that it is not the fact that the books are about vampires and werewolves that cause me to be troubled. It is the message that is engraved in the book that might cause people to be lead astray that does bothers me.
Nonetheless, if the books actually did me any good, it made me examine my heart and what exactly it is that I as a Christian would do (or NOT do) in the same situation as Bella.
It is true that the books are very entertaining. On the other hand, it is not something I would recommend to someone who might stumble in their walk with God because of its content.
To Christian readers, enjoy your freedom. By all means don't let other people dictate what you are allowed to read and what you are not allowed to read. On the other hand, if you know that certain messages in books will lead you astray and shake your faith, stop reading it. And dont let your love for books or reading take away the time that you spend seeking God.
I believe slowly this will become like Harry Potter and all other great young adult books... a scapegoat for Christians of the desecration of our youth. Not to be judgemental in anyway but why is it that whenever something becomes popular the church loves attacking it in order to attract even more attention to something.
One the media gets a kick out of showing some forty year old soccer mom screaming all who read the books are damned to hell.
Productivity and the original intent of the church becomes lost due to the fact instead of focusing on Jesus's message of love. The church gets caught up in judging things and constantly harassing those who decide not to be part of the cookie cutter church.
I am an individual Christian who left the church because I have had enough of judgemental Christians screaming Blasphemy and throwing fire and brimstone at people because they want everyone to accept their image of God, a hateful God who wants all to be like them hateful towards people.
For all you Christians who decide to remain humble not getting caught up in the hoopla, I say thank you. For all those Christians who have had enough of being chastised for enjoying Twilight, Harry Potter, and other things commonly decried by televangelists... I can sympathize with your frustration.
Its okay to shout your opinions but when your bitter attitude about things make you lose the loss of human love towards others, you know that you are no longer following Jesus
s example of unconditional love for all people not just those within your special church clique.
Justin B.
I really agree with you, and its funny that you say cookie cutter christian. Because my mother just said last week that we aren't cookie cutter christians, I don't think that is a bad thing by the way. I also agree about what you say about love, I wrote a post about that and I think a lot of christians really lack love.
I am a youth pastor, and I appreciate Justin B and Katelynns's comments, but the bible DOES clearly show us that we are supposed to be involved in church - what you are doing hurts and shuns Jesus, who died for you! I know that's not what you want. I appreciate all the comments about the content and opinions about the books, I am needing to come up with my personal thoughts about the books. From all I can see, really the only concern I would have with the books is that it DOES encourage obsessive love that young girls ALREADY struggle with, and subtley teaches us that love is more important that anything, even our souls' end ( IE: heaven or hell, relationship with God or not). As long as someone were able to read them with discernment and to identify what is wrong with the underlying principles, it could be enjoyable entertainment - but I havent seen anyone leave it simply at entertainment yet. The girls in my youth group ARE completely obsessed, and I think that is unhealthy - the books are more important to them than God is at the moment - not to point at the books, but what people might allow themselves to do in resonse to the books. Just my thoughts!
Hi Katelynn -
I stumbled across your site looking for a Christian review of the "Twilight" series. Admittedly, I did so a bit late as I have read 3 of the 4 books now. I did so for the same reason I read the "Harry Potter" series - curiosity. I wanted to know if the controversy was all hype or not.
The comments here are very enlightening. I have a hard time passing judgment on the Twilight books (if "judgment is even the proper term to use) because I see both positive and negative elements. But I am willing to take a leap of faith here and say that the positive elements won out here and even took me by surprise on a few occasions. A couple examples:
1. The concept of redemption.
Now, I'm not a big sci-fi/horror genre reader, so I don't usually pick up stories that involve mythical creatures, but I have to say that the Twilight books caught my attention when they began toying with the idea of redemption. The author seems to use the character Carlisle to convey this with the story of his Christian father and his continued insistence on the idea of redemption for those whom most would consider damned (the vampires). His career choice as a doctor and his choice to abstain from seemingly overwhelming temptations presents an interesting question for those grappling with the idea of heaven, hell, sin and redemption.
2. Bella and Edward's relationship
First, I have to say that I read this story fully expecting the author to eschew the idea of traditional marriage in a situation with such untraditional characters. I was pleasantly surprised - no, shocked - to see Edward's insistence on marriage as a pre-requisite to a physical relationship not only taken seriously but actually, for once, not presented in teen literature as something antiquated or laughable. For me, that fact alone turned the story into a real "romance" in my opinion. There were obviously other elements that I wasn't in favor of such as the deception, and the occasionally graphic kissing, etc - but I think those things are certainly relevant to most teens today and when presented in the context of self-control and marriage they take on a whole new dimension.
3. The ides of self-sacrifice and family
The whole Jacob story/sub-plot to me seems to echo some important truths about redemption (mentioned above) but also brings out a few awesome points about the togetherness of family and the intensely close ties that can be shared throughout generations. The families in the La Push reservation seem to exemplify this quality and are presented in stark contrast to today's modern society where the young people often give little or no regard to their elders. Even Jacob (at the beginning) seems to think that his grandfather's stories are nonsense, but later on comes to realize the importance of tradition and family ties.
I'd go so far as to say that there are some Biblical similarities with Jacob from the Bible and the Jacob here, but I think that might be stretching the author's intent a bit. But who knows?
Anyways, those are my two cents. I wouldn't recommend the books to very young readers due to mild violence and the like, but I think that they definitely have redeeming qualities and present some heavy issues in a refreshingly new and surprisingly Bibical way.
I read Twilight out of curiosity, wondering what the big deal was. I read the whole book in one night, and it was the first time in a long time that a book has held my attention that well.
Being seventeen, and a girl, I find myself tempted to become obsessed...Edward is a dream guy, you know? But if I put that urge to overdue liking the book aside, I thought the whole thing was great.
I don't know what the big deal with vampires is. Witches and Wizards could be offensive; they're real. But Vampires are just make believe, like all the things even Christians love in things like Narnia. The characters became vampires largely against their own will; that done, all they can do is make the best of it, and not become murdering monsters.
I like the more old fashioned romance. Meyer is a fan of classic authors like Jane Austen. I like Edward's previous century way of speaking. I like that the couple is physically attracted but doesn't cross the line. I like the humor and the suspense and everything.
I'll definetely be reading the other books.
I am a 13 year old girl and I have read all 4 books and they are ok but it gets a little too physical in the relationship. Bella lets Edward sneak in her room and behind her fathers back. That is just asking for some physical contact. Than Bella starts flurting with Jacob and leads him down the wrong trail makeing him think that she is into him. Than Bella gets all deprest when Edward has to leave her. Than she turns her interest to Jacob. The whole story plot is fun and intertaning but Bella needs to cool down and chill on Edward.
She needs to focas on her life and family. NOT Edward. Her life is more important and so is the readers life. If you read the series you get obsessed with it. God is no anywere in this series it is all Satans doing.
Katelyn,
I know it has been a long time since you made your original post, but I just couldn't pass up commenting to you about these very intriguing books. First, I haven't read them-but have learned enough on the net to get the gist of what goes on. I am truly amazed at the obsession to these books that my female students(I'm a high school social studies teacher) have with them. Even more amazing are the Christian believers that are totally "in" to these twilight books. It is sad to see how countless young girls are more into reading a book about vampires than the "Word of Life". If this is what is happening-then true believers from everywhere need to stand up and put behind them any hint of idolatry. You, Katelyn, if you truly know the Lord, need to be a testimony of the true Spirit of Christ--and turn your back on anything that could come between the saving knowledge of Christ and a person's soul. I will pray for you. Be a messenger of truth. If you want intriguing books that will challenge your soul and draw you to the Savior-try Karen Kingsbury. Stay away from the products of a Mormon, unbeliever who cares not for furthering the Kingdom of Christ.
I read all four books. They are a thinly veiled Mormon apologetic on many of their more contraversial doctirnes. I just finished blogging about it, and I would love to hear if more Christian readers caught onto the true message of the books. This is not a thirst for Christ, at least on the authors part. I do think she is witnessing about her religion though. http://writetools.wordpress.com
I read all four books. They are a thinly veiled Mormon apologetic on many of their more contraversial doctirnes. I just finished blogging about it, and I would love to hear if more Christian readers caught onto the true message of the books. This is not a thirst for Christ, at least on the authors part. I do think she is witnessing about her religion though. http://writetools.wordpress.com
I actually love the Twilight series. I am currently waiting for my dad to review it so I can continue reading the second book.
Justin B.
The concern is not that these books get too popular to the point that christians use it for publicity, rather there is a responsibility of church leaders to research topics that may or may not have objectionable elements that would be a detrement to the flock. I can no more order my teens to do what I want than to walk on water. I try to make an educational opinion of the usefulness/uselessness of a franchise. Harry Potter, Twilight, and other movies, books that may pose a threat to spiritual growth must be scrutinized. Are there people that can read these things and not be affected?...absolutely. are those people the majority of readers?...Not at all! Are there religious nutcases that make a living condemning things they don't like?...YES!
I for the sake of my teens desire no part of the books. They are not necessary, and there are much better books that will entertain while teaching spiritual truths without compromise. Those books will I recommend to my teens.
I was about to start reading the Twilight books tonight, because my mom has read the whole series, and liked them very much. I was reading the reviews on the back of the book, and it had nothing but wonderful comments about the romance and plot. But then I thought, "Well of course they're gonna put nothing but good reviews on there ." so I went online to see some reviews of it, namely from a Cristian persective with the whole vampire/"dark side" thing being questionable. After reading some interesting and enlightening honest opinions from other people, I have determined as a 17 yr old, fairly new believer (well about a year now..) that if this book may weaken my faith, or start some serious spiritual warfare( which I need no more of, there's plenty enough already, thank you) then I really don't have to read it. I must admit that hearing about how everyone loves it so much, I am very tempted to read it. But instead it's laying on my floor now. Sounds just like any other temptation ppl deal with, and there will always be a way of escape. I think it better that I find some good books that will lift me up spirtually, build me, and help me to mature in my Christian pilgrimage. The Word (Bible) would be the first place to start..
I was about to start reading the Twilight books tonight, because my mom has read the whole series, and liked them very much. I was reading the reviews on the back of the book, and it had nothing but wonderful comments about the romance and plot. But then I thought, "Well of course they're gonna put nothing but good reviews on there ." so I went online to see some reviews of it, namely from a Cristian persective with the whole vampire/"dark side" thing being questionable. After reading some interesting and enlightening honest opinions from other people, I have determined as a 17 yr old, fairly new believer (well about a year now..) that if this book may weaken my faith, or start some serious spiritual warfare( which I need no more of, there's plenty enough already, thank you) then I really don't have to read it. I must admit that hearing about how everyone loves it so much, I am very tempted to read it. But instead it's laying on my floor now. Sounds just like any other temptation ppl deal with, and there will always be a way of escape. I think it better that I find some good books that will lift me up spirtually, build me, and help me to mature in my Christian pilgrimage. The Word (Bible) would be the first place to start..
Wow! I'm amazed at the many views of acceptance for this series whether in book form or movie form. But first I do want to commend Victoria for standing firm in her faith and convictions. I think the point for all Christians, no matter how mature, is to remember that ANYTHING that has to do with evil (books, movies etc.) we must refrain from allowing our eyes and hearts from engaging. Satan is extremely crafty and very real and one of the main ways that he wins people over is through deception. Very subtle deception wrapped in light. This series is full of that very deception which is why many people can't put down the book once they pick it up. They become, as many stated, obsessed with it. This is not a good thing and does not glorify the living God. We are told in His word to be alert and to resist. We must be alert to the slightest of deceptions otherwise a specific area of our lives will be caught in a firm grasp that is not His. We are told in His word not to judge those who are not His disciples/followers because they do not understand the Light but we are told to judge those who are, and to judge them by their fruit!!
How great it was that Abby (one of the posters)had the discernment to know what is "attached" to these books and movies. There is a ton of witchcraft within it (not a spell binding type or Harry Potter type but one much more subtle)from the Native American legend of the werewolves to yes the vampires. There are many types of witchcraft and we need to stay away from all of it not just the obvious ones. There are types of vampires within the world and werewolves as well but they mainly reside within satanic cults (yes those are real too). Werewolves are a type of shape shifting demon that a person, one who has dedicated their life to satan and then invite that specific demon to live within them. These are people who hate Christ and His followers with a malignant hatred.
Justin B - I'm apologize to you that you were hurt within a church body. That is never what God wants but He does say that we are to assemble with other believers. But if a perfect church is ever found than don't go because you will ruin it. Meaning none of us are without sin so there will be decision made within a church body that might be wrong but the mature thing to do is forgive, love and stay there to make it better because loving and giving grace where it is needed might just be your big gift to all of us! Fight for that love within the church. Don't give up, please.
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