TWILIGHT

If you only have 30 seconds, just read the last paragraph of this entry . . .

There is no such thing as a vampire. They do not exist. I would take issue with those who argue that these fictional creatures may be compared with Hobbits (Tolkien) or Fauns (Lewis). The fantasy world depicted by Stephanie Meyer is her Twilight series is set in close proximity to our own real lives so as to suck in the hopes and hearts of young women (and older women) hoping for a (super-) human hero.

You can search for an overview of the Twilight series in a million places. This entry does not seek to summarize the story. Suffice it to say, Meyer has the traditional concept of "vampire" in view as she writes about Edward and Bella.

Meyer's vampires do wonder about a god (wouldn't he be responsible for creating vampires, too??) and seek to take care of the environment (they try to focus their feasting on animal species which are already overpopulated in order to help out the humans and their environment). In fact, much of the storyline is wrapped around their desire to be "good" vampires.

I'm not against all fantasy. I have been greatly helped by many a good story. They can be inspirational and even help to teach truths which are eternal. And that's my main argument with Twilight--it's a good story that teaches lies, not truth.

Lie #1: A vampire can be good. I am not even going to unpack this statement because it is an obvious lie. Vampires do not exist. If someone or something purports itself to be a vampire it is an emanation (either by possession or oppression) of a demon (we know that because vampires are fixated on and sustained by darkness and death, which do not glorify God). Yes, I realize that this story depicts itself to be fantasy. . . I'm just saying.

Lie #2: It's a good idea to allow a vampire to (basically) live in your bedroom and lie to your parents about it if you must.

Lie #3: The teaching of Scripture on (almost every subject, but especially) life-after-death is wrong. The main character, Bella, is an average high school girl who wants Edward (her slightly off-beat vampire biology lab partner) to bite her, thus making her a vampire forevermore. Everything that a believer lives for (communion with God, loving Him with all of our hearts, longing for His kingdom, forgiveness of sins, etc.) is dismissed as Bella's desire is to be with Edward forever, not Jesus (bringing us to our next lie) . . .

Lie #4: A teenage girl should expect to find an all-consuming human romantic love that is worth giving up her soul for. Edward is self-controlled, sacrificial and seemingly always present to help in Bella's time of need. He's not almost perfect, he is perfect. I believe this is why there are so many thirty-something-year-old women (and older) who love this story. "Is there a man like that out there for me (because my own 'significant other' looks nothing like Edward)?" Answer? No way. And the tighter our young women hold on to that dream, the more desperate they become to make it happen. This dream drives them further away from the One who really is the completion of their soul. If you want to stoke the flames of discontent in your marriage, or create unrealistic and unmeetable hopes in the heart of your pre-teen daughter, read these books. The all-consuming love that we were made for and who completes us is only available in Christ Jesus. Looking for it anywhere else will cripple you--and me too.

I've read books before with lies in them and recognized their danger. I'm sure you have, too. And we'll both read more of them in the future. Some of them will have redeeming qualities and be great stories. The reason that I believe this one is dangerous is because it engages the hearts, primarily of our young women with a fantasy storyline that seeks to keep one foot in reality. It amounts (in my estimation) to soft emotional porn for women because it paints a picture that is unattainable, and no future (or current) spouse could ever live up to. Since we don't let our young sons look at soft porn (at least they're reading, right??), then I don't think we should let our young daughters read Twilight.