"Twilight" the story/movie

[aquamarinebug]

I am sure there are exceptions, I was speaking in generality of the genre, and the view of the "evil" verses "misunderstood" vampire archetypes.

No problemo. I kind of identified with the story because I was soooooooo lost...but now even though through life I have been dealt some bad hands...I am choosing to rise above as HARD as it is at times.

But I agree - all the "horror" ones - Bram Stoker, etc...baaaad news.

[Grace thru Faith]

WHY? see scripture

I see and read scripture everyday and I just find it interesting the judgements being made on something without actually knowing what the books say. Vampires, werewolves, fairies, humpty dumpty, santa clause, easter bunny, tooth fiary etc.....I could go on and on are all fictional not real characters. I wasn't particularly interested in the series until the movie came out but I have had many teens discussing the books with me so since I own a movie theater I went and saw the movie and after having these tweens ask me to read them for over two years I finally decided to read so that I could better discuss them with them.


Do you know what a phenomena this series is amongst the tweens and teens?

What I found in these books is a lesson in extreme self control, abstinence before marriage and a beautiful love story. Now there were some things that I wasn't comfortable with but overall, I felt that there were some valuable lessons learned for young adults which by the way the books were written for, not the teens who are reading them.

Anyway, I am sure I will be strongly critized for making this post since we are all christians including me, but I asure you my mind is closely guarded and I wasn't giving into temptation by reading these books. I now can give my viewpoint to these same girls who have been discussing this with me for over two years and give a more heavenly guided opinion as well as discussion with them.

[His Bride]

I see and read scripture everyday and I just find it interesting the judgements being made on something without actually knowing what the books say. Vampires, werewolves, fairies, humpty dumpty, santa clause, easter bunny, tooth fiary etc.....I could go on and on are all fictional not real characters. I wasn't particularly interested in the series until the movie came out but I have had many teens discussing the books with me so since I own a movie theater I went and saw the movie and after having these tweens ask me to read them for over two years I finally decided to read so that I could better discuss them with them.


Do you know what a phenomena this series is amongst the tweens and teens?

What I found in these books is a lesson in extreme self control, abstinence before marriage and a beautiful love story. Now there were some things that I wasn't comfortable with but overall, I felt that there were some valuable lessons learned for young adults which by the way the books were written for, not the teens who are reading them.

Anyway, I am sure I will be strongly critized for making this post since we are all christians including me, but I asure you my mind is closely guarded and I wasn't giving into temptation by reading these books. I now can give my viewpoint to these same girls who have been discussing this with me for over two years and give a more heavenly guided opinion as well as discussion with them.

Yes, I suppose I will strongly criticize anyone who is a Christian who will condone this and any other movie, book, or series which is contrary to the Word of God. Yes, you can discuss this with the girls in your life. You could have discussed it without reading the books or seeing the movie. We all know how drugs can destroy a body without having to try them out. Same principle. Perhaps your mind is closely guarded, but what about impressionable young women?

I have said it before and I will day it again, please, everyone, check with sources before succumbing to such vile portrayals. You may be able to talk yourself into it, but you are making yourself open to all sorts of spiritual problems later.

Ph.4:8 "fINALLY, BROTHERS, WHATEVER IS TRUE, WHATEVER IS NOBLE,WHATEVER IS RIGHT, WHATEVER IS PURE, WHATEVER IS LOVELY, WHATEVER IS ADMIRABLE, --IF ANYTHING IS EXCELLENT OR PRAISEWORTHY, THINK ABOUT SUCH THINGS."

Does this movie fit this admonition?

[Grace thru Faith]

Yes, I suppose I will strongly criticize anyone who is a Christian who will condone this and any other movie, book, or series which is contrary to the Word of God. Yes, you can discuss this with the girls in your life. You could have discussed it without reading the books or seeing the movie. We all know how drugs can destroy a body without having to try them out. Same principle. Perhaps your mind is closely guarded, but what about impressionable young women?

I have said it before and I will day it again, please, everyone, check with sources before succumbing to such vile portrayals. You may be able to talk yourself into it, but you are making yourself open to all sorts of spiritual problems later.

Ph.4:8 "fINALLY, BROTHERS, WHATEVER IS TRUE, WHATEVER IS NOBLE,WHATEVER IS RIGHT, WHATEVER IS PURE, WHATEVER IS LOVELY, WHATEVER IS ADMIRABLE, --IF ANYTHING IS EXCELLENT OR PRAISEWORTHY, THINK ABOUT SUCH THINGS."

Does this movie fit this admonition?

LOL!! You have left me speechless. We are talking about a purely fictional book and movie. How the heck did drugs get into this conversation? Honestly this thread is so over the top I am rendered speechless. This much passion over a movie and book which is basically a fairy tale or fantasy or whatever. This book and movie are tame compared to Harry Potter with witches and magic and even my kids knew the difference between reality and fantasy and never gave it another thought anymore than I did as a kid when I saw Sleeping Beauty or read Hanzel and Gretel.

Oh and just so you know I wouldn't be comfortable with anyone under 18 reading the books, but the movie is pretty tame. No bad language, no sex that is more than I can say for some of the animated movies out that are geared towards kids under the age of 10.

[BLESSED BEYOND BELIEF]

LOL!! You have left me speechless. We are talking about a purely fictional book and movie. How the heck did drugs get into this conversation? Honestly this thread is so over the top I am rendered speechless. This much passion over a movie and book which is basically a fairy tale or fantasy or whatever. This book and movie are tame compared to Harry Potter with witches and magic and even my kids knew the difference between reality and fantasy and never gave it another thought anymore than I did as a kid when I saw Sleeping Beauty or read Hanzel and Gretel.

Oh and just so you know I wouldn't be comfortable with anyone under 18 reading the books, but the movie is pretty tame. No bad language, no sex that is more than I can say for some of the animated movies out that are geared towards kids under the age of 10.

So WHY do we need them period! I am truly baffled that you would defend this movie or book! Do we have to be entertained no matter the cost to our minds and spirits???? Just because something is fiction makes it no less harmful! I do not understand why anyone would want to compromise by defending something of this nature whether it be fiction or not! If it goes against the Word of God, then stay away from it!!!!!!!! And no I don't have to read it to know that I don't need to read it. Vampires???!!

[Grace thru Faith]

So WHY do we need them period! I am truly baffled that you would defend this movie or book! Do we have to be entertained no matter the cost to our minds and spirits???? Just because something is fiction makes it no less harmful! I do not understand why anyone would want to compromise by defending something of this nature whether it be fiction or not! If it goes against the Word of God, then stay away from it!!!!!!!! And no I don't have to read it to know that I don't need to read it. Vampires???!!

What have I defended? I gave my opinion about the books and the movies. I haven't compromised anything. They didn't affect my spirituality, my faith or my walk with the Lord. Maybe some have a problem with this stuff if so then they should stay away from it. I don't. I am able to see the difference between fantasy and reality. Vampires do not exist anymore than snow white does.

I probably should never have even commented in this thread. I thought it was a discussion on movies and books and people were allowed to give their opinion on them without being held in judgement that maybe there might be something wrong with ones faith. You know I have been on this site since 9/11 and this is the first time I have really felt judged. I'm okay with that though because I know who I am in the Lord and I know he knows me and my heart.

Maybe another thread should be started on those who have actually seen the movie or read the books so those who have done so can share their own opinions freely about what they thought or feel and then they won't feel like they are being admonished for it.

[Steve53]

And here I thought the flu was making me sick.......

[Sunny]

i read the whole review. apparently the writer is mixing their desire for objectivity with standing against evil.

like you i am disappointed, as i have little tolerance for worldly tolerance. however, there was this little bit toward the end, if anyone bothered to read that far before giving their blessing for purchasing tickets to their impressionable offspring...

But there's enough negative undercurrent even in this first outing (the books get darker as they progress, so presumably the movies will follow) to justify some pretty serious conversations afterwards for those families that decide to defer their better judgment

i would have preferred an immovable stand against this pile of trash, rather than standing back and trying to admire the sparkly shards of broken glass mixed into it.

[susanb]

A vampire who is a vegetarian? And that's supposed to mean the vampires only drink animal blood, not human blood? The Twilight author doesn't know that "vegetarian" means eating vegetables/fruits, not animal products. The vampires should be drinking carrot juice.

How anyone could semi-recommend this book/movie is beyond comprehension. Very satanic.

[His Bride]

Grace, You have every right and freedom to view or read any material that you wish. You have commented about a movie on this thread and left it open for discussion. I also commented. We have differing opinions. I see nothing wrong with that. Yes, I will criticize the philosophies of anyone who chooses to consider allowing young, impressionable girls to watch such tales, fiction or not. That is my opinion. You have criticized me and others. The comment about drugs was an example of knowing that something is harmful without having to experience it. Sorry I didn't make that more clear.

You may see this movie as harmless. One of my best friends counsels young women. Her concern is that this movie will do great damage to these girls in the future. I think I'll take her word for it.

[His Bride]

This is why I don't listen to Focus on the Family anymore. Yup, this is why!

[Wally]

Choose to do good.

Make themselves better,

Sounds like salvation by......works.

[His Bride]

I've read this thread again and something popped out. With regards to the portrayals of vampires today as compared to years ago. They have been to garner your sympathy and show you that they aren't all that evil. Wow, it's happening like that in other areas of life...good is portayed as evil and evil is now portrayed as having a form of goodness. These books and movies, which are being stated as "fiction", by some who have chosen to participate, are slowly chiseling away at the foundations of the knowledge of good and evil. We seem to think that if we know they are fiction, if we spend time reading our bibles, that they will not have a negative influence. Often the harm comes some time later.

[aquamarinebug]

Choose to do good.

Make themselves better,

Sounds like salvation by......works.

good point.

Didn't really look at it like that - but quite a good observation.

Jesus is the only way. I am glad it is the ONLY direction I've ever been sure about in my life.

[Wally]

My understanding of vampires split between two types:

The movie type, who cursed God and were damned for eternity to be neither dead or alive, never to see light, and feasting on blood.
Kinda seems like the epitome of damnation.


The real type like the butchers of the concentration camps who either literally fed on man's flesh - cannibals, or figurative fed off the pain, suffering, torchure of people.

Either way it is hard to fathom a savior who could redeme such a person. But I like the Chick tract where the devil makes a deal but looses a soul to Jesus,
and the guy who didn't make a deal is sent to hell. He riemids the condemned that the souls of sinful men are his to begin with. Any deals are redundant.

Just a reminder that no one is out of the saving grace of Jesus. No one. That is how powerful and complet it is. But many will still refuse to believe

It's Faith, it's Grace, it's Jesus and His work.

Receive Him today,

eternity is a long time to be wrong (Matt Slick - CARM)

[cbressler1976]

In my teens and early 20's I was into vampires/goth/wiccan stuff....It's all about lust, desires, pleasure...etc... .....and you know where this stuff comes from.....

[InHisGrip]

I gave my opinion about the books and the movies.

All I saw when I read through this was "everyone's opinion".

Maybe some have a problem with this stuff if so then they should stay away from it.

Don't you think that as a Christian, with a strong faith in the Lord and His Word, that we have to take a stand on some of these issues?

You know I have been on this site since 9/11 and this is the first time I have really felt judged.

I am not seeing a judging attitude here. Anytime you put yourself out there with an opinion, you need to expect the same thing from everyone else. I didn't see anything here that would be against forum rules.

[InHisGrip]

I've read this thread again and something popped out. With regards to the portrayals of vampires today as compared to years ago. They have been to garner your sympathy and show you that they aren't all that evil. Wow, it's happening like that in other areas of life...good is portayed as evil and evil is now portrayed as having a form of goodness. These books and movies, which are being stated as "fiction", by some who have chosen to participate, are slowly chiseling away at the foundations of the knowledge of good and evil. We seem to think that if we know they are fiction, if we spend time reading our bibles, that they will not have a negative influence. Often the harm comes some time later.

Good Post His Bride

[Grace thru Faith]

Grace, You have every right and freedom to view or read any material that you wish. You have commented about a movie on this thread and left it open for discussion. I also commented. We have differing opinions. I see nothing wrong with that. Yes, I will criticize the philosophies of anyone who chooses to consider allowing young, impressionable girls to watch such tales, fiction or not. That is my opinion. You have criticized me and others. The comment about drugs was an example of knowing that something is harmful without having to experience it. Sorry I didn't make that more clear.

You may see this movie as harmless. One of my best friends counsels young women. Her concern is that this movie will do great damage to these girls in the future. I think I'll take her word for it.

First of all I don't you don't need to criticize me for allowing younge children to see it. One, I have raised my boys and they aren't interested . Two, I didn't feel anyone under the age of 17 or 18 should read the books... The movie on the other hand is fine for those who are 13 or older unless you are worried that they may want to read the books. In that case then read them with them so that you can have a open discussion with your daughters and if you are soooo worrried about these books and your kids either go to public or private schools you better inform the library that you don't want these kids reading these books and don't leave out the teacher's too.

I couldn't protect my boys from everything but when they wanted to read the Harry Potter books we read them together and we discussed them in detail. They are grown christian boys now but because we kept an open discussion they didn't fantasize about that stuff and kept it in it's proper form as a book and fantasy. They haven't given it another thought since then, but my children have never been drawn to the occult etc... Most likely it was a healthy balance of God's good grace and protection but also because I was always open and discussed the difference between Godly things and keeping our eyes on the bigger picture at how temporal this life is and we have a higher calling. I didn't make things so appealing as to ban everything cause afterall they needed to know how to conduct themselves when they went off to college and the business world when they were thrown in with the wolves so to speak. I am not saying that how I have chosen to raise my boys is for everyone but I learned a very important lesson from my aunt when she raised her children. She and my uncle forbid everything. Music, books, movies etc.... All there socialization was through Charles Stanley's church which I think is wonderful. They were raised and a wonderful christian family and home with parents who were exemplenary in there christian walk and they walked the talk. Unfortunately when they went off to college and became adults they exhibited none of those traits for many years they were too busy discovering all the forbidden fruits. Happily now that they are in their mid 30's her son has returned to God he completely converted to orthodox catholicism (don't know how you go from southern baptist to that), and we continue to pray that her daughter is getting closer to now acknowledging that God exists. I do believe that one day she will be saved.

Sorry, I didn't mean this to turn into such a long post or to get so personal or so serious.

[BLESSED BEYOND BELIEF]

Unfortunately when they went off to college and became adults they exhibited none of those traits for many years they were too busy discovering all the forbidden fruits.

I have never liked the idea of "forbidden fruits". The extreme view would be "let the try everything so they will know what they are missing." My sister raised 5 girls under very strict conditions, but with love, and today they are all married, very well adjusted girls, and all have a close walk with the Lord. Also they are grateful that they were shielded from the ugliness of the world.