REVIEW - WHAT SHINES IN TWILIGHT, OR THE WRONG MESSAGE?
Christian Post and Christianbook.com have two very interesting, very contradictory reviews of the Twilight series. Below are some excerpts:
LOVE
Bella and Edward show us a type of romantic love that’s powerful, passionate, and perfect. They are ready to sacrifice anything for each other. They always try to act in the other’s best interest. They are thrilled to simply be in each other’s presence.TEMPTATION
The vampire in Edward is tempted by Bella’s scent—it’s all he can do to not devour her at first. And then as their relationship progresses, they face a different physical temptation: sex.Yet the characters show an impressive mastery of temptation. Edward makes up his mind that he will not eat Bella, no matter how hungry he feels or how good she smells to him. He decides that something is more important than his hunger: Bella’s life. And when Bella pressures Edward to have sex with her, he explains his belief that sex is for marriage, and it’s important to him that they wait. Even though he wants her just as much as she does him, Edward decides that doing the right thing is more important than doing what feels good.
SPIRITUALITY
Edward and his family choose to do good because they believe that even vampires are not exempt from ethical standards.
These vampires’ darks sides represent the very real monsters inside each of us. They are fighting against the temptation to do evil, which is what we as humans have to do everyday.
Well, ordinarily I’d be overjoyed about a popular mainstream series of books for girls with a pro-abstinence message. But in this case, I’m a bit more concerned than overjoyed.You see, there are other messages in the Twilight books that are very real and very strong. And some of those messages are downright alarming, and you and I need to know about them.
The vampire Edward has disturbing habits like sneaking into Bella’s room and watching her sleep, eavesdropping on her and her friends, encouraging her to deceive her father, and even disabling her truck and kidnapping her to keep her from seeing other friends.
And here we have these books celebrating a girl who’s willing to throw away her family, her friends, her identity, and her life for a stalker with controlling, even abusive tendencies.
I’ve never considered the Twilight series to be perfect in any sort of way. I do think Edward and Bella have an amazing love that in turn makes each of them a better person. They compliment one another. I also think they have a sacrificing love in that they would put each other first no matter what. There is beauty in the choice to love another more than you love yourself. In short, I agree with PARTS of the article “What shines in Twilight.”
I do not, however, agree with the second article “The Wrong Message.” It’s a bit contradictory to say one on hand Edward loves Bella enough to want to wait for sex until they are married, BUT he’s abusive and controlling. Because it’s Edward and Bella’s first experience with love, I think they have a lot to learn. But I don’t feel like anything either one of them did was about trying to harm one another. They’re a little misguided at times, but who isn’t? What do you think of these reviews?
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if edward was a regular guy and in the twilight story vampires/werewolves were non-existent, then maybe i could see edward’s tendencies (to watch her, sneak into her room, keep her from some friends, etc) as potentially abusive or overly controlling. however, this is a story that involves vampires - some of whom are evil and relentless in their desire to hunt and kill. the cullens also feel that the werewolves are really dangerous. looking at it from edward’s perspective he’s doing what he can to keep her safe from very present dangers. they aren’t in a “normal” situation, so the decisions they make have to reflect that.
I agree with the What Shines in Twilight article, but the second I don’t agree with at all. She’s not willing to throw everything away for a stalker! She’s willing to throw everything away for the man that she loves. Her soul mate. Her lover. BTW, he didn’t stalk her. Well he kind of did, but Edward was just following her to protect her.
I think the second person is wrong. I have posted on other sites why I think the position of “Edward’s abusive tendencies” is wrong. I have worked with Victims of Crime for years, and people who take this approach do a disservice to the crimes. First of all it is a fictional book. Second, a stalker and abusers are motivated by power and control. They try to claim Edward has those issues, but, any fan knows that Edwards motivation is purely Bella’s best interest. He is willing to give her up in order for her to have a better life. Abusers/stalkers do not do that. She never gives up her family or friends. All though, she really wasn’t into spending time with her school friends. With Jacob, it is kind of a opposing gangs thing. He doesn’t trust his abilities to control himself. he fears for her safety. Once he knows more about Jacob, he supports her need to see him. Overall, this person does not know what he/she is talking about.
It is a little weird that he sneaks into her room just to watch her before he even knows how she feels but it’s more out of a protective instinct than a perverse one. If this were a story about 2 normal teenagers then it would be weird but, it’s a fantasy story. He can’t help but eavesdrop, her friends are werewolves so they are dangerous, and he’s always willing to let her go if that is what she wants. Even the intensity of his love is part of the vampire lore. I think it’s beautiful that he wants to protect her and that he sacrifices his inherent needs because that love is more important.
As a Christian who has read the entire series I can say I say both points. Edward was a little controlling but it was only because he cared for her so much he couldn’t stand to be away from her. How is this an different from a normal relationship. It isn’t like he was doing anything to her while she slept, he just watched. Who hasn’t done that to a loved one or a baby. It is more common than you think. Also, when it comes to relationships a person has to be willing to sacrifice their needs to meet the others. I don’t think Bella felt like she was sacrificing anything because she loved Edward more than life itself. What we see between these characters is a bond deeper than most human married couples ever achieve in a lifetime. I see no problem with that. I was also very impressed that Edward was very strong in his will to not have sex until marriage. It made me think that maybe there are some good guys, fictional r not, let in this world.
You know what..pple like that thinks too much. Its a great series and is it really necessary to cut up and dissect and analyse it? In the end, the evil did not prevail and love saves the day..is that not good enough a message??? Its like going to see SAW the movie..1-5..and try to see moral in that. Its vampires and shape-shifters. Cant the book be enjoyed purely as entertainment and obsessions? Its in the “fantasy” section so I mean..come on! relax!
From a Christian standpoint, I honestly balked at the idea of reading a novel about vampires. At first, it was told to me that it was a good story. The trusted friend who advised me had lent me other good books, so I figured “why not?”
The ideas, the messages I received from Twilight, upon first reading, was how much Edward loved Bella. The romance is what swept me away. I hadn’t read such a chaste (as chaste you could be between a vampire and a human) perspective. It was refreshing and exhilarating to finally find a male protagonist that didn’t have sex on his mind constantly. It related directly to the classic love affairs of a Jane Austen novel and I adored Meyer for this.
While it’s true about the spiritual points that the article brings up, I admit, I adored the columnist for weaving scripture right in with certain messages that Twilight presents: true love and morality. I could imagine chapter 13 of Corinthians being used during the wedding, too. Maybe even at Edward’s own request. They truly love each other, and while Edward has his faults (I know, *gasp*, Edward has faults?) I think that’s what makes him more human in the series. And I don’t agree with Bella’s single-minded and “impatient human hormones” in the series, I don’t degrade her. The subject of temptation is the pinnacle of their entire relationship.
I could go on more, but my absolutely favorite part of the series that struck a chord with me was Edward waiting for Bella. He may have not known exactly what he was waiting for, but he did wait for her. Eighty years for his other half. Eighty years to find this woman who would play such a large role in his world.
I’m a Christian, too. I strive to be a good Christian every day, and I have never seen a problem with the Twilight series OR Harry Potter. They are both stories of good vs. evil, and in both, good prevails. They are about love conquering all and that love is what makes life worth living. I fail to see how that’s a bad message. As for the bit about Bella “throwing everything away” I wholeheartedly have to disagree. She doesn’t throw anything away. She reaches out with faith and love and grabs on to what is most precious to her. She does believe that she’ll have to give up Charlie, and she is willing to do that, but, most of us have to let go of our parents eventually. In the end, she doesn’t even have to let go of Charlie. And she gets to be a mom and she gets to be with her true love forever. Isn’t that a GOOD thing???
I agree with ‘What Shines in Twilight’
‘The Wrong Message’ sounds really exaggerated. It doesn’t even seem that way when you’re reading it.
Edward doesn’t lie, he just keeps his secret to protect people and it is clear in the book that he doesn’t want anyone to be harmed.
And when did he ever kidnap Bella?? :S
He is not abusive at all. The book is about the love between them, how is that a bad message?
If Edward was an ordinary guy from our world I would’ve understood the first article and probably nodded my head in agreement throughout. but this is not a normal situation… Edward belongs to an entirely different universe where dark and light collide in the most terrifying manner. him watching over her and keeping her away from Jacob at times -despite my disagreement with that course of action- was to protect her and he did give it up half way through Eclipse after realizing that he must trust her judgment.
how is that abusive? and besides, Edward sneaking into Bella’s room to watch her sleep was something I found sad and endearing. while watching her sleep he finds his peace of mind and also a way not to kill her. again justified.
I guess what I’m trying to say is like the second article said, their love for each other made them better people, so I honestly don’t understand this extreme view towards such intense yet surprisingly tender love story.
I sometimes wish I was Bella.. just so i’d have this Angel in my life.
The church always goes to far.
its a story about love. a love for a vampire but its still a love.
He wanted to keep her safe. he never “kidnapped her” if anything she wanted to be
abusive? thats just plain stupid. he did everything to stop her from getting into harms way!
and if anything mad her unhappy he would try his best to fix it. VERY unselfish if i do say so myself.
shes willing to leave her family her old life to be in a new family (who she already considers them as) with the man who owns her soul. he CANT! eavesdrop on Bella because she has a mind she cant hear, he’s trying to keep her safe. i dont have any idea about how in any way she deceived her father!?
well that probably enough from me.. but i do not in anyway agree with what they say about “the wrong message” but i do agree with what shines
oh and Edward wasnt saving himself for marriage he was saving himself for when Bella was a vampire because he didnt want to hurt her in anyway.
HAH
R U CEREAL??? I totally agree with the “what shines in Twilight” but… just, just, ugh! R U CEREAL?? A “STALKER”??? btw Edward watching Bella sleeping is soooooo cute! I’m really, really angry right now…ugh I’ll calm down…eventually
Being a very religous and constant church goer…I found nothing in this book but the the love story, the sacrafice, the joy from following whats right. As far as the stalker comment…people find what they want to find. This is a FICTIONAL!!! story about a vampire. Get over the fact that things that are done in this sotry AREN’T normal. If a normal person did them and this was a normal story then, no…that would be a littel weird…but it is not. Plus if this were a normal story Im sure they would find something else wrong about it.
I think this is a wonderful story. Amazing even. I mean, just because its a popular book and a newer book. I think it just has some people scared to they try to find in it the reason why they are scared…
Anyway. I agree with the article on a half. I can understand how they would see it the way they do, but thats why this story appeals to those who arent searching for a reason to hate something but a reason to find hope in something.
I think that what the Christian Post misses is that this is a fictional romantic novel . And not just any romance, but a fantasy romance, a ’til-the-end-of-time love story. (I wonder how they feel about “Wuthering Heights”?) Did the CP notice that those points of view are addressed by Jacob? The romantic in all of us is attracted to the way Edward protects Bella, even if he always goes overboard–remember, he over-reacts constantly. As a waaayyy-too-old-to-be-this-obsessed mother of 2, I cringed when Edward first crawled through Bella’s window. However, it’s a book. Look at the bigger picture–the sacrifices each will make to save the other, as well as themselves. Is Edward controlling? Yes, but the point is he’s Bella’s guardian vampire. And these vampires strive to be compassionate to all, to be the best they can be. Frankly, if, as an adult, you aren’t monitoring what your kids are up to, you’ve got other problems. I started reading the series because my daughter wanted to, and I wanted to know to what she was being exposed. The books sucked me in, and I never looked back. Now, my daughter and I are doing a mini book club, concentrating on one book a week. I will address any concerns I have at that point, reminding her that certain reactions aren’t realistic. She will gain critical thinking skills, and be able to relate her opinions to me and others. Meanwhile, she’s read 4 books that she loves in just a few weeks time. I can’t ask for more than that–these will be gate-way books to Jane Austen, to Bronte, and to other classics.
whenm pple dis i write. Edward loves bella that y he does everthing he does. when she “wasn’t allowed” to see edward it was because he wasn’t sure if it was safe or not when he was sure it was safe for her to be in la push she “was allowed” to go to la push hes just a bit overprotative thats all.
I am a very spiritual christian and I believe that Christ was the son of God. I try my darndest to be as good as I can be and thank God that I can beg for forgivness when I faulter, which is too often because Im human. But when christians come out in the name of God to proclaim that some material is harmful for fellow christians, it ticks me off! I love Harry Potter and thats all about evil and magic, Booga-Booga! Twilight is about two intelligent people who fall in love with eachother but are on uneven footing. Yes, Edward can become over protevtive but theres a feesable reason for it! Bella’s a danger magnet but in the same frame of mind if Bella says “jump, Edward” usually he asks, “How high, Bella?” So please spare me that Edward is abusive, he’s not. He’s not malicious, he’s not hateful and ghoulishly possesive! You protect what you love and thats what he’s doing. In the name of God, I proclaim Stephanie Meyer a very gifted, blessed, story teller….Jesus was a story teller for heaven sakes!
1. if this book was meant to be clean, and non sexual, Stephanie Meyer probably would have contacted a priest for an editor. but she didn’t, and most fans of this series, are into it because of edward and his sexiness and god-like appearence!!!
2. does nobody remember the part where edward said he would give it up for bella, but bella was the one who said no?!
3. edward is the last person on earth who would be creepy. never once did he bella, he never stopped her from seeing any of her friends, he didn’t want to change her at all, he did it to save her life, and bella wanted it!
3. edward didn’t even beleive in a heaven just a hell, until he met bella.
4. why is the article from christian post making it seem like the book is about to be pro-abstinence for GIRLS?! that sounds like a double standard?! id have sex with edward any day!
I don’t agree with the Wrong Message. In the book Twilight Edward tries to convince Bella to tell Charlie that she is spending the day with Edward, however Bella refuses to do so. Edward spends nights in Bella’s room just to observe her. He has no intentions of harming her, it is just the opposite. He is very protective towards her and finds her fascinating. We must remember that this is about a vampire guy, not your normal teenage boy. The love they develop is very intense and passionate, and leads to sex. However, Edward has strong moral values which he stands by.
I saw this same kind of fear spread when the Harry Potter series came out. The religious right said that it would turn everyone into witches. For goodness sake, it’s a fiction book and I think most young girls are able to distinguish fact from fiction. This book also gives wonderful examples of friendship, family, doing the right thing even when it’s the hardest thing to do, and saving yourself until marriage. Please do not turn this into a “witchhunt”. Save us all from your unfounded fears.
I think it’s hilarious that people are so paranoid about what “message” this book is sending to young people. Have they seen the types of shows that are on TV: Gossip Girls, The O.C., etc. where teens are having sex in parked cars and sneaking around behind parents backs? Yah, that’s definitely something to be worried about.
Now lets see, Edward wants to wait to have sex until after marriage (EEK!), will do anything to protect Bella — even leave her in order to do so (AHH!), and . . . . what was my third point? I forgot.
Anyway, yah, the sneaking into the bedroom thing would be WAY not OK with me if this were some irresponsible, reckless, teenage boy — but Edward is over 100 yrs old — and a Vampire! He never had any intention of touching her, he just listens to her talk in her sleep, which is adorable.
When my daughters are old enough to read Twilight I will let them, and I will talk to them about it, and they will know that boys aren’t allowed to sit in their rooms while they sleep, because it will be something religiously engrained into them by them. Twilight isn’t written to be our bible, it’s for entertainment value only. People need to lighten up and enjoy the ride!!
I think that “The Wrong Message” makes some snap judgments about Edward that are not even true. For example, Edward never encourages Bella to deceive Charlie except for Charlie’s or Bella’s protection. It is also unfair to call Edward a “stalker” when he is merely there to protect Bella. As far as “kidnapping” goes, anyone who actually read and understood the story would know that, again, Edward is only concerned for Bella’s safety. This is a classic example of legalistic people taking loving acts out of context to serve their own agenda. Very, very sad.
I am an older, married women who was swept away by the romance of Bella and Edward and I am a born again believer. As others have mentioned, it is a fictional story. I view the scene where Edward watches Bella sleep as him trying to understand the love he has for her. He has never been in love let alone with a human. He can’t sleep and watching her and listening to her talk in her sleep helps him overcome the desire to kill her. I agree Twilight is just a book and I wish it could be enjoyed without everyone taking sides.
I think that the second part about the wrong message is just that person’s way of trying to find something wrong with the book. You have to take the book as a whole and a fictional story. You can not pick at pieces (like sneaking in her room) without looking at the fact that he is a vampire and there are werewolves running around and not real. I do not see how Edward is abusive at all. His whole life is just trying to make sure that Bella has everything she could want. He leaves her because he thinks that is what is best for her. I think that “The Wrong Message” author is not reading the book for pleasure and is reading it for the wrong reasons, therefore not really looking at the big picture of the story.
This is ridiculous… lol well heres a girl who’s willing to throw away her family, her friends, her identity, and her life for a stalker with controlling, even abusive tendencies… as long as hes EDWARD CULLEN baby!
As a Christian and as a teaccher in a Christian school, I sort of understand where both authors are coming from with their POVs. On one side you have the amazing love story and a character (and a guy no less) that wants to remain pure and wants his girl to be pure as well until they are married and joined together in every leagl way before ever getting physical with one another -something that even if people do not admit it, gives up more of oneself then just the body. This is what I want for all of my students because the act of sex is one only mature adults should even cosider - especially not children! I want my students to see models of this behavior - which are unfourtunatly few and far between.
On the other hand, I can see where things like Edward sneaking into Bella’s room, Bella going behind Charlie’s back, Edward having Alice “kidnap” Bella to keep her from La Push are disturbing images and not something I would want kids to see or think are correct behaviors.
But this was not and is not a children’s book! This is meant for teens and adults and should be judged as such.
As for Edward being “abusive” - that is nonsense. To him Bella is THE most important thing and he goes to great lengths to protect her because she has a knack for getting into situations that are dangerous. I believe he even says at one point that he goes to such great lengths to protect Bella from himself that to not protect her in the best way he can from James and Victoria would be foolish. So is he protective? Yes. Abusive? NO. Does he get upset if Bella does something he doesn’t like? OF course! He was human after all! But he does things Bella doesn’t like too! Human nature -we cant please everyone. Do we all ask things of our loved ones? OF COURSE! But following the wishes of others is love and respect - not following orders from an abuser. Bella was ALWAYS free to say NO and leave him. Always.
Okay. Done with the ranting. Back to the point. As Christians, we need to take a look at the world and decide based on our faith and what we know would please our Creator what is acceptable and pleasing to Him. There is so much out in this world that is wrong, hurtful, vile, evil - sinful things in a world full of sin. To find something that is beautiful and pure can good can be rare. We all may have different points of view on this but to me and MANY MANY others, Twilight is one of those things.
This Christian Lady, which I assume she is, needs to read the Bible more fully cause every immoral thing in these books you will find in the Bible. And I said IMMORAL not Fictional. and just like in the Bible every bad choice has a bad consequence. and all immoral activities in the books are specifically after marriage and do not conflict with the teachings of the Bible. And just so everyone’s clear Edward actually CONVINCES Bella to not do the irrational bad things she might have done otherwise so don’t try to put him on the blame wagon. Put Jacob instead. No one likes him =] not really. he’s good
Well, I thought I was Done Commenting on this post, but I was Wrong. As everyone notices when they read this persons review, it shines a bad light on Edward. The thing is, they fail to mention WHY he’s doing such things. like “Deceiving Her Father” now I must ask what is she supposed to say to him “Hey Dad I’m in love with a vampire at school” of course not. she just doesn’t bring it up. and Edward keeping her from other “Friends” is cause those “Friends” Are some what dangerous (Even to a vampire) I just don’t see why people get so overactive in either protecting the book, or tearing it down. (Myself included) Personally, I feel that I protect it cause it’s such a wonderful book that can relate to EVERYONE. And my last point is that She doesn’t throw away her life or any such thing. And if you read all four books you would know that. It resolves every problem and it ends Morally true. I hope that as many were swayed by this “Christian Post” May also be swayed by this one.
I was very curious as to some things I had heard about the series from different people. So I started looking to see what others were thinking and I came across these comments & have read most. I’m not looking to say anything bad about anything or anyone, but I know the enemy can be very deceiving. As I have gone thru life there were things that did not bother me that I took part in or watched or read that I could not see the effect that it had on my spirit and mind set. So as I have matured in the things of God the Father I have been able to see alot better those things. So for me to say no dont watch or read or to do so would be for me to tell you something that the Father would need to do. With knowledge or revelation comes responsibility of doing the right thing with what you have learned. So ask if your unsure ask see what the Father is saying and walk in that knowledge, His knowledge not the world’s. He will not deceive you.
I read all four books. They are a thinly veiled Mormon apologetic on many of their more contraversial doctrines. 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 don’t get how even Christians can judge a book by it’s cover! I have heard a lot of amazing comment on this book and don’t get what a lot of parents problems are with it… As Christians we need to know our faith, yes! But this is fictional! Vampires are not real wether the vampires that are usually portrayed in movies and other books, or
The good loving ones in the twilight series. We all know our faith and need to understand it when readingbooks, any book!!! In these books we know that vampires are usually shown as satanic but in this case, Edward only wants good for his real love! We need to keep this in mind