This reminds me of all the Harry Potter bashing. I had many christian friends who were vehemently opposed to Harry Potter, but stood in line for hours to see Lord of the Rings. They never saw the irony. Go figure.

Lord of the Rings SUCKS

Where, if anywhere, does Twilight “bash” Christians? Where, if anywhere, does Harry Potter “bash” Christians? I am a religious scholar; nowhere do the Harry Potter books or movies say anything negative about Christ, Christians, or Christianity.
Before anyone professes to be “Christian” criticizes they should be mindful of Matthew 7:3, which suggest we should remove the beam (log) from our own eye before attempting to remove the speck (splinter) from another’s. Too many people criticize books and movies based on what they “think” the material covers rather than formulating an opinion through critical analysis or logical thinking. I find that it is often the same group of people who misquote or misinterpret the word of the Bible.
Educated people understand that you do not cite without references. And we never criticize any topic without critical analysis. The Harry Potter books and movies are about the triumph of good over evil. I have not read ‘Twilight’ or seen the movie, so I cannot speak to it directly.
More often than not, I have discovered that those criticizing anything from a “Christian” perspective rarely, if ever, do the research to support their opinions and theories. They listen to rhetoric and create new rhetoric of their own without any basis in fact.
Show me where these subjects cite Christian or Christianity “bashing” and I will be willing to listen to your perspective. Christ was not so critical, by all Biblical accounts, as his many professed followers. Jesus was open minded and always looked for the best in people. Why shouldn’t we all try do the same?

david hubbard that is probably the most intelligent thing i have heard regarding whatever “this” is. and i totally agree with every word.

I have read all of the Twilight books and I have to say that the so-called Christians that criticize the series haven’t. The whole point of the relationship between Edward and Bella is that Edward does not want to turn Bella into a vampire because he considers himself souless and does not want to condemn Bella to that kind of life. That, to me, has a very religious context pointing towards the thought that even a vampire questions his own existence in the eyes of God.

(Disclaimer) Personal Guidelines – It’s how I make decisions for ME! No critique of others and their decision-making process is implied or should be inferred.
While these books were written by a BYU graduate, and therefore one assumes Mormon, they probably should be considered questionable at best. They are being touted among MANY of my Christian friends as absolutely worthy of attention and totally harmless spiritually.
Since I am not interested in Vampires, Werewolves or other forms of *entertainment* which wanders too far from my personal spiritual beliefs so it’s not really either a temptation or *secret pleasure* for me. I try to live by the GIGO philosophy for what I view and read. Additionally I had no particular *spark* of interest. I did peruse the first book (I have teens under my guidance). I find nothing *of good report* or spiritually uplifting in the material. I also have a philosophy of *when in doubt, don’t*, and find that I miss little of REAL import that way.
I am not surprised that there is *conflict* in perspective and can only offer that one who walks closely with the spirit (the Holy one), will be guided as to what is *best* for themselves as individuals. No doubt one of the reasons we are given free will! All things considered, I guess, I am more conservative than liberal for my personal controls. I also do not make these decisions for anyone NOT UNDER my care. My daughter, who just reached majority has chosen to see this movie SEVERAL times. I have no idea what, if anything, this has done to her internal *controls*, but her free will is her own.

Bill Randles is an idiot. Watch the movie and read the books, and you’ll see that Edwards #1 concern is not granting Bella her wish and making her eternal, as he feels “damned” or like a “monster” for being so. Also, he refuses to make love to Bella until they are married. How much more Christian can that get?
Besides…the bottom line is: Its a BOOK. If a pastor takes a work of fiction that seriously, that he is picking it apart and writing articles on it, then he needs to look at himself and his own paranoia’s for a change. Fiction is made up. Stephenie Meyer in no way considers her writing to be any form of gospel OR blasphemy. Its a book written to entertain, plain and simple. If teenage girls are obsessed with a fictional couple that practices old fashioned values and morals, rather than worshipping the likes of Paris Hilton or Lindsay Lohan, we should consider that a success.
Wake up, and tackle worthwhile issues in your articles, Mr. Randles.

OMG religious fanatics/control freaks…it’s a story. Get over it!!!! It’s a fairy tale just like the Bible. LMFAO.
cj snyder – thank goodness your daughter has free will. More power to her for not being so judgmental.
Thumbs to David Hubbard for being realistic…

Thank God I’m not a Christian and can read whatever I want!

I am a christian. I also love fiction. I read the Twilight books and liked them a lot. Although it IS a teen “romance” novel it contains many more Christian values than most media does today. I agree with Sarah; there is a huge internal battle about whether or not a person would loose their soul by becoming imortal (a vampire). This theme runs throughout the whole series and is never truly answered. It makes the reader consider their own soul and it’s value. It is also true that the main characters do not sleep togeter until they are married even though the temptation is presented.
As people who enjoy fiction we should also keep in mind that not all people can deal with make-believe worlds (like my mom). Although this story has some great morals and deep questions my mom would never be able to see beyond the “blood-suckers.” I love my mom, but I just have to accept that we don’t always look at things the same way. As God reminds Paul, not all things are “unclean” to all people.

From the view of a man who been around the world,you have teach h right things to most young mind’s before they go off on the deep end of what evil, but the point when you put the right idea’s in a child mind, then you should not worry and oh yea the person who say that the Bible is not a fairy tale!

I guess that this movie is highly divisive. Though it deals with much more subtle matters that might seem at the first glance. I thoroughly enjoyed it, though I am not into vampire stuff at all. Actually, I would not call it’s very Christian. The philosophy behind is a bit blurred.

i just wish that christians would graps the concept of fiction and not try to judge a persons creativity.

If a parent has taken the time to instill their values in their children, it won’t matter what those children read. They will be able to decide their own actions based on the values they were taught. If parents are too busy to teach their children values, they have no reasonable basis for expecting pop culture to teach their children for them. Teaching values and standards is the job of parents, not authors or movie directors.

I am a mother of teenaged girls. I am a devout Christian. I don’t have problems with either Harry Potter or Twilight since both are works of fiction. I have read all the Twilight books, mainly out of concern that my daughters are reading appropriate material. I was not disappointed. As stated above, the main vampire character struggles through the entire series with the thought of damning his beloved by changing her. In the end (***SPOILER ALERT***), he only does so at the point of death. The same goes for all the characters that the series focuses on. There is a point in the first book when Edward makes a powerful statement in response to the question about why he only drinks animal blood and not human like most vampires. He says something to the effect of – just because life dealt me this hand, doesn’t mean I can’t do more with it. He states very clearly that he doesn’t WANT to be a monster. That is the message that I try to impart to my children – we as faithful, thinking human beings have the ability to rise above the evils in our world and make it a better place. In the fictional Twilight world, the Cullens have done their part to make it a better place.

I am a Christian and very much appreciate the creative fiction process, and can see good in the Twilight stories. I started a blog to interpret the mania surrounding Edward Cullen… if you’re interested search Edward Cullen On the Brain at blogspot. Just please don’t say Christians can’t grasp the concept of fiction, when we are simply trying to be careful about what our children are influenced by. I really appreciate Claudia’s comments.

To Claudia and wyrdotter… kudos to both of you for being open minded. I can not add anything more to what you have just said.
Only, I wish more people would be like both of you.

I am a god fearing girl but come on, if you read all the books you see how Dr. Cullen feels about God and even in Book two Edward is confirmed by Dr. Cullen that he knows God exists, this is why they try to be good.
I mean out of all books out there right now this is one that doesn’t needed to be on trial. People need to learn where the really evil is and go and fight it and leave the innocent alone.

So I see where teenagers could be putting this fictional book before god but without the right instruction and enough devotion to god we could easily be trapt by anything and everything and do that so that point is invalid. Nothing is wrong with this fictional book it just shows love at a different perspective,it is just a book about a very strong love between two unlikely beings. Just like romeo and juliet. Can I not read that too?

I get so upset when other Christians take something so simple to extremes. Vampires are fictional, and I see nothing satanic about imagination.
I went to a Christian high school, and every girl I graduated with has read the Twilight series. None of us have questioned our faith, we haven’t been “seduced by Satanic deception”. We enjoyed the unlikely love story between the characters, the fact that the Cullens fight against their evil nature (just as we fight against our sinful nature), Edward’s chivalrous nature, and the fact that Edward and Bella remain abstinent until they’re married. Personally, I think these are great themes. As long as the reader is able to distinguish fact from fiction, I see nothing wrong with it.

Oh My Gosh! I am a catholic and I LOVE this series. I agree with most of you who have posted a comment, it is SAD that some christian/catholic believers have to find a flaw and take this brilliant creativity of a novel to ‘damnation’. It’s just vampires! sheesh! Even though the book DOES prove that these vampires are BELIEVERS OF GOD, it upsets me that these people want to outcast it! I find it quite popycock when they say “twilight is ‘spiritually fatal’”: everybody should have their own freedom into what they want to believe in. I’m a Catholic and I believe that very deeply: God created us on earth and set us out to make our own choice and learn from our mistakes. It’s OUR life, no one elses. We have to make the choices and believing is one of them Soz for the long message but yer, u get that sometimes. tata!

Okay– So I happen to go to a church where the youth pastor insists on bashing anything secular the youth may be exposed to and (gasp)may actually be interested in …its sad but whatever. i agree 100 percent with “christina”s comment.. The morals displayed in the Twilight series are GREAT. Edward’s continued fight for self control, the choice to remain abstinate until marriage, a fight between good and evil (light and darkness), Dr. cullen’s previous christian background (a martyr in a sense, he was turned into a vampire FIGHTING EVIL!!) his choice to choose compassion over violence along with his influence over others to show kindness, the list goes on and on. i know plenty of wonderful Christian mothers who are always on their guard about this kind of stuff that are reading and encouraging their children to read the series. Of course the movie adds a little unnecessary content but thats Hollywood. Having a strong faith really will prevent all these convicting feelings some have decided to share.. It is just a movie. A deeper insight might inform those opposed on the morality the book actually presents.

I think that the author is correct. I’m under the age of 13 and even I know that this book is a monstrosity! If you think about it, vampires are demond possesed which makes this movie demonic. Did you know that in horror films, the demons that live in hell with satan pray over them.my personal theory is that this is one of those movies where the demonds have prayed over it!Just by reading the book your mind has already been currupted! They’re making it ok to watch Vampires “as long as they’re fictional characters how can it hurt me”. They’re making it ok to be in a totaly lustful relationship “you’ll just think it’s cute that they love eachother so much. It’s cute that he watches her when she sleeps!” But one day everyone’s going to need to realize that it’s not ok to watch this movie or read the book. I bet it’s interesting I bet you think that the film director is a great christian because they decided not to put the sexual seen in the movie. Well I think that just makes them a hipocrit for even taking the role of this kind of movie that one of the main character sucks the blood out of God’s creations! So after all of this I still have more to say. In fact I’m in the middle of doing my speach on why you shouldn’t watch Twilight or read the book froma Christian based perspective. I’m pondering whether I should post it on this. Or put it on the internet. All I have to say for now is if you would like to guard your mind and your christian morals, DO NOT read Twilight or watch the movie.

Oh and my name is Achiana.

Well dear, I wont argue with all of your points, however your opinion has no backing.

Twilight is non-sense.

I am a 15 year old girl. I’ve read all the Twilight books and Harry Potter books and throughly enjoyed them. Every story has to have evil in it, like Voldemort in Harry Potter and the “normal” vampires in Twilight (or the fact that the Cullens are vampires), to show how the good and virtuous can overcome the evil. Harry potter and Twilight have many morals that are more obvious and really make the books what they have to come to be. It is the love and sacrifice harry potter’s parents made that makes us love the book, and how Harry proves that with love and the belief that his parents are watching over him and that goodness is possible in an evil-world, that helps harry conquer Voldemort in the end. Sorry for the spoiler for those who haven’t read harry Potter. The same goes with Twilight. Edward goes against the natural instincts that he has been dealt with, and proves that goodness is possible in a sinful life. Edward and his family are really not much different than us. They are natural sinners, just like how we are, and are trying their best to do what is good in life by not taking away the life of humans. They are fighting temptation, how us humans have to each and every day. Edward doesn’t want to take away bella’s virginity, because he wants to do the right thing, by having christian morals and will wait until marriage. Carlisle’s father was a priest. carlisle became a vampire trying to get rid of the vampires. carlisle believes that by being “vegetarian” they are proving that vampires dont have to be the sinful things they are seen to be but can be good. He believes in God, and believes that, by him and his family trying to do the right thing in a life they did not want, there could be a chance that God will forgive them too and will reward them for their good efforts. In both Twilight and Harry Potter, it is the christian morals that stand out for me and many readers as that is what makes the heroines of the stories overcome the evil. these books show that if good can overcome evil in these extreme ways, then we, as humans, can overcome evil more easily than we think we can.

I basically believe we should be aware that its too common in this world to take a little evil and make it nice in order to sell a story. If you don’t already have a Lord to worship, you will find it in Twilight. And there are good and bad things in the story, but the bad far outweighs the good… it teaches girls how to be unhealthily attached to someone in a relationship, as well as how to fall in love for how someone looks regardless of what danger there might be about them. It is not possible to not learn those things from these books, no matter how “fictional” Edward Cullen is, since we put ourselves in Bella’s place when we read the stories and go through it all with her. I read book one and two and loved Edward too but had some problems with the relationship and how he seems to believe in God but it’s a dead belief… his abstinence from human blood is merely to not be a monster in his own eyes, not to serve God. And that’s how you discern if a person is on God’s side or not, if they serve Him. If they’re not for God, they’re against God. Edwardcullenonthebrain.blogspot.com is my blog where I explain from New Moon the problem in Bella’s thinking. If you’re not already hating what I’m saying, I hope you’ll go there and read it. Hey, we all want to be loved! It’s ok to like the basic story, but not ok to obsess over it like millions are doing. Obsessing means something owns you. If you love Edward Cullen, you must demand more from him, demand behavior that affirms his soul and yours… if you believe he has one…

Im a god fearing women and stopped watching horror movies because of certain christians put the fear of god in me and said that by watching those sorts of movies, I will go to hell. Since many years have passed since I started out as a new believer, I have learnt that it is ok to read certain books like twilight and such and it’s ok to watch certain movies. at the end of the day I know what to watch and read and as long as Im not worshipping anything, making altars, sacrificing animals, makings gods to anything, has nothing sexual or anything thats ungodly. I have watched Twilight and saw nothing wrong with it.Im sick and tired of these pathetic bible bashing,religious fanatics who just condemn certain things without doing any research.
At the end of the day it’s the individuals choice with what they watch and read as long as they know their limits..

I think the series is perfectly fine, alas, some will not agree with me. Nothing can come between you and your faith unless you let it. Just put Christ as #1 and you have not a problem.

HAPz!!! Evidently you HAVENT dont enough research. Let me start off by saying, sorry that “certain christians put the fear of god in me and said that by watching those sorts of movies, I will go to hell” However, maybe it was HOW they said it, but in actuality, if you did your research, then you would know that the WORD of God, who you SHOULD fear, says to ABSTAIN FROM ALL THINGS THAT ARE IN THE LIKENESS OF EVIL. Stephanie Meyers books are bad seed! You made a choice (your will) to have read them, of course now that there is NO-ONE person harping on you to NOT read or watch such things. But none the less, you are READING/WATCHING things that are in the very form of evil, which as a Chritian Woman, or a God Fearing woman, you should NOT be entertaining such thing. *Stephanie M. will reap ALL that she has sown! I rebuke her and her demonic writings in the Mighty Name of Jesus! I pray that the Lord will pluck out all that she has planted in your head and others. God never intended for us to see those things of satan, but as part of his stewards, we have free will and the responsibilities to be AWARE, not a PARTAKER in those things. Stop partaking in this horrible deceitful way of S.M.

To Your Name. Evidently you suppose to know all and that everything you think and say is Godly. I know and admit that I am still a baby God Believer and I still make boo boo’s, but the Twilight series does none of the damage to baby believers that Born Again Church Goers do, also there is a lot worse on common television shows that children watch.
I have no idea if Stephenie Meyer is a God Believer or not, what I do know from reading the books is that she doesn’t disown the belief of God. The movie may not portray this part of the books but that’s a movie for you.
The other thing I know is that if people know how to differentiate fantasy from reality no God Believer can be shaken. If your mind and belief is weak enough to be compromised by what you read, see and hear then you are right to limit what you associate with.
I know the only thing I absolutely need in life is God and nothing will shake that EVER. You have assumed to much thinking that something so inconsequential as the writings in the Twilight series has planted anything in my head.
I have to wonder if you’ve actually read the series and if you did how you approached reading them. I suppose you would have read them from a prejudiced stand point and seen every word as demonic, my sister and I know “demonic” and the first 3 books do not embody that word in totality, I will grant concession to the fact that the 4th book went more than a little to far.
God may not have intended for us to see satan’s works but we see them every day, from the smallest insult to the immoral way the world is crumbling.
IF I HAVE GOD WHAT IS THERE TO FEAR.
God Bless and may your mind and belief be strengthened to unshakeable foundations.

honestly im a christian and i bash twilight not because of religion but simply because it sucked as a vampire book

What im reading is absolutely RIDICULOUS. The books are amazing and I dont think that it is against God. My Father is a preacher for crying out loud and he knows about the books and has nothing against them. The books are about love and they make you feel good when you read them. This pastor Bill Randles has issues and needs to just get his facts straight.

Honestly, I can agree with him. Anything having to do with Vampirism, the occult etc. are Satanic.

It’s interesting to note, either way – and good fiction aside, that a Vampire is essentially a Blood-Sucking Demon and/or a person possessed by such a Demon.

How can any “christian” say that its not a problem for anybody, but especially the target audience of teenage girls to watch this movie. It very cleverly and subtly attracts viewers to a vampire/demon possessed man- making him out to be caring, loving, protective person- even have beautiful diamonds inside him when in the sun. It makes him out to be the “good guy” for fighting evil, even though he is evil himself. Every girl I know has walked out of that movie attracted to a vampire/evil demon. If vulnerable people who have watched this movie ever encounter a real spirit/demon they will be more open and less scared of it. Not to mention the line from bella “death is easy, life is harder”. What kind of message is that sending to wrist cutting teenagers? Very clever to not have any swearing/sex/violence to attract a younger audience and make people less wary of the movie too. Well done Satan.

Oh yay if I read Twilight or see the movie these people are saying that I’ll become satonic, who in the heck(no pun intended) wrote this crap. I love twilight and I’m not a satonic child( some adults even call me an angel so that story can be dismissed right now) and because I read it some jelous super religion dude walks up to me sprays me with holy water and starts shouting “Begone devil child from beyond” then by al means I’ve turned into the daughter of satan but until then I remain as allways( and very average religous girl ) your undoubting fan
Sara
Satonic, who wrote that crap!

Who wrote those comments. You people agree. sheesh, Good job satan holy s****t who wrote that! blah you people are crazy I love twilight Im noyt cutting my wrist thank you!

I promise you I knew a church which thourght pokemon was evil.
They were explaining it going “it’s about small children who keep animals in clastrophobic conditions (pokeballs HA) and then force them to fight” and all kinds of bullshit.
I’m sorry but religion = idiotic
And I know this is kinda off topic now, but if there is a god, I’d be ashamed to stand in front of him and be part of the same species which thinks the world is 6000 years old

i dont know who the child is she who used YOUR NAME but, she does not get it. This book and movie are NOT REAL it is fiction and only fiction, It is sad that at the young age of 13 she is alreadh cynical and un-infomred about the world. Vampires, Werewolfes, witches and wizards are not real. If you were a true Christian than you would not judge any of this, the book, the movie, and the author. Christains are not suppose to be so judgemental and that is the reason I am not as Christian like as God wants me to be. If that is your brand of Christianity than I don’t want any part of that kind of religion.
Then again this is just my opinion.

Think about it, the greatest illusion ever created was that the devil does NOT exist. People of average beliefs which go throughout life not living for a higher being, in my case Jesus Christ, don’t realize that the Devil is out to tempt your inherent nature to sin, and be wicked, think about it, has anyone ever had to teach you to lie, steal, cheat? The answer is no, and that it because we are all evil from the moment we are born, God knows that humans will sin, it is repenting, and living for his purpose and accepting him as your Lord and savior that truly brings new meaning to life, and some people just can’t grasp this whole idea. Satan is the most powerful entity in the world right next to God, his greatest feat is making you think he doesn’t exist, but yet he is the voice in the back of your head that tempts you on an unconscious level to sin. He is out to make everything that exempts GOD, look appealing and sexy yet benign in nature, and worldly, look at tattoos, and bisexuality, hm seemingly innocent right? Wrong! God’s word states that homosexuality is an ABOMINATION, and that tattoos are damaging your temple, which is your body, which is a direct reflection of God’s image of himself in reference to Christ. The Devil wants you to believe that “Twilight” is so innocent and of just casual nature….that’s the devil’s greatest feat, making everything that goes against God’s word looking appealing and attractive and seductive. I agree with one of the previous comments about, let’s say young teenagers who find the supernatural “fictional” species of vampires to be incredibly interesting, fascinating, and even attractive…whose to say that demons, workers for Satan don’t already roam the earth searching to find weak beings and turn them into ever more sinful people who will want to do evil things? The fact of the matter is that people who believe in Christ are a very small population opposed to those who are secular and have no beliefs, agnostic, or even worship the devil himself…the Devil does NOT care about you, he in fact wants to destroy you, the more people he brings to hell with him the better, it s GOD that provides an opportunity for everlasting life and salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who died on the cross to be the ultimate sacrifice for man’s sin.

I came to this site as a result of internet searching. Beliefnet is usually a credible source. As a parent I am divided on this issue, and want more information. I’m looking for some mature, well-reasoned rationales for either side. Unfortunately, the article is so lopsided and built around one extreme perspective that it’s virtually worthless. As are most of the responses above. There are a few responses fro both sides, however, that have been worth reading. At this point I’m leaning away from thinking that this series is purely benign, especially for young minds. Thanks to those of you who posted intelligently – your insights were helpful.

As we live at the very end of these End Times, movies like Twilight and Harry Potter will be constantly on television or at the movies. Satan uses them as bait to seduce the kids who feel weak inside and crave power just to balance the playing field of their lives. The power Satan promises may taste sweet at first, but the pain and bitterness will surely follow.

They are just books for entertainment and not meant to be taken literally. And if people do take them literally and practice vampirism then there is something wrong with them, not the books. Im Christian and see morals in the story that a lot of others who posted comments have seen.

Anyone “Christian” who thinks a book which includes WICCA (witchcraft) in it is acceptable for their children, is a typical new age watered down Christian and does not know their Bible. Period.
Calling it “only fiction” is no excuse. The Bible was VERY CLEAR about bringing this kind of filth into your homes.
I am here because I found one of my teens reading them. Another outside family member got them into it.
I will be BURNING these Twighlight books this weekend.

Is it wrong to like the books, not from a vampire perspective, or demonic perspective, but thinking that there is really someone out there filled with so much love for eachother and caring? I’m not saying I like the whole demonic nonsense I am a firm believer in My Godand Jesus Christ, but I truly think that each person wants to find someone who loves them that much.

DEOMNS mating with HUMANS, humans to accept demons. demons hate mankind, the main reason for them to be kicked out of heaven is creation of man. then a baby girl coming out of human and demon blood. this is so sick all illuminati show this in their movies. as shown all movies like these have same end the baby of demon who will bring peace. hah thats the end of time and faith shall be tested. Jesus have to come so is the beast. there will be a confusion who on the right path shall know who is who.

I am not a Bible scholar, and will not claim to know all that is written within it, but I read enough of it to agree with others, that these types of books, movies, & tv shows are indeed satanic, and against gods will.
Satan is the great deceiver, and is very seductive, and there can be no better example of this than what is presented to us on a daily basis. Not only do these kinds of stories serve to turn us away from god, and eternal life, but they distract us from what is happening in the world around us.
Instead of watching tv shows like the gates, and being obsessed with all that is hollywood, we need to be focusing on what is going on in our world, and stop living in fantasy land. We have real problems here on planet earth.

I believe in what many are saying that the devil is an angel that will try to lure many lost and new believers into believing that movies with demons and horror films are ok. He will go with the weakest part of your soul and convinced that everything is ok especially if your not aware of the consequences. So as far as me believing that the twilight series is ok, i truly believe that we pray to God to open our eyes and remove whatever confusion we might have.

You people are so sad. I’m a good Christian who enjoy Twilight, not because of some sort of occultic reason, but because the books are well written and the storyline is interesting. If Twilight is soo evil then what about Narnia? There’s magic in too, you know. Yet everyone leaves it alone. Stop searching for satan behind every bush. All you’ll do is drive away Christians who aren’t yet firm in their religion.