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^^@di$()N
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| 11/17/2008 6:43 PM |
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I'm sure most teenage girls have read it, or atleast know what I'm talking about. (The series of books by Stephenie Meyer that are about a girl falling in love with a vampire) I have read it and found completely amazinggg! But, here's some issues, I know some people think it's vudoo, and really hate it. My pastor actually talked about it this sunday and trashed it saying 'Christians shall not be involved in such a evil thing. (Which includes reading it or seeing the movie)' I guess he has a point, but I believe it can only really impact you if you go to far on it. Like, setting expections for a guy that are too hard to reach (cause Edward is unrealisticly romantic in the book) or serisously taking the book to heart and becoming obbessive. And actually, I have met some people who have. But anyways my question is, how do you feel about it, the book, the movie, the situation of whats considered evil? comments =]
If nobody knows what I'm talking about, I totally wrote that for nothing and sound like a complete dork.... |
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Sandy
Posts:48
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| 11/17/2008 6:58 PM |
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I wouldn't consider the books "evil" but I do think many people take the book out of context. Many times we read books to "escape reality" and for mere entertainment. However when people become obsessed or set unrealistic standards for guys because of the book then that's when the book can be a problem.
Overall I thought the books were good and I really enjoyed them. I just think it's up to the person. It's all about perspective. |
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JoJo
Posts:1670
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| 11/18/2008 3:12 AM |
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It depends on each person... some people can read something and not take it to heart, but some cant. For myself, I tend to try not to read anything that might be edging towards something evil... like how in the Bible it says "flee from evil, cling to what is good." It's hard to know what is ok and what isnt etc. Like for instance, I watch Dragon Ball Z, Pokemon, American Dragon and a few others (I know they arent books, but it's an example of what im trying to explain...)
I didnt really think too much of it, but one day I watched DBZ and Goku said something about him being the Saviour of the universe, thats when the warning signs went up and in American Dragon they have all the magical creatures. but some of them, their names at least, have links to demonic stuff... and i was like "o...k... maybe I shouldnt watch it etc... so it does depend...
Like the Narnia chronicles for instance, were written by a christian, and CS Lewis had biblical meanings behind what he wrote, but stuff like the golden compass, was written by an athiest and he wrote it to undermine the narnia chronicles where the humans defeat God... (it's been hidden subtly in the movie...) so you gotta be careful that you're not unintentionally subjecting yourself to brainwashing etc... same goes for music...
but back to the point, I havent read the books, so I dont know what they are like. Id just suggest you read objectively to see if anything brings up a warning sign, or is something you're not sure of, if you dont find anything, it's most probably o.k. to read.  |
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Turn up the music
Turn it up loud
Take a few chances
Let it all out
'Cause you won't regret it
Lookin' back from where you have been
'Cause it's not who you knew
And it's not what you did
It's how you live
.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
God Bless!
Mwah XOXO
JoJo |
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Mike
Posts:89
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| 11/19/2008 8:03 PM |
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I don't believe that the Twilight series is any more 'evil' than Harry Potter or the Da Vinci code. It's only as evil as you let it be. For entertainment purposes, it's a good book, but when it's taken too far it becomes a bad influence. I believe it's a matter of how far you take it. If you read the book as entertainment and are able to discern between what the book says and what God says, it's not evil. But then again, as JoJo said, perhaps it's better to not start on them to begin with, as false philosophy finds its way into everybody's lives very easily.
As far as setting standards too high for guys, I have often been of the opinion (as a guy) that romantic novels can cause women to set unrealistic expectations for guys. My best friend is a huge fan of Jane Austen (speaking of unrealistic expectations of guys), but realizes that the book world is not the same as the real world. However, it's also possible for girls to set their expectations too high and have them never met by anybody (because nobody is perfect). This is not to say that girls shouldn't have high standards though, because there are a ton of guys who need to have a transformation to an actual Christian life and worldview before they'd be very worthwhile to date.
Just to clarify, high expectations is expecting them to be basically perfect--to not mess up, to not make you cry, to do all the right things at the right times. High standards is not lowering yourself to a guy who does not try to model Christ in his own life, and place God first in his life (even before you). |
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emilyjanelle
Posts:510
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| 11/21/2008 9:56 AM |
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For myself, I tend to try not to read anything that might be edging towards something evil... like how in the Bible it says "flee from evil, cling to what is good."
But then again, as JoJo said, perhaps it's better to not start on them to begin with, as false philosophy finds its way into everybody's lives very easily.
agreed. :] |
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You may as well come quiet.
- Police Maxim |
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Amethyst90
Posts:12
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| 11/21/2008 11:34 AM |
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I was just discussing this with my mom 
Anyway, I started reading Twilight, the first book, and I got hooked on it...I was reading it every chance I got and not keeping my mind on God. I was on the verge of letting it get between me and God. So, one night, I was reading and I felt God's Spirit telling me that I needed to stop reading this book...it (the book) was getting to me. My mom also felt that way, and she confirmed it for me. I put the book down, and the temptation to read the books doesn't bother me anymore.
Okay, these books are definitely not Christian, and they can be addictive...I guess because of the romance and the mood of the book, and for some reason, witchcraft type stories (Harry Potter and Twilight) are appealing to Americans.....but they are entertaining. That's why we like them.
Idk, it's different for different people. I think it's best to just not invite the temptation in the first place, but it's up to the individual. If it effects you in a way that it's all you think about, and it comes before God and your life, then it's probly best to let it go.
Even though, I stopped reading the books, I'm still going to see the movie, and I've watched Harry Potter, too. It's good entertainment...and I think it's okay as long as you don't get too into it and watch (or read) it all the time. |
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Kathryn
Posts:18
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| 11/24/2008 1:24 PM |
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I don't understand how people can be completely against Harry Potter but fully supportive of The Lord of The Rings and Chronicles of Narnia. I've heard it's because the latter books are allegorical, but neither Tolkien nor Lewis intended those books to be categorized as allegorical. They both stated they wrote fantasy.
C.S. Lewis wrote that we, as Christians, are supposed to find the allegory in everything. That every story is come from God and we need to find the symbolism.
The wonderful thing about Harry Potter is the truth represented: there is good and there is evil. They do not mix. And Truth always wins.
Twilight is not as rich with biblical symbolism because it is primarily a love story. But there are good messages about friendship and love, and how love is bigger than ourselves. Love can change us and make us want to be better than we are.
I think it is important not to delve into entertainment that is not redemptive, that pulls your attention away from the Father. But I also think it is imperative not to judge harshly before you know the true value. |
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JoJo
Posts:1670
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| 11/24/2008 3:02 PM |
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Well, you see, the BIG difference between say The Lord of the Ringa and Narnia and Harry potter and the golden compass is that the first 2 were written by christians and if you research behind them, the first two are based on biblical stuff, ie Aslan is a representation of Jesus. You can look it up. I've done study's on these books. but the last two, they arent based on biblical stuff. Harry Potter was written by someone who claims herself to actually be a witch. which means she is most likely involved in witchcraft, and the bible says to not get involved in it. and like i said before, the golden compass was written as an affront to God. Harry Potter tries to disguise the fact that basically anyone who calls themself a witch or wizard, isnt getting their power from God (ie a good sorce, never once in the bible did God say that there were such things as good witches and wizards. it's all labeled under witchcraft.) so you cant claim it shows biblical truths because the fact is, it's more like a wolf in sheep's clothing. remember, Satan can appear as an angel of light, and he decieves many. he makes something look good and what you dont realize is that subtly, you are being influenced to thinking that something God says is wrong isnt that wrong. Like in Narnia, the witch is bad! LOTR is a bit different though, as gandolf is a wizard, (i think... im drawing a blank at the moment.) Gandalf is, however, more represented as how prophets and people of faith in the bible were. like Moses and parting the red sea with his staff and when they were in battle and as long as Moses held up his hands, the israelites would prevail.
I'd suggest you look at all the backgrond info on all these books so you can actually see what the meanings are behind them. Only then, you'll be able to tell which are worth reading and which arent. but if you dont see it yourself, you wont accept it... |
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Turn up the music
Turn it up loud
Take a few chances
Let it all out
'Cause you won't regret it
Lookin' back from where you have been
'Cause it's not who you knew
And it's not what you did
It's how you live
.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
God Bless!
Mwah XOXO
JoJo |
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JoJo
Posts:1670
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| 11/24/2008 3:26 PM |
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| like even though CS Lewis didnt try to write a Christian meaning into the book "The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe" as he wrote, he started putting it in. and if you didnt know this... "The Last Battle" is refering to the last battle the earth will ever see... like if you've read Revelation, the last battle is most commonly refered to "The battle of Armageddon" (Which is a place name, not the battle name...) and with LOTR, some of the books were written with "Roman Catholic" influences (bearing in mind that the first church ever was a Roman Catholic church, and the rest of the churches you see today all broke off from this one.) but yeah, you'd have to research it yourself, because it's too much to explain on here as there is so much background available. |
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Turn up the music
Turn it up loud
Take a few chances
Let it all out
'Cause you won't regret it
Lookin' back from where you have been
'Cause it's not who you knew
And it's not what you did
It's how you live
.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
God Bless!
Mwah XOXO
JoJo |
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Kathryn
Posts:18
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| 11/25/2008 10:09 AM |
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The bible does say not to delve in witchcraft. Harry Potter is a fictional series, reading the books and enjoying the story does not mean I believe in witchcraft.
I am not suggesting we read books that tempt us to sin or that do not represent a redemptive storyline. I do not believe The Golden Compass books are redemptive, thus I have not read them nor have I said that they are valuable books.
I believe we need to honor values that are honorable, such as friendship, the power of love, and the triumph of good over evil. And all these truths are represented in books like Harry Potter as well as books like The Lord of The Rings and Chronicles of Narnia.
I think it is hypocrisy to criticize fictional books because that involve wizardy when Tolkien and Lewis wrote about magic without making any effort to justify or explain the magic they created through their characters.
Do I believe in magic? Witches and wizards? No. Do I believe unchristian authors like J.K. Rowling are noteworthy people who I should model my life after? Not in the Least! I am saying there are worthy themes in books, especially fantasy, that represent the truths that the Bible teaches.
Karen Hancock, a christian author, wrote an article "In Defense of Fantasy." She says,
"Of all the genres, I think fantasy, by its very nature, most leans toward illustrating important spiritual truths. Even secular fantasties do so-in rather great numbers-despite the fact it is sometimes obvious their writers had little intention of doing so."
http://kmhancock.com/Fantasy.htm
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emilyjanelle
Posts:510
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| 11/28/2008 3:27 PM |
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do any of you get the christian teen girl mag, brio or brio & beyond? if so, just this month (december's issue) they had an awesome article explaining what they thought about the books and movie. here it is:
"In the dappled sunlight in the clearing of a meadow on the edge of a forest, 16-year-old Bella Swan’s heart races as GQ-model-handsome Edward Cullen draws near to her. Edward, in love with Bella, musters every ounce of self-control not to kill her. Killing’s his first instinct—because he’s a vampire. This scene, a vivid dream of author Stephenie Meyer, sparked her imagination to write Twilight, the first book of a bestselling young-adult series.
The Phenomenon
From that original dream, Stephenie, a 30-something housewife and mom of three young boys, has birthed a four-novel series that has sent teen girls and women of every age swooning over the star-crossed love story of Bella and Edward. In fact, a movie based on the series, starring Kristen Stewart (Into the Wild) as Bella Swan and Robert Pattinson (two of the “Harry Potter” movies) as Edward Cullen, opens Nov. 21.
The series has certainly appealed to a wide audience, but just because everyone’s reading it, should you? Despite the series’ surface appeal as a romance, it communicates many messages that are contrary to the Christian faith, and that’s not something you should be filling your mind with.
Truth and Relationships
God created us as relational beings, and girls in particular are created to be relational (Genesis 2-3). We tend to focus on relationships, but sometimes we make an idol out of them or fantasize over our desire for a relationship with that “perfect” guy. No guy can ever live up to the way Stephenie portrays Edward. He’s the fantasy creation of a woman writer.
Bella’s obsession with Edward is wrong. She’s even willing to become a vampire herself so she can “live” forever with Edward. But how can a human ever be yoked to or be in a serious relationship with a vampire? And what’s dangerous about Stephenie’s series is that the reader, too, enters into Bella’s obsession with Edward.
If we believe in God and believe the Bible guides how we live our lives, then we know our highest priority is our love for God and our relationship with Him. God should be the driving force of our lives and not a guy, no matter how attentive, respectful, cool and loving he appears to be. The “Twilight” books don’t communicate God’s truth about relationships.
The “Twilight” series also teaches unbiblical attitudes toward authority. Bella doesn’t respect her parents. She loves them, but they come across as clueless and out of touch with what’s going on in her life. Edward sneaks into Bella’s room every night to sleep next to her, and Bella lies to her dad about it.
Talking About God
Every part of culture (books, movies, music, art and fashion) communicates the belief of the writer, musician, designer or director. The “Twilight” series is no different. It conveys specific beliefs about God. Statements about God and salvation are peppered throughout the story in a subtle way. But are they biblical?
Good and evil in Twilight. Edward and his family are supposedly a different kind of vampire. The Cullens think killing humans is wrong. Even though they thirst for human blood, they abstain and instead hunt bears and large game for their blood. Stephenie’s story communicates that even though Edward is technically an evil being—he is, after all, a vampire—he tries to be good by not killing humans for food. But can an evil being ever be “good”? If he repents and reforms his ways—Beauty and the Beast, anyone?—yes, but the vampires in this series do not. They remain vampires.
Good and evil in the Bible. The Bible teaches the opposite of what “Twilight” does about goodness and salvation. Human beings are sinners. We cannot know God apart from faith in Christ’s death on the cross for our sins. Romans 3:22-24 states, “This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Many people believe that when they die, God will allow them into heaven because they tried to live a good life and do good deeds. That is basically what the vampires of this series do; they believe that by doing “good” deeds (e.g., not killing humans), they can be saved.
But the Bible clearly teaches no one can be redeemed by good deeds. It’s only through faith in Christ that we can enter heaven and into the presence of the God. Yes, the “Twilight” story is only fiction. It’s not the Bible, but Christian readers need to be on guard to discern if spiritual statements in books, films or music match the truth of God’s Word.
An Entry to the Occult
The final book in the series, Breaking Dawn, makes a hard turn from romance into horror and the occult. Bella and Edward get married and have sex.
In one extended, very disturbing scene, Bella dies and is transformed into a vampire. She gives birth to a half-human, half-vampire baby, which tears its way out of her belly with torrents of blood.
What Do You Believe?
It’s easy to think it’s no big deal to see the latest hip movie or read the books everyone else is reading and not pay attention to what those media are saying.
We’re to love God with every fiber of our beings, and that includes loving Him with our minds (Matthew 22:36-38). We need to think about what fills our minds. Does it reflect biblical truth? The “Twilight” series does not. Just because the culture loves these books does not mean you should. As Scripture tells us, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2)."
what do you all think?
:] |
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You may as well come quiet.
- Police Maxim |
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^^@di$()N
Posts:0
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| 11/28/2008 3:54 PM |
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I think I'm going to have to disagree on this article in Brio. In the 2nd book "New Moon", Edward's foster dad actually gives Bella a talk about what they believe in God. He discusses that, he, is saved, and while he's on the earth, he' going to try his best spreading God, as any other christian. But the romance, can be very capturing, so I suggest to only read it, if you can handle it  I've got to remind myself, that Edward's not real And then, I can go off to my fanasty place and enjoy it, but then I can easily come back to the real world and not have high expections for guys. As for Breaking Dawn, shhh!!! I'm not there yet!
Just a thought, when Bella and Edward do have sex, they're married... so why did Brio like forbid it?
(I'm not saying they're wrong or right, I'm just wondering) |
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emilyjanelle
Posts:510
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| 11/28/2008 9:32 PM |
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brio didn't "forbid" it, but in that much graphic detail, being told to those are most likely aren't married. (it's for teens and young adults, right?) ummm...
that's great that edward's dad says he's a christian. but, uh, eating animals raw? where the heck in the Bible does it say we're allowed to do that? how does he justify his actions? that's disgusting to me, and immediately, puts up red flags in my mind. this is just a black and white issue for me, really, because the Bible is black and white.
It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood. For Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.
- Acts 15:19-21 |
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You may as well come quiet.
- Police Maxim |
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^^@di$()N
Posts:0
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| 11/29/2008 11:17 AM |
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| Emily, you do have a point. Like everybody has said, it's really between you and God if you can read this. The website that Kathryn posted really helps, because that's kindof how I feel. How Edward feels so strongly towards Bella, and that he'll do anything for her, is how I relate to God. With some of my problems that I struggle with, I try to act 'like an Edward' for God- in the sense that I'm going to try to stop my habits because God is the most important thing to me. |
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Adelynn
Posts:189
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| 12/22/2008 5:29 PM |
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I don't remember thinking it was graphic, though I was really worried it would be, and I was always surprised it wasn't, not more than in what I've read of The Bride Wore White =]
Some people are totally obsessed, and that's bad- but obsession is always bad, even if it's LOTRs or something |
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"... I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy..." Acts 2.17
What If His People Prayed? |
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joe
Posts:5
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| 12/23/2008 12:37 AM |
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| I read the books too. I enjoyed them, they were really entertaining. But I think the content matter is ok, depending on how you treat it. If your just reading the book for leisure and not letting the vampire part sink in its fine. However if you're treating it like a shrine and soaking stuff in and trying to become a vampire or something crazy like that, maybe you should but the book down. I'm pretty sure the book was meant to be sci-fi and not acult anyways. I think the mature content in it would be more of an issue and could warp your thinking more-so than the vampire issue |
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emilyjanelle
Posts:510
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| 12/23/2008 10:11 PM |
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"Everything is permissible for me"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"—but I will not be mastered by anything. - 1 Corinthians 6:12
"Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive. -1 Corinthians 10:23
what are your thoughts on those verses, ladies (and men, if you care to join us)? |
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You may as well come quiet.
- Police Maxim |
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smartblonde77
Posts:122
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| 12/23/2008 11:14 PM |
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I would like to add that this will take over people my friend says the people in her church went and saw the movie and she doesn't want to see it and they want to suck her blood and my other friend same thing but only that one was at school! but my other friend is SCARED to go to CHURCH cuase the peolpe!
Just sayin..... thats wierd! |
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~Krista
it's kinda crazy how time has a way of makein all these memories fade away so if theres only one thing you remember bout me remember that i loved you unconditionally! |
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emilyjanelle
Posts:510
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| 12/23/2008 11:48 PM |
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So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.
You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
- Ephesians 4:17-32 |
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You may as well come quiet.
- Police Maxim |
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smartblonde77
Posts:122
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| 12/24/2008 1:56 PM |
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Well i must say and i won't get in a debate cuase noone has every beat me at these subjects! 
But it is not of God and that makes it of Satan that how i see it satan is useing stuff like this and harry potter to get to the people of the\ world in a way most people don't see! now i can't say much about twilight cuse i haven't read it and refuse to read or see it the same for harry potter... but i do know that harry potter is a horrible book maybe not to read but the under shadow of it! as a matter of fact and ex-witch that is now a Christian and acctaully a preacher! said that happy potter was a striaight up witch craft manual! i do know this is hary potter not twilight but i'm assuming that it is CLOSE NOT THE SAME but my point is if its not of GOD it of SATAN! |
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~Krista
it's kinda crazy how time has a way of makein all these memories fade away so if theres only one thing you remember bout me remember that i loved you unconditionally! |
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