The blockbuster Twilight Saga is being read by teenager and adult alike. These powerful novels are gaining even more popularity as the movies hit theaters. But what should a Christian response be? And is there a helpful way to approach a teenager or young adult captivated with the books without alienating her?

5 Responses to “The Twilight Gospel: The Spiritual Roots of the Stephenie Meyer Vampire Saga”

1. Elaine Higgason says:

   June 17, 2010 at 12:00 am

   What I liked about this book was the author brought the positive aspects of the Twilight Saga as it relates to religion, but the not-so-positive issues and ideas were also brought out. I read the whole book in an evening.

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2. L. Hartness says:

   May 24, 2010 at 12:00 am

   For the past several years, I’ve been intrigued with the popularity of the “Twilight” saga. It certainly has rivaled the hysteria seen with Harry Potter, though this audience seems to be skewed slightly older and with a higher percentage of females.

   Although I’m a fan of the Potter series, I didn’t feel highly compelled to read Stephenie Meyer’s books. I don’t prefer vampire stories. In fact, the subject of one of my lectures in a college speech making class was “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” and why my fellow Wheaton students should choose to not patronize the 1992 film.

   There’s much debate in the Christian community about whether believers should be reading “Twilight” and its subsequent sequels. Vampire mythology has always been rooted in death, darkness and occultist practices. Just recently I read in “Home Life” magazine, “[we] encourage readers to think about why so many Christian women are drawn to the Twilight series when the plots and characters depicted are obviously contrary to biblical principles.” (April 2010)

   As a reviewer for Litfuse Publicity, I was pleased to receive Dave Roberts’ book, “The Twilight Gospel”. I wanted to get his perspective on this topic, especially as a Christian writer, speaker and minister. Dave is the author of the best-selling “The Toronto Blessing” and “Red Moon Rising”. He is a former editor of “Christianity” magazine and won awards for his work on “Renewal” magazine. He is a church pastor and conference director for three major annual conferences on worship, children’s ministry, and women’s ministry.

   In order to prepare for Roberts’ book, I thought it would be appropriate to at least read “Twilight”, the first book in Stephenie Meyer’s series. This would give me at least a working knowledge of Roberts’ topic, if not a completely informed one. Because this book has been reviewed dozens of times over the years, I don’t feel the need to post a full critique. I will say that I found “Twilight” entertaining, not as sinister as some have made it out to be, yet not for children or young teens.

   After reading “Twilight” I dove into Roberts’ “The Twilight Gospel”. He begins with short plot synopses of all the books in the series, plus the unpublished draft of “Midnight Sun”, available on Stephenie Meyer’s website. Roberts then goes on to explain his motivations and goals for the book, showing that he has no desire to turn his back on popular culture. Unlike many who criticize popular culture, he doesn’t write from a place of fear, but “from a place of wisdom”, wanting “to help people understand and respond and make good choices.” (p.22)

   Chapter 2 is centered mostly on the history behind vampires and other “undead.” I found this to be very helpful in understanding the bigger picture, as I’d either forgotten these themes or had never explored them. The mythology behind these characters and stories has a long tradition, with varying degrees of darkness and occultism. Fortunately for the readers of “Twilight”, there are no coffin-shaped beds, sinister gothic clothes or repellent crosses.

   The rest of the book explores several themes that are of interest to Mr. Roberts. He addresses the seemingly heavy emphasis on materialism and physical beauty seen in the lives of the vampires. We see how sexuality and occultist issues are handled, the “theology” of Meyer’s vampires, free will and pacifism. He concludes with a few personal words of wisdom, and a few book recommendations of his own.

   My thoughts: At 155 pages, “The Twilight Gospel” was a quick read and held my attention well. I felt a little out of sorts at times, as Roberts refers to plot elements in books 2-4, which I haven’t read. If you want to avoid plot spoilers, read this book after you’ve finished the series. However, if this isn’t a concern because you’re reading this to be an informed parent or reader, do read “The Twilight Gospel” first.

   While I don’t disagree with Mr. Roberts’ assertion that materialism and beauty are given a lot of emphasis in the Twilight series, these elements didn’t concern me. Those factors are a part of the fantastical tale–to complain about them would be like complaining about Snow White being the “Fairest of Them All” or Cinderella having the most beautiful gown at the ball. However, if you are easily influenced by these issues, then he has some good points to consider.

   Although the sexual tension in “Twilight” was much chaster than I’ve seen in other romantic stories, Roberts tells us that it takes a more predominant role in the subsequent books. I admired Meyer’s choice to have abstinence to be the rule rather than the exception in “Twilight”, but Roberts writes that things become spicier as the series goes on.

   Overall I enjoyed “The Twilight Gospel”. I didn’t feel the urgency that Roberts feels in some of his topics, but I can understand where he’s coming from. I wouldn’t call this the definitive Christian response to “Twilight”, but it certainly raises some interesting ideas, ones that are worth considering as these stories continue in popularity, both in print and on screen. I’m glad that he was able to show us how good, admirable themes are found in Meyer’s books. He also presented some negative aspects that should be considered. I agree with him: “Enjoy, but do not believe.”

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3. T. Willyard says:

   April 25, 2010 at 12:00 am

   The Twilight Gospel by Dave Roberts is quit an insightful read and I highly recommend that parents read his book and use it as a basis of discussing the Twilight Saga Series (Sneek Peek pages). Robert’s discusses many if not all of the subject matter presented in The Twilight Saga series. It was a fast and enlightening read as Dave Robert’s wrote about friendships, self-image, beauty, forgiveness, love, awkwardness, fear, the dead, cults, money, sex, sacrifice, violence, power and the unborn. He compared fact from myth and showed us through scripture, what is right and what is wrong, what is good and what is bad.

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4. Andrea Schultz says:

   April 16, 2010 at 12:00 am

   One of the most successful writing franchises in recent history is the `Twilight’ series by Stephenie Meyer. And one of the most controversial writing franchises in recent history is the `Twilight’ series by Stephenie Meyer… Many parents have kept their children from reading these books because of their supernatural content.

   `The Twilight Gospel: The Spiritual Roots of Stephenie Meyer’s Vampire Saga,’ by Dave Roberts, takes a look at the spiritual implications of these books.

   According to the back cover of the book:

   With these powerful novels getting even more popular as the movies hit the cinemas, the call for a Christian response is strong. What values and ideas do Meyer’s novels promote? What is good about them, and what deserves closer inspection?

   The spirituality and worldview of the Twilight Saga are fascinating, but they do not sit easily with orthodox Christianity. This book carefully and graciously assesses what is praiseworthy and what is less so…

   The central point of the book is to help teens (and their adults) discern what is excellent from what is unhealthy, helping to create robust, shrewd, and literate young adults.

   I must admit that I have neither read any of the books nor seen any of the movies in this series. I am aware of the Team Edward versus Team Jacob debate (I would argue for the Team Edward side!), and I know there are vampires and werewolves involved. I also know that a lot of mothers are equally (or more) fanatical about these books and movies than their teens and preteens, but that’s the extent of my knowledge. So I am a perfect candidate to read a book about this series; I am looking for additional information as to whether or not to pursue this entertainment.

   Mr. Roberts describes the books this way:

   They reflect on material aspiration, prejudice and stereotyping, family breakdown, self-control and human dignity. They invoke the Bible and one of the characters speaks of the perspective of the Creator. They explore ancient myths and mystical practices that are entering the mainstream culture of the West. (p. 13)

   He proceeds to summarize each book in the series – `Twilight,’ `New Moon,’ `Eclipse,’ `Breaking Dawn,’ and `Midnight Sun’ (currently unpublished).

   Our author explains that he is not operating from a perspective of fear of popular culture, but instead from this place:

   I want to write from a place of wisdom – not my own, but rather the wisdom I find throughout the Hebrew/Christian scriptures. In critiquing other worldviews, I desire to help people understand and respond and make good choices. I don’t want to tell them what to believe about contemporary vampire culture! I do want to hold up the ideas in the Twilight Saga to scrutiny, and to help the reader to ask good, penetrating questions about those ideas. (p. 22)

   Sounds logical and reasonable to me!

   Mr. Roberts explores the history of the vampire in folklore, history, and entertainment; it was fascinating! He explains:

   Creatures who escape from the grave and attack the living in order to satisfy their need for blood can be traced to the folklore of nations on all five continents. (p. 26)

   With regard to the subject of sex in this series, Roberts states:

   As you would expect from a Mormon writer, who made it clear in several interviews that sex scenes with explicit descriptions would not be part of the Twilight project, the books frown on the promotion of sexual activity outside the boundaries of a genuine relationship. (p. 91)

   One of the most controversial aspects of the `Twilight Saga’ is the occult element. I found that chapter (Chapter 6 – The Occult Sting in the Tale) to be fairly weak in not strongly stating the danger of dabbling in the occult as warned about in scripture.

   In terms of a Christian worldview, Roberts states:

   The books explore ideas of forgiveness, moral restraint and the personal goodness of several characters, while ignoring any idea that Jesus’ life, death and resurrection might have a bearing on our relationship with God…. The God that we see in the Twilight Saga feels like the God of the Deists, who created the world, gave us moral frameworks and now leave us largely in peace to work out how we must live until he intervenes in history again. (p. 122)

   Roberts summarizes the series this way:

   Yet the Twilight Saga has much to admire. Apart from anything else, the books are an excellent read, and there is much in them that is wholesome and good. But the flaws are serious, and the series should be read with caution and thought…. Enjoy, but do not believe. (p. 155)

   My verdict? I think I would read the books and watch the movies; I have enough spiritual discernment to separate the wheat from the chaff. God has given us a brain; we should use it! However, I would make sure to instruct young people to read and watch with care and caution, and watch the movies and read the books with them. I think far too many Christians run away from popular culture in fear instead of assessing it using Godly wisdom. They forbid their children from the content. Guess what happens when they finally get the freedom or opportunity to read or see them? They will consume them – perhaps with an uncritical, ungodly eye/viewpoint. I think this book is a valuable tool to help people consume these media critically, and I commend it to anyone who wants to assess this series with a Christian mindset.

   Dave Roberts ([...]) is a professional journalist, editor and speaker.

   You can read an excerpt from this book here ([...]).

   This book was provided by Monarch Book. I am proud to be part of the LitFuse Publicity Group’s blog tour.

   Reviewed by Andrea Schultz – Ponderings by Andrea – [...]

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5. Aaron Armstrong says:

   April 12, 2010 at 12:00 am

   There’s no question that Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight Saga has taken teen-girl-world by storm.

   The tale of Bella and her vampire beau Edward has sold more than 100 million copies worldwide. The first two movies made a ridiculous amount of money at the box office, even more in DVD sales, and the next several are already in various stages of production.

   But, what is it teaching us? What ideas and values are being promoted–and should they be embraced or rejected?

   That’s the question Dave Roberts asks in The Twilight Gospel, an examination of the spiritual and sociological worldview of Meyer’s bestselling series.

   It’s a bit odd to review a piece of literary criticism, particularly based on a series of books I’ve not read (nor do I plan to–as a 30-something man who doesn’t really like a lot of fiction, they don’t hold much appeal). With critical review, there’s a great temptation to take the most scandalous bits out of context and present that as the sum total of a book.

   Having said that, I believe Roberts takes a very even-handed approach to the subject matter. He doesn’t focus on the negative aspects of the book solely; instead he notes the admirable traits of characters alongside the less virtuous qualities, even as he compares them to the Christian worldview.

   A couple of his critiques are particularly worth mentioning: The first related to the book’s view of materialism. Generally speaking, Bella and the Cullen family are initially depicted as being not overly concerned with consumerism. As the series progresses, however, it becomes extremely materialistic, spending an inordinate amount of time on the details of material possessions.

   “The problem is not fashion, hairstyles, the admiration of certain types of physical beauty… the problem arises when one’s sense of worth and well-being is closely attuned to one’s ability to possess the things that will signify that you are someone who `belongs’ and hence worthy of admiration. The [series] offers no consistent critique of this mindset at all. Instead, it celebrates it,” says Roberts. (p. 71)

   Likewise, many have lauded the series because the main characters remain chaste until marriage; however, Roberts reveals this to be a purely pragmatic decision. “Bella makes it clear…that she cannot see any reason to wait. She remains a virgin on a technicality related to the superpowers possessed by Edward. . . . The reader is offered no reason to stay chaste, within the logic of the story,” he writes. (pp. 98-99)

   Although his engagement with the subject matter of the Twilight Saga is strong, I found myself struggling a bit when the author expressed the Christian perspective. Some of this comes down to preference. “I wouldn’t have said it that way;” that sort of thing. And generally speaking, he does an admirable job. But I think he does a disservice to himself when he tries to tackle the subject of free will and predestination.

   Roberts describes the confusing relationship between the two found in the Twilight Saga. Characters are presented as frequently commenting that there’s always a choice, always a different path, yet “many of the characters speak of fate, destiny and the irresistible will of an unseen rule.” (p. 145) This leads him into a brief discussion of the two dominant views of human will and its relation to God’s sovereignty found within Christianity.

   Unfortunately, Roberts presents one as (at best) a caricature, a base determinism where humans are little more than automatons in the plans of God. The other, however, is depicted as a profound partnership with God in all of His plans.

   To be fair, Roberts correctly says that a couple of paragraphs are not sufficient to adequately address this issue. Still, I wonder if his handling of the subject couldn’t have been stronger and presented with less of an obvious bias.

   So here’s the big question: Why does all this matter? Why do we need to care about the values and ideas that are presented in a work of fiction?

   It’s because fiction is powerful. Stories are a powerful means of communicating complicated ideas and changing people and their understanding of how the world works.

   How many times have you heard someone say something like, “Don’t take it too seriously, it’s just fiction.” But for the Christian in particular, this is not an option. We are commanded to exercise discernment (cf. Hebrews 5:14, Proverbs 3:21). To ask questions of the worldview presented in anything we read shows wisdom and can, by God’s grace, keep us from being caught up in irreverent, silly myths, foolish debates and deceptive ideas that would take our eyes off of Christ.

   The Twilight Gospel shows that Dave Roberts takes this command seriously and it serves as a commendation for the rest of us to do the same.

   If you or your children have read Twilight, read The Twilight Gospel and consider using it as a launching point for discussion. Roberts’ commendations and critiques will challenge you to not see this series–or any book for that matter–as “just a book,” but to see the power of a story.

   —–

   A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher

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