I saw this movie last night too. I’ve read all four books.  I was surprised that the movie has received so much negative talk in the Hollywood media because of Edward’s insistence that sexual intimacy is saved for marriage. It’s refreshing that the talk of virtue comes from a male character, even if it’s known that his human character existed in 1900-1918 morality.

The Twilight series has swept through our tween-teen-young adult female culture, and hopefully Edward’s firm stance on no intimacy before marriage makes them stop and think about twice about their own relationships.

I also noticed that (in the books/movie) sex/emotion is used by one character to manipulate another into doing her will.

There are many opportunities here to engage in a dialogue with your teens about chastity and real love.

As someone who has read the books and enjoyed them, I thank you for bringing this up.  Many times discussions of the stories turns to how vampires are evil, etc.  When this fictional tale really focuses on a whole coven of vampires who have chosen to act in a way against the norm of historical vampire fodder.  The chastity aspect I found very intriguing as a woman who grew up with very little guidance on the topic, who made many mistakes in that arena and who is now the mother of three daughters and one son whom I hope to have a positive impact regarding chastity.  In the books, the choices Bella faces with regards to chastity and even just relationships with boys are portrayed in the fantasy realm but come off very real-world.  I don’t know if it impacts girls the way I hope it does (my daughters aren’t old enough for me to know).  But I am happy that it is out there for them to ingest (through film or through the books) and hopefully ponder and discuss with their parents.

I agree that it was a little disappointing the way Bella’s father acts in the movie, but it’s true to the book and…sadly, it’s very real world.  As a matter of fact it’s probably better than real world (sadly) because at least he is talking to his daughter about it at all.  I did think they redeemed the father a little bit with the line closing that scene as Bella leaves the room and he says, “Virgin.  Yeah, liking Edward a little better.”  It is at that point that we see that the father values the fact that Edward prefers the chaste route.

Nice post.  I’m interested to read other replies.

I agree too. I think it makes a GREAT jumping off point for parents and teens. It is a secular book/movie and we live in a secular society -  but both the book and the movie do remind teens that there are those that do care for the soul and making choices that reflect something more than our desires in a mainstream way. Old School may seem like harsh term, but it is becoming more and more that way - and it is a great conversation point how Old School should be what teens do today - redefining the term. A parent could have a great conversation with their teen comparing Edward and Bella’s dad’s comments from the movie, etc.

The movies seem much more about sex and such than the books (I liked the books because to me - and I’m a pretty naive person, even as an adult - the books did not scream anything at me aside from a great story, and one where the couple waited for marriage. So many other books for teens, TV shows, etc just have a “just do it” mentality, so this was a refreshing mainstream book selection. I’ve seen other arguments and viewpoints for the Twilight Book and Movie series, and I respect and understand them - but for me, I just ENJOYED reading a love story where the lead couples waited for marriage, even when one was more tempted, when the book could have just let them have sex, etc). The books were just a great read for me, and very enjoyable.

To me, the movie producers have made the movies more about sexual tension at times which can be bothersome. It’s up to each parent to decide if their teens watch. I don’t feel all kids will get that “tension” (more seem to just be into the characters and “teams”) I’m glad they have the characters wait like in the book - and teens and parents can use the movie to foster communication. Kids can feel (if they are allowed to watch) they have seen something mainstream and can talk to their parents about it.

Now, bookwise - because the books are written by a secular author who has her characters wait, even when hormones or desires could have pushed them too far, is great for parents and teens in bringing them together to really TALK. Teens who might resist always reading books that are not always mainstream will feel like they are reading something exciting, and knowing Mom and Dad care and want to talk about things can really foster communication, faith, and understanding. I also know a few parents who will allow their kids to read Books 1-3, but hold off on 4 for a few years. Very understandable, even with the characters married - the marriage scenes can be debated. It is up to the parents. But overall, reading the books TOGETHER, and if chosen, viewing the movie together, can bring about great discussions about living for the soul, protecting it, and what is “old school” these days and why that shouldn’t be.

Plus, since so many of their friends have seen it, they can take those conversations to them as well. Great ideas spread to the current “school”. Maybe we can do some “new schooling”?

I just see a lot of positives in this when it comes to communication, and opening doors to talking to our teens about what’s right.

Thanks for bringing this up! I hope for a good discussion too!

My husband and I have discussed how, in modern movies/TV there have to be all sorts of situations to draw out the suspense, since boy meets girl, they “hook up” won’t fill up the needed screen time.  So you have the vampire thing, or some other reason set up—in the Chuck show (which I stopped watching after a bit, it was too sexed up) they can’t get together cause she’s a secret agent.  Hollywood just assumes there has to be some weird outside influence given as a reason.  The lack of morals leads to a lack of any suspense as far as the story telling goes, if you don’t wait till marriage, there is no reason to wait once you both determine you are “game.”  So, while the value of the rest of the Twilight experience is up for debate, an actual choice to wait for good ole morality reasons is good to see.

I watched the first movie before I read any of the books and was not impressed. It seemed like all it was was two people (one being a vampire) making googly-eyes at each other. Bleck. But then I read the book and, of course, as usual, the book was 100 times better than the movie. There is so much more detail in the books and with me being a theology major I always try and see the theological meaning behind the things I read/watch. The books go into the “history” of Edward Cullen’s family- how Carlisle (the “dad”) chooses good over evil. When I read Eclipse I was absolutely giddy that Edward chooses not to consummate their relationship, not just for fear of killing Bella, but for fear she will damage her soul. (I was so afraid Stephanie Meyer would go ahead and give into modern society and have them have sex.) And in the last book… well I can’t say what made me super happy, because that will give way too much away.

I guess I should say- read the books. (The movies are good, but not a good way to judge the series.) They have so much more detail. And I know vampires are supposed to be evil and all that, but the author changes this story around to make it new and interesting. One thing that seemed kind of dull was the whole teenage angst part, but not long ago I experienced that as well (I’m 25) and it is interesting to see how Bella deals with it. I could go on and on…. perhap I will write a blog post about this after vacation! I understand why the series is controversial, and totally understand and respect those who think it is bad, but I look more at the good parts than the bad.

I have read all the books and have seen the first 2 movies. I am so glad to see a Catholic forum discuss this topic with dedication to the Church’s teachings. I initially read the books to be able to discuss them with my 14 year old sister and hopefully save her from the erroneous storylines I was sure to find, but I found myself really enjoying them (guiltily) and sparking great theological conversations with my husband and other family members.

Yes, there are huge flaws in the moral realm. A complete confusion of good and evil characters, the lack of any spiritual lives in the characters, the acceptance of a type of relativism that was eerily similiar to the pro-homosexual rheatoric; but behind it all, there really was a great good vs. evil battle. And not just between vampires and werewolves, but in the internal desires we fight daily too.

I appreciated so much the battle Edward fights with himself to protect Bella from his “disordered desires”. I think that is what resonates so much with today’s young women. To feel protected and loved so much by the man who loves you. To see him die daily to his selfishness in order to protect you. To see him act (gasp) Christlike in his treatment of you. It is the Truth of His love for us that we are seeing play out in the Twilight fanaticism. Millions of young women are longing to feel this sort of love, and for many this may be the closest thing they have ever heard about that sort of love; A lonely vampire falls for a woman who he desperately wants to eat, but cannot because the pain it causes him to keep her around is less than the pain of losing her. It’s a far cry from the best love story of all time; God becomes man and dies to protect all humanity from the Evil One who wants to destroy them.

In a culture that is sadly lacking the influence of the greatest love story, stories like Twilight serve a sad second best to reminding us how much we are loved.

I read the series when I was alarmed at the number of junior high kids (and teachers) reading the series at the Catholic school where I taught. I found some themes which were true, good, and beautiful, such as chastity and Edward’s decision to do what was best for Bella rather than what he desired, and certainly would focus on those if I was discussing the book with a girl (or her mother) who enjoyed the series.
But I hasten to add that this book presented multiple problems- the least of which were vampires themselves! The obsessive, stalking like “love” of Edward presented as normal and healthy is quite alarming. It’s not a good thing- it’s creepy, obsessive and controlling.  Edward’s beauty and intelligence is also note-worthy.  The number facebook “fan” groups with titles such as “I press my cheek against the tile floor and dream of laying my head on Edward’s chest” impress upon me the desperate need of girls for love from our Heavenly Father. The only perfect man we will ever encounter is Christ, yet by encouraging these romance novels, we set up false ideals of men, love and passion- that cannot last in the human level. By introducing girls to obsessive love of this sort (and teasing their mothers with this as the “norm”), we are reinforcing the world’s view of love and trying to find fulfillment and Heaven on earth- not using the grace-filled Sacrament to point towards the Lord.
Overall, the obsessiveness with the books points to a deeper problem: a society that is desperate for the love of the Lord and deeply in a crisis of masculinity and femininity. 
Therefore, I highly recommend people avoid this series in the book and movie form. It is a colossal waste of time.

If only one teen girl decides to wait for marriage after relating to the characters in Twilight, I say success!  There are so few examples even eluding to virtue in TV and movies, I’m grateful for any that will give a positive moral message in a wildly popular book or movie.  I have had so many talks with my teens about how the characters in most shows are taking risks or making mistakes, it is nice to have an example of a good choice to endorse.

I read the books because my daughter wanted to read them.  She was 13 and I felt that I should be fore armed in discussion with her.  While the “Twilight” series is frequently touted as upholding chatity, there are many other moral issues that the author seems to feel are not necessary to uphold.  For example, Edward hangs out in Bella’s bedroom.  Indeed, he begins hanging out watching her sleep BEFORE she is his girlfriend.  Can we say “stalker?”  He is also exceedingly pushy.  He dictates where he wants her to go and who he wants her to see. He alienates her from her other friends.  This is NOT a healthy relationship.  All of these behaviors in a suitor are indicators of possible abuse.  Abusers like to isolate. 
Bella and Edward also lie to Bella’s father pretty regularly.  Deceit is not a good trait.  These are the discussions I have had with my daughter.  I really wouldn’t want her to be involved with anyone who would isolate her or encourage her to lie to her family.

For Lisa and all of the commentors from a Dad of adult kids who won’t be seeing the movie because, well, I don’t have to (lol) I am so pleased to read everything written hear. I better understand the issues and this has been most enlightening conversation. At one level, a movie/book like this provides a really important catalyst for discussion and, while secular, God is everywhere in our world and we are expected to be His messengers here. So knowing and using what the secular world is seeing for His purposes is a marvelous thing. Training kids to be Godly in an ungodly world inevitably requires them to face the ungodly parts, fully armed. Well done all!

Lisa, I know you were looking for someone who read all of the books—I have (liked the first two, suffered through the last two).  I do find that it is Bella who seems to be consumed and controlled by her passions only, and that it takes Edward’s choices to calm her down.  What concerned me most (and this might be a spoiler for those who did not read “Breaking Dawn”) was actually their married love.  Edward wanted to wait to be intimate until his wife had become an immortal like him, to protect her (as he might hurt her with his strength), and Bella—at least in my opinion—whined, pouted, and manipulated him into doing it anyway.  That is not the way I would have presented married love to teens at all!

Jen, I read the book (am waiting to rent the movie) and I did find that whole necessity to keep her from freezing a bit inappropriate (and some sort of silly convenient trick to keep the tension going by Meyer).  Jacob could have handled it in a responsible, utilitarian manner, but his whole deportment was immature and rude. . . which is why I am still on Team Edward.

On Harry Potter: http://www.reginadoman.com/main.cfm?ID=44&level=3&r1=1.00&r2=1.00&r3=2.00&r4=0.00

The Twilight Series is written by a Mormon and has many Mormon undertones.

Okay, so I haven’t read any of the books yet (though, frankly, I want to after reading all of these responses!).  But this conversation is reminding me of a great interview that I read in U.S. Catholic magazine several years ago.  It was a conversation with Sister Rose Pacatte, a Daughter of St. Paul, and it was about parents and television/movies and how to draw boundaries, and what to say to your kids, etc.  I did not have kids myself at that point, but I saved the issue because what Sr. Rose said made so much sense to me.  She didn’t offer a “one size fits all” approach, but she did really make you think about the role of media in our kids’ lives and the fact that they will encounter it eventually, no matter how much we try to shield them.  She also told an interesting story of a woman whose daughter was a senior in high school and who wanted to see rated-R movies.  The mother finally decided that she would give limited permission to her daughter to see certain rated R movies, but only on the condition that the daughter came home and told her mother whether or not she saw God in the movie. That opened up lines of communication that might not otherwise have been there.

A few friends have pointed me to a helpful online article that provides a good overview of the Twilight series of books - check it out at http://www.catholicdigest.com/articles/food_fun/books/2009/11-01/should-my-teen-read-twilight

Thanks for all of your efforts to discuss this topic in a respectful manner.

Any message that premarital sex is sinful and we should wait for sex till marriage is good Parents should beodels and advisors

Lisa,

I’ve got your back! I veiwed the film with my teen daughter. I squirmed during the scene in question - prayerfully gathered my paternal self - and immediately informed my daughter by whispering in her ear, that a real man, worthy of her love, will defend and protect her virtue and purity until the day they are married. I took full advantage of this opportunity by the grace of God. It’s a parent’s (particularly a dad’s) responsibility to assure that crooked lines such as those in movies that draw the teen masses to view, are made straight in the mind and heart of the teen according to the teaching of the Catholic faith.

I am a mother of an eleven year old girl.  I read the series and watched part of the first movie.  I read them because my 11 year old has many friends who have read the books and seen the movies.  She has not but she knows much of the basic story line by listening to friends at school.  My take was to read them myself and see what they were all about.  I can not see how many tweens would really be ready for this series.  My daughter and I talked about it and she agrees that she is really not ready.  I am not encouraging my eleven year old to read them or see the movies.  I do not feel she is ready nor has the maturity to handle them.  However I know the story line now and can be there when and if she decideds to read them or watch them at an older age.

I agree with many of the bloggers above that this series is a great place to begin talking to our teens and tweens.  We can talk about so much instead of ignoring the draw our young teens have to it.  There are many things in this and many other books, movies and ads that alarm me when it comes to Teens and especially with Tweens.

The one aspect I think is how Bella does dangerous things to get Edward to come to her.  I heard one Christian speaker talk about it and it made me think twice.  Our girls need to know that boys and men are not superheroes.  I can see young romantic girls putting themselves at risk to get boys to pay attention to them.

I think there are positives as well as negative messages.  However we are neglectful if we pretend that our kids will not have to come up against all of these messages.  If we choose not to use these books that is fine but we need to address these issues somehow.  Each family has to decide for themselves how to do this.

Promiscutiy, risk taking behavior, violence, peer pressure, morality not to mention vampire genre will be part of their lives.  Finding a way to address these issues in important.  Some will use this series to do this.  It comes down to being in tune with where your pre-teen and teen are and being proactive.

I will be completely honest and say that I did not get a chance to read all the replys to the original comment, as I’m sure they are all great, and I also would not have picked up if this was mentioned but, their was a link to a chastity speaker from Catholic Answers on his views of Twilight, and I thought it was very truthful and intriguing. I won’t ruin it, it’s a good clip to watch, but he talks about how many teenage girls are drawn to the series because their has, lately, been a lack of a “night in shining armor” male figure in the movies, in which the girls’ values are seemingly respected. He then parallels this to the desire in young women’s hearts to seek after a male figure who is Christ-like, self-less. Anywho, take a look, enjoy, blog it up.
http://www.chastity.com/node/490

The chastity theme is the best part of the whole series.  However, that being said, I believe that parents need to be careful when deciding whether or not to allow your child(ren) to watch this film or read the books.  I watched the first film, read all four books and then continued to watch the films as they have been released.  I felt the books were well written from a literary stand point and that the movies stayed true to the books.  I personally cannot stomach books or movies with an intense amount of foul language and appreciated that I didn’t have to concern myself with that in this series.  I very much enjoyed the books and the films as well and I am looking forward to the next and last.  However, I am capable of separating fiction from reality and I would not let my child read or see the Twilight Saga unless her spiritual maturity proved to me that she also could accept this as fiction.  I have to guard her heart as a parent.

Although I am not defending the movie or Twilight Fans, I must say that there is so much negativity and controversy concerning this movie and the simple fact is that children are far more severely poisoned by what they view on television.  Examples, The Vampire Diaries (sensuality, alcohol consumption by minors), So You Think You Can Dance (sensuality, Charmed (witchcraft, sorcery, sensuality), Army Wives, various cartoons with underlying messages, The Office, Supernatural (EVIL) and these are just a handful.  Children are also influenced by their parents’ self image.  For example, if mom is always concerned about her physical image so that it speaks volumes more loudly than her concern with her spiritual image, that can’t be good for her children, sons or daughters.  If a father is not leading his wife and child (listen to Sanctus Real’s song “Lead Me” to understand this) how will that effect the home.  If we spend our time picking apart the things of the world, we forget that we are not called to be Pharisees and we take away time with our Heavenly Father.  In the end, we would truly need to abstain from much, much more than a fictional movie about vampires (which by the way aren’t even mentioned in the bible—since they’re not real) in order to avoid all secular misguidance.  Otherwise, we are walking hypocrites to the very world that we so thoroughly enjoy to criticize, and how may I ask is that helping their salvation.  Step 1: Know your Father and be grounded in your faith, Step 2: Be grounded enough in that faith to separate fact/reality from fiction/fantasy, Step 3: Walk the Talk.  Ask yourself honestly what you have fed yourself that isn’t worse than Twilight.  I’d be hard pressed to believe that none of us haven’t subjected ourselves in the past or dare I say weekly to something on TV that’s questionable.

I’ve read the books but not seen the movies. I enjoyed the books, although I did have some reservations in spots. And, skipped over some spots. I got tired of the teenage angst at a few spots. Especially after her dad grounded her after Bella ran away to save Edward from the dangerous vampires in Italy. I mean, I get the part that she was an angry teenager. But, I’m a mom so I came at it from a different place. I thought she was lucky to have a dad who dealt with Edward at all. If she was my daughter, the door would be dead bolted and have security. Uhm, hello he is the police cheif!

Then again over the whole controlling aspect of the relationship. I think this may be where I wonder how much of the author’s Morman culture seeps in. Admittedly, I know very little about the culture, but of a friend that was one. The men in her life were always super controlling. I feel like a young girl should be shown examples of men embracing her choices, decisions and giving good sound advice. Then again…this is a teenage boy we’re talking about. And, teenage boys aren’t always very—- mature. And, would probably react the same way Edward and Jacob did. That was important to me when reading, to try to keep their perspective.

Not a very deep series. And, had some great points - like preserving chasity until marriage. Eventually Bella made that decision for herself. It took awhile, but she came to realize the importance. I can’t help but wonder if the way Edward and Jacob treat her - swooning, almost princess-like is BECAUSE she kept her virtue. If she gave in…how much more complicated and un-princesslike would it be. 

Just a few thoughts…please don’t be too critical! I’m a new convert and not raised Catholic. So, I can’t really comment theologically as other can, but from a general Christan prospecitve. I do hope more girls will find the movie empowering enough to save themselves for marriage! And, boys will find themselves challenged in their relationships, challenged to treat women better. Challenged to find the one God chose for them…