Vampires are all the rage right now with the Twilight books and movies. Author Beth Felker Jones wrote Touched by a Vampire to explore the messages of the series and what the books are telling readers about love, sex, marriage, family, and gender roles.
"Touched by a Vampire is the first book to investigate the themes of the Twilight Saga from a Biblical perspective. Some Christian readers have praised moral principles illustrated in the story, such as premarital sexual abstinence, which align with Meyer’s Mormon beliefs. But ultimately, Beth Felker Jones examines whether the story’s redemptive qualities outshine its darkness." (excerpt from summary from publisher)
I have not read the Twilight Saga. I know friends who have and really enjoyed them. I know for some people they became quite consuming. I know other friends who have been concerned about the messages these books and movies are sending to girls. After reading what Jones has to say, I think there is reason to be cautious about this Saga.
I think that Jones does a good job of examining what values the series promotes in light of Scripture. She does not bash the Twilight books nor condemn the author, Stephanie Meyer. Recognizing the Saga as interesting and engrossing fiction, she explores what Christians can agree with and what Christians should be careful to reject in the messages of the books. She carefully addresses messages that may seem hidden in order to expose these messages that get into our heads, even if subconsciously, when we get involved with what we read.
I think this is a great example of engaging culture and thinking critically about what it says, rather than embracing any message that comes along. This book would be a good resource for anyone who works with teenage girls. It is a quick read, easy to understand, and appropriate for any audience. For some points Jones may seem a little redundant, but I think she tries to stress certain issues because those are the most prevalent in the books. It helps develop points for discussion so that leaders, mentors, parents, and friends can separate fiction from truth.
Interested? Click on the book for ordering info!
This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group
1 comment:
Great post!
I've read the Twilight saga (or most of it...I crammed all the books into about a three week period last winter and was so burned out I never finished the last one...oops!). I thought it was ok, but I'm a die-hard Harry Potter fan myself. I'm more concerned with the messages it's sending to the sweet seventh grade girls I'm shepherding- about identity, relationships, etc. We've been talking about it a lot now that the movies are coming out. I love me some teachable moments! We've had some great, intentional conversations and I pray the Lord would continue to speak truth into their lives as they learn to engage with culture.
Post a Comment