Comments on: What do Teens Really Want? — Romantic Desire, Courtship, and Marriage in Twilight and Four Christmases http://catholicexchange.com/2008/12/05/114625/ Catholic News, Catholic Articles, Catholic Apologetics, Catholic Content, Catholic Information Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:46:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.2 By: ekmiller http://catholicexchange.com/2008/12/05/114625/comment-page-1/#comment-36844 ekmiller Thu, 11 Dec 2008 19:18:30 +0000 http://catholicexchange.com/2008/12/05/114625/#comment-36844 There are two things that really bother me about this article. First of all, that Twilight could be considered a “Christmas movie”. Second of all, Dr. Marc’s use of C.S. Lewis. C.S. Lewis was very clear on his symbolism. Witches, warlocks, and ugly creatures of the deep always symbolized the evil side. Good and evil were black and white, and good always won. When everything gets all murky (vampires being a little bit good and "normal" girls being attracted to vampires) kids' developing values get all confused. I have taught my children how to spot literature and media that are wholesome vs. not. The symbolism of subject-matter is important in the quick identifying of the sheep vs. the goats in this arena. Unicorns, for example, are a symbol of Christ, and many beautiful stories can be found based on them. I have heard that vampires are the antithesis of Christ. He gave His blood that we might live; vampires take others blood so they can walk the night. I have also heard that the first pornography was based on vampires; both are based on the degradation of the human body.* I would like to see an article that thoroughly dissects the morality of vampirism in a film intended for teenagers. *For an article about these points please see this link: http://books.google.com/books?id=JpdHiOnYgrEC&pg=RA1-PA31&lpg=RA1-PA31&dq=vampires+and+antichrist&source=web&ots=MKxZKP3vco&sig=UEOpibZoNV12dk50U_IsCvh_Tko&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=4&ct=result#PRA1-PA32,M1 There are two things that really bother me about this article. First of all, that Twilight could be considered a “Christmas movie”. Second of all, Dr. Marc’s use of C.S. Lewis. C.S. Lewis was very clear on his symbolism. Witches, warlocks, and ugly creatures of the deep always symbolized the evil side. Good and evil were black and white, and good always won. When everything gets all murky (vampires being a little bit good and “normal” girls being attracted to vampires) kids’ developing values get all confused. I have taught my children how to spot literature and media that are wholesome vs. not. The symbolism of subject-matter is important in the quick identifying of the sheep vs. the goats in this arena. Unicorns, for example, are a symbol of Christ, and many beautiful stories can be found based on them. I have heard that vampires are the antithesis of Christ. He gave His blood that we might live; vampires take others blood so they can walk the night. I have also heard that the first pornography was based on vampires; both are based on the degradation of the human body.*
I would like to see an article that thoroughly dissects the morality of vampirism in a film intended for teenagers.
*For an article about these points please see this link:
http://books.google.com/books?id=JpdHiOnYgrEC&pg=RA1-PA31&lpg=RA1-PA31&dq=vampires+and+antichrist&source=web&ots=MKxZKP3vco&sig=UEOpibZoNV12dk50U_IsCvh_Tko&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=4&ct=result#PRA1-PA32,M1

]]> By: CherylDickow http://catholicexchange.com/2008/12/05/114625/comment-page-1/#comment-36765 CherylDickow Sun, 07 Dec 2008 10:27:22 +0000 http://catholicexchange.com/2008/12/05/114625/#comment-36765 Warren, First, I'm so glad that the "All Things Girl" books you ordered arrived quickly! May your granddaughter be blessed by them and may you enjoy the conversations that will undoubtedly ensure about being a daughter of the King. Second, I thought I would use your perfect opening regarding our young boys to say that the authors are currently writing a two book series for boys that is expected out in Spring, 2009. They are: Becoming a Man that Matters: Your Family, Friends, and Future Becoming a Man that Matters: Your Body and Soul Like the ATG series, there will be great color and graphics and stories and saints and examination of conscience questions and real world insights all under the Truths of our Catholic Church. Anyone wanting to get on a mailing list to be notified when these books are available should send an email to me: BezalelBooks@gmail.com and write "add me to boys book mailing" in the subject line. Warren,

First, I’m so glad that the “All Things Girl” books you ordered arrived quickly! May your granddaughter be blessed by them and may you enjoy the conversations that will undoubtedly ensure about being a daughter of the King.

Second, I thought I would use your perfect opening regarding our young boys to say that the authors are currently writing a two book series for boys that is expected out in Spring, 2009. They are:

Becoming a Man that Matters: Your Family, Friends, and Future
Becoming a Man that Matters: Your Body and Soul

Like the ATG series, there will be great color and graphics and stories and saints and examination of conscience questions and real world insights all under the Truths of our Catholic Church.

Anyone wanting to get on a mailing list to be notified when these books are available should send an email to me: BezalelBooks@gmail.com and write “add me to boys book mailing” in the subject line.

]]> By: Warren Jewell http://catholicexchange.com/2008/12/05/114625/comment-page-1/#comment-36750 Warren Jewell Sat, 06 Dec 2008 23:44:24 +0000 http://catholicexchange.com/2008/12/05/114625/#comment-36750 The fine Madame Dickow said she would look out for my order of the All Things Girl books - as good as her word, I ordeed yesterday and they arrived today. Permit me to attest that my granddaughter Rachel is a Twilight series lover, and I have asked her to let me read the books. If I am 'hooked', it is because I am hooked on Rachel, and may bring up my readings that give me enough pause to caution her. She does not know that I am giving her these traditional-alternative view and course books about herself from Godly woman's perspective. She doesn't know that I will read them before she does, to guide my own questions to her later. I note that all these books, from the doubtful Twilight series to All Things Girl, would give any truly interested male a grand glimpse into the inner works of girls becoming women. And, why not get a step up into one's developing manhood by knowing the ladies better? Mothers, maybe you ought to get the ATG series for you to read and pass on to and discuss with your sons, as well. This 62-y-o 'tweenager' - 'tween empty-nest and going-Home - will read the two series with interest. The fine Madame Dickow said she would look out for my order of the All Things Girl books – as good as her word, I ordeed yesterday and they arrived today.

Permit me to attest that my granddaughter Rachel is a Twilight series lover, and I have asked her to let me read the books. If I am ‘hooked’, it is because I am hooked on Rachel, and may bring up my readings that give me enough pause to caution her.

She does not know that I am giving her these traditional-alternative view and course books about herself from Godly woman’s perspective. She doesn’t know that I will read them before she does, to guide my own questions to her later.

I note that all these books, from the doubtful Twilight series to All Things Girl, would give any truly interested male a grand glimpse into the inner works of girls becoming women. And, why not get a step up into one’s developing manhood by knowing the ladies better? Mothers, maybe you ought to get the ATG series for you to read and pass on to and discuss with your sons, as well.

This 62-y-o ‘tweenager’ – ‘tween empty-nest and going-Home – will read the two series with interest.

]]> By: BerenCamlost http://catholicexchange.com/2008/12/05/114625/comment-page-1/#comment-36738 BerenCamlost Sat, 06 Dec 2008 16:25:48 +0000 http://catholicexchange.com/2008/12/05/114625/#comment-36738 I meant to say the books you are supporting I meant to say the books you are supporting

]]> By: BerenCamlost http://catholicexchange.com/2008/12/05/114625/comment-page-1/#comment-36736 BerenCamlost Sat, 06 Dec 2008 16:22:06 +0000 http://catholicexchange.com/2008/12/05/114625/#comment-36736 I am getting my sisters some of your books for Christmas Miss Dickow! I am getting my sisters some of your books for Christmas Miss Dickow!

]]> By: CherylDickow http://catholicexchange.com/2008/12/05/114625/comment-page-1/#comment-36729 CherylDickow Sat, 06 Dec 2008 11:36:57 +0000 http://catholicexchange.com/2008/12/05/114625/#comment-36729 If there are any authors out there ready and willing to write it, as sdelange suggests, consider keeping your own rights to it as www.BezalelBooks.com! In the meantime, for some books that don't mix messages that a young girl's loyalty should be to Christ... Friends, Boys, and Getting Along Mirror, Mirror on the Wall...What is Beauty, After All? Girls Rock! Modern and Modest If there are any authors out there ready and willing to write it, as sdelange suggests, consider keeping your own rights to it as http://www.BezalelBooks.com!

In the meantime, for some books that don’t mix messages that a young girl’s loyalty should be to Christ…

Friends, Boys, and Getting Along
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall…What is Beauty, After All?
Girls Rock!
Modern and Modest

]]> By: sdelange http://catholicexchange.com/2008/12/05/114625/comment-page-1/#comment-36725 sdelange Sat, 06 Dec 2008 03:31:47 +0000 http://catholicexchange.com/2008/12/05/114625/#comment-36725 I think some author should start a series like this to hook the kids in then, in the last book of the series, have the main character stand up for her values and turn to GOD and say,"even though I love you, I cannot desert my God for you". Wouldn't THAT be an interesting twist? Any authors out there?? I think some author should start a series like this to hook the kids in then, in the last book of the series, have the main character stand up for her values and turn to GOD and say,”even though I love you, I cannot desert my God for you”. Wouldn’t THAT be an interesting twist? Any authors out there??

]]> By: BerenCamlost http://catholicexchange.com/2008/12/05/114625/comment-page-1/#comment-36724 BerenCamlost Sat, 06 Dec 2008 02:59:13 +0000 http://catholicexchange.com/2008/12/05/114625/#comment-36724 I really and honestly think that these stories are a mixed bag. They are confused in their representation of things (much like most contemporary thinking is confused or disordered). There are some very good aspects to the messages presented in this book. Even the vampire aspect is not traditional vampirism. The vampires in this story are basically just superheroes, the difference being that they don't have to breath and they want to drink blood. The main problem with these stories is that things are mixed that shouldn't be mixed and are a taking to extreme the modern tendency to have anti-heroes instead of heroes and other similar things. In other words where vampires are typically evil and are just monsters with no souls, she tries to write a story in which their vampirism is shown as just a force that the good person burdened with it must struggle against or succumb to. The vampires in the story struggle against the traditional perception of vampires and it is unknown to them whether they really are monsters and have souls or not, though at least one of the characters believes they do. The problem being that even though this is the case it is shown that being a vampire has tons of benefits even though it is horrible. This is what I mean by it being a mixed bag. Edward and Bella really do try to do good in loving each other and do some admirable things, but in writing the story with the circumstances this story has it leads to some clashing ideas and even some unhealthy ideas. So while I would not COMPLETELY condemn it out of hand, I do say that its good points are rather spoiled by the pessimistic and impure aspects that they mingle with in the story. I really and honestly think that these stories are a mixed bag. They are confused in their representation of things (much like most contemporary thinking is confused or disordered). There are some very good aspects to the messages presented in this book. Even the vampire aspect is not traditional vampirism. The vampires in this story are basically just superheroes, the difference being that they don’t have to breath and they want to drink blood. The main problem with these stories is that things are mixed that shouldn’t be mixed and are a taking to extreme the modern tendency to have anti-heroes instead of heroes and other similar things. In other words where vampires are typically evil and are just monsters with no souls, she tries to write a story in which their vampirism is shown as just a force that the good person burdened with it must struggle against or succumb to. The vampires in the story struggle against the traditional perception of vampires and it is unknown to them whether they really are monsters and have souls or not, though at least one of the characters believes they do. The problem being that even though this is the case it is shown that being a vampire has tons of benefits even though it is horrible. This is what I mean by it being a mixed bag.

Edward and Bella really do try to do good in loving each other and do some admirable things, but in writing the story with the circumstances this story has it leads to some clashing ideas and even some unhealthy ideas. So while I would not COMPLETELY condemn it out of hand, I do say that its good points are rather spoiled by the pessimistic and impure aspects that they mingle with in the story.

]]> By: Narwen http://catholicexchange.com/2008/12/05/114625/comment-page-1/#comment-36722 Narwen Fri, 05 Dec 2008 22:36:03 +0000 http://catholicexchange.com/2008/12/05/114625/#comment-36722 (WARNING ! Deliberate spoilers for the books !) The movie(s) will serve to draw in many more readers for the books. From what I have seen quoted on other sites, while Edward and Bella do not have intercourse until after their marriage, their behavior before marriage includes pretty much everything short of actual intercourse - hardly a model of chastity ! Also, after the wedding night, Bella is covered with bruises, inflicted by Edward's inhuman strength. When Edward tries to apologize, Bella cuts him off and says 'it's nothing ". A young bride shrugging off bruises inflicted by her 'loving and apologetic ' husband ? Anyone with a half a brsin should see the twisted message this is sending.... The final outcome has Bella becoming a vampire herself. When Edward asks her if she is willing to risk her soul in order for this to happen her response is something like this, "For me, heaven is being with you and hell is being without you. " Bella has made Edward her god. That all this is wrapped in the attractive packaging of 'romance', 'chivalry', and 'self-restraint' only adds to its evil. "The abuse of the best is the worst..." (WARNING ! Deliberate spoilers for the books !)
The movie(s) will serve to draw in many more readers for the books. From what I have seen quoted on other sites, while Edward and Bella do not have intercourse until after their marriage, their behavior before marriage includes pretty much everything short of actual intercourse – hardly a model of chastity !
Also, after the wedding night, Bella is covered with bruises, inflicted by Edward’s inhuman strength. When Edward tries to apologize, Bella cuts him off and says ‘it’s nothing “. A young bride shrugging off bruises inflicted by her ‘loving and apologetic ‘ husband ? Anyone with a half a brsin should see the twisted message this is sending….
The final outcome has Bella becoming a vampire herself. When Edward asks her if she is willing to risk her soul in order for this to happen her response is something like this, “For me, heaven is being with you and hell is being without you. ” Bella has made Edward her god.
That all this is wrapped in the attractive packaging of ‘romance’, ‘chivalry’, and ‘self-restraint’ only adds to its evil. “The abuse of the best is the worst…”

]]> By: Paul http://catholicexchange.com/2008/12/05/114625/comment-page-1/#comment-36719 Paul Fri, 05 Dec 2008 19:35:14 +0000 http://catholicexchange.com/2008/12/05/114625/#comment-36719 I suggest a simple word substitution replace vampire with drug addict and if you have ever heard Fr. Corapi speak about the young starlet who introduced him to her "best friend" cocaine it is quite fitting and very real. Sure the addict might have the best intentions and thinks they have their habit under control and are wanting to protect a young romantic interest but nature will take its course. Dado I suggest a simple word substitution replace vampire with drug addict and if you have ever heard Fr. Corapi speak about the young starlet who introduced him to her “best friend” cocaine it is quite fitting and very real. Sure the addict might have the best intentions and thinks they have their habit under control and are wanting to protect a young romantic interest but nature will take its course.

Dado

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