How can a book about a girl falling in love with a VAMPIRE much less wanting to BECOME one herself, send any sort of positive message- with or without the abstinence? What exactly IS a vampire? Some sort of being that lives forever by sucking the blood of live people? What sort of being is that? Well I won't be reading any of these books anytime soon I can promise you that.

I'm the mom of a 15 yo & a 19 yo. I've read the series as has DD#1. DD#2 read Twilight, and at this point I would allow her to read the rest.

I don't condone the self-destructive behavior of Bella in New Moon, but I don't think the book is coming from the POV that her behavior is a good thing. I think that the way it's depicted could be a learning experience of why it's wrong to go that direction after that kind of loss.

I think that the growth of Edward & Bella's relationship over the series is wonderful. As their relationship progresses, both have to sacrifice for the greater good, & they finally are able to have a future together despite the obstacles. I also think the commitment of the Cullens being willing to fight their instincts in order to keep from harming humans is a positive aspect of the story.

I think most girls mid teen and older can handle the themes and content of this series, and enjoy it, with parental guidance.

I have to disagree as well. I really think you were looking too hard for a reason to dislike these books. It's a shame really that so many people in the Christian community shun so many things around us, is it any wonder that people walk away from our faith, or reject it altogether?

This series of books definitely has some negatives but the positives are there as well - unfortunately I don't have enough characters allowed in posting my response to share all of them. Maybe you could open your mind & focus on those positives a little more. I think this is a much better influence than what is given in other books or on television. My daughter brought home a magazine from Youth for Christ that even gave a positive review, which was what really prompted me in buying the books and reading them for myself!

If we're going to pick apart everything in this manner, we're only going to push people away from us & our faith. That's not what Christ wanted us to do. Remember that. ;)

I couldn't disagree more with this artical. Bella may be lacking slightly in self worth,but you have to take into consideration that she comes from a broken home. This is expected. Edward is protective of her, not controlling. You paint him to be overbaring and obbsesive. I don't feel that portrayes his character at all. He loves Bella, passionately, he adores her. As a mom of 4 girls I would want that kind of love from a man for my girls. I don't feel like its an unhealthy relationship at all. He lurks in the distance because Bella insist that he stay not nessecarrly because he dominating. You portray a very leagalistic point of veiw to a book that is completly safe and inocient. Shame on you.

I just read Twilight to see if it is appropriate for my 12 year old and I give this book an astounding approval - for those who are ready for this kind of Christ-passion and Love.

Honestly, Mark, when I read your review, I wondered if we had read the same book! Bella without self-confidence?

"There is no greater love than to lay down your life for your friends."

Bella from the beginning sacrificed her preferences and finally her very life for others! She had so much self-confidence in fact that she was ready to practice the greatest love! Not caring what others thought.

This story has been told again and again in our greatest lit, the Bible not excluded. It is, for one, about the love of God for his creation, and the love of creation for its God. No question that Edward is a Christ figure and Bella, His Bride.

We love and fear Christ, as Bella did Edward - for his beauty and power with which he saved her life. She then gave it back to him.

What could be more beautiful?

I have read all four books in less than a month. If you had read all of them or any of them, you would see Edward and the other characters in the book were always trying to boost Bella's self esteem.
I believe it shows how we do not always view ourselves as others do and in a positive light. And the Edward, the vampire, bad guy, bloodsucker, is always the one encouraging Bella to try her hardest and experience her full potential, and to do the right thing,sex after marriage. Yes, he sneeks into her room, but to watch her sleep and keep her protected. The most physical thing they do before they are married are little kisses and hugging. Edward always wants to keep Bella and her family safe. Even when Bella wants to spend time with the werewolves, enemies of the vampires, after some deliberation Edward stops fighting her on it because she is going to go any ways.
It shows even though Bella, doesn't think much of her self she is able to accomplish difficult tasks and finds herself

I have read the entire twilight series TWICE and see NOTHING wrong with it, as previously said, obviously you have not read the series. Yes, Bella is lacking self-esteem but this book was written for teens and how many teenage girls do you know you have a low self-esteem so it relates to girls and through out the series her self esteem gets much better. She uses the words "God" and "angel" to describe what he looks like not saying that Edward is God or anything close to that. Also previously stated this is not a christian or religious book. Edward actually encourages Bella to tell her father the TRUTH. She is the one who wants to lie!!! He "kidnaps" her because her best friend Jacob Black is a werewolf and it's dangerous for Bella to be around him so it's for her own good. And lastly I would like to state that THIS IS A BOOK FOR PURE ENTERTAINMENT!!! She didn't write it thinking what message am I going to give to the people today...

The examples drawn from the books are clearly taken out of context. Based on your article, I would assume that you haven't read the series. Edward is in no way abusive toward Bella. When he is controlling, he is trying to protect her. And Bella does not worship Edward as a god-- words like "angel" are simply used to illustrate how deeply she feels for him.

Have you heard the phrase "too heavenly minded to be earthly good?" Sometimes people can be very judgemental, seeing evil everywhere they turn, and advising others against harmless things (such as the Twilight series) in a way that is often condescending. No one is going to listen.

Twilight is a worldly book. Stephenie Meyer did not intend for it to be labeled as "Christian" or "Inspirational." Despite this, the books are harmless. Preteens are not going to read them and think, "Bella is making a god out of Edward. She wants to abandon her family and friends. She is without flaw and therefore I must do everything she does." They don't think like that; they're reading the books as what they are-- fantasy. It's the adults that are making the books into something evil. Aren't your children capable of discerning such things for themselves?

Why can't a reader learn through a character's flaws and predicaments? Why must we "gatekeepers"-- parents, teachers, etc-- think that kids are not smart enough to learn these lessons without the benefit of the fictitious character learning them? There is much to learn from Bella, and I say, pick up the book, read it, and TALK to your kid about the faults in her relationship. Better to deal with it through a book than in real life...

I have read the entire series. And I could not agree more with the author of this article. While I WAS immediately drawn into the story, absolutely could not put it down, sneaking chapters in between class and so forth, I was also immediately taken aback at Bella's character.

Sorry, but women have seen far too many advances in the past century to embrace this story no questions asked. Women are the zenith of God's creation; this series begs to differ.

Though I respect your opinion, I must ask if you've even read the series. For this article appears quite biased. I own the entire series and have read them all. They are a fantasy novel series based on fiction, they are not meant to be "real life". Personally, I don't see how a fiction novel for teens and adults alike has anything to do with "internet predators." They are meant for an enjoyable read. Just my opinion.

I've read all the books. I'm 29. I loved them. I first found out about them through a youth ministry magazine that I subscribe to (my husband and I are youth directors).

I think this review goes a bit overboard... it's a book of fiction. If you read the book you'll know why this reviewer is calling Edward a "stalker" and "controlling", as he puts it. I know that my husband would do just about anything to make sure I was safe, even if some viewed it as "controlling" - which he's far from that.

As for the comment that Bella's character lacks self-worth and self-confidence... I believe that Bella is just the opposite. She's very confident, strong and a determined person.

Read the books yourself before you make a judgment call. It's not a bad idea to know what your teens are reading anyways...