I have long awaited an analysis from Michael O’Brien on this topic. His insightfulness – which I do not credit to the man himself, but to the time he has spent in prayer, receiving wisdom from the Lord – is always a gift to me. His sight reaches further than my own. I would like [...]
Daily News: Vatican vs. ‘Twilight’: NCRegister
I still haven’t found the original review from L’Osservatore Romano, but at least this translation of the relevant passage is easy to read.
Daily News: Vatican vs. ‘Twilight’: NCRegister
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Twilight Saga “moral vacuum with a deviant message”
From MSN:
Vatican no fan of ‘deviant’ Twilight
“The Vatican has spoken out against the new Twilight movie that is sweeping the globe, slamming it as a deviant moral vacuum. Twilight Saga: New Moon, starring Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, has had sensational box office takings since opening in France and Spain ahead of its US release [...]
A Response to Deekin Chip
Dear Deekin Chip -
Sorry it has taken so long to get back to you. I put my response to you on the back burner, knowing it would take some time – and then I forgot about it! Fortunately, Thankful Mom in the comment section reminded me to get back to it.
The first thing I want [...]
Pope John Paul II and Joanna Krupa’s nonsense….
I’ve seen a lots of people try to justify inappropriate behavior – but this is one of the worst I have ever seen. Joanna Krupa – a Polish “supermodel” – is trying to use Pope John Paul II to justify her involvement in pornography! This is very dangerous because misrepresenting the Church’s teaching on morals can [...]
Selfishness vs. Love
Today, my son wanted to watch “A Muppet Christmas Christmas Carol”.
True – it is almost April – but it is also two days since the Solemnity of the Annunciation, when we celebrate the Word becoming flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. That means it is only 9 months ’til Christmas!
Also – it [...]
March 25, 2009 – Feast of the Annunciation – God becomes an embryo
On March 25th, we celebrate an incredible feast – a Solemnity, in fact – the Annunciation. At Mary’s “Yes”, all of creation will never be the same. God becomes man. Not a full grown, strong, independent, self-reliant fellow… but, a vulnerable embryo, entrusted to this young woman to nurture and protect. What does this say [...]
Chicago Twilight Convention – Promoter of the Occult
Over the weekend (Feb. 6/7/8), we had a Twilight Convention here in Chicago. If you are wondering if The Twilight Saga is a gateway into the occult, have a look at some of the speakers crammed in between meet and greets with stars from the Twilight movie and discussions of the movies to come:
12:30 [...]
Twilight Deemed Dangerous by Exorcist
Fr. Thomas Euteneuer, president of Human Life International and an exorcist, spoke last Sunday in Essington, PA on Exorcism and Spiritual Warfare. He made direct reference to Twilight.
Read an excerpt from an article in The Bulletin:
“Fr. Euteneuer explained the basic exorcism procedure, and the tactics the devil uses to possess a person. The first tactic [...]
IMPORTANT: Do girls need “fantasy”?
The most common objection I face when critiquing the Twilight Saga is “it’s only fantasy!” In other words, any of the disturbing questions raised about the series are irrelevant and need not be addressed because the genre of “fantasy” makes them intrinsically harmless.
Is this true? Let’s look more closely at “fantasy”.
“fantasy” -
The creative imagination; unrestrained fancy.
An [...]
Why Meyer’s claim to be “anti-human” is anti-Christian – the Incarnation
As we approach Christmas, there are some beautiful readings on the Incarnation which give us a real insight into human dignity. Reflecting on them gives us added reason to question the compatibility of the work of Stephenie Meyer with the truths of the Christian Faith.
What exactly does Meyer say about human beings? It wasn’t until [...]
Interview with “Edward” – Robert Pattinson
For those of you who keep arguing that this is just “harmless” and don’t know what the big deal is – WAKE UP! Here is some (unintentional) proof that something is rotten in the state of Denmark…
“How is the Twilight fandom is different from the Harry Potter movies? I think you’ve mentioned that the sound of [...]
Another quote from Michael O’Brien to help keep us sane…
IMPORTANT UPDATE – there is a new article by Michael O’Brien, written specifically on the Twilight Saga 12/19/09.
I have some excerpts here but I encourage you to read his entire article here.
Reading Michael O’Brien is like drinking coffee. Suddenly, you wake up!
Here is a quote for today:
We must ask ourselves why evil [...]
Just Fantasy? Think again: “The War for Our Children’s Souls”
(Jae Stellari – this post is in line with your earlier comment. Many make the claim “it is JUST fantasy/fiction/a book/ a story”)
IMPORTANT: Do girls need “fantasy”?
The finest contemporary writer on the topic of fantasy literature, etc. is Michael O’Brien. Please visit his excellent website: http://www.studiobrien.com
UPDATE 12/19/09 – O’Brien has just written on the [...]
A Young Man of Heroic Virtue
If we take the time to investigate, it is not difficult to find models for the youth of today – for example, Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. He lived a joyful, pure and authentic Christian manhood. His brief life was one of self-giving. Young men, be inspired. Young women, be hopeful.
St. Irenaeus, one of the Church Fathers, [...]
Is Twilight Anti-Christian? Yes.
Amidst the throng of Christian supporters of The Twilight Saga who insist that the books are pro-chastity and pro-life (even the actor who plays Edward in the film sees that the pro-chastity claim is false – see this) and that Edward Cullen is a fine example of a virtuous suitor, I would like to up the ante. [...]
Why is “making out” unjust?!
Last week, I was giving a talk to children in our religious education program. I was trying to explain genuflection, and why a bodily act of adoration in the presence of God was not only appropriate but also a requirement of justice. The reasoning is very simple. God is God. We are not. In justice, we [...]
Timely words from Pope Benedict on Beauty, Truth, Goodness and the Arts
POPE SAYS TRUE BEAUTY LINKED TO TRUTH
Cautions Against Valuing Mere Appearances
VATICAN CITY, NOV. 25, 2008 (Zenit.org).- The search for beauty without truth and goodness can drive young people to fly toward artificial paradises that simply hide interior emptiness, says Benedict XVI.
For complete text of this article, please visit Zenit: http://www.zenit.org/article-24363?l=english
And the same story covered by [...]
Real love and real beauty go together…
If any of you have heard of Dove’s Campaign for Real Beauty, I think some of their efforts have been a little misguided – but this video really hits the nail on the head. What is fantasy doing to our ability to relate to reality? Girls: do you like what happens in this video? Do [...]
“Twilight” – success at the box office spells trouble.
From the Associated Press:
LOS ANGELES — The vampire romance “Twilight” drained the box office in its opening weekend, taking in $70.6 million.
Catherine Hardwicke’s film also enjoyed the biggest opening ever for a female director, blowing away the previous standard of $41.1 million set by Mimi Leder’s “Deep Impact” in 1998.
Drawing from its huge fan base of [...]
I just saw “Twilight”, the movie…
Having just seen the movie, here are some basic impressions:
There is a sense in which seeing “Twilight” the movie is a relief after reading the books because you get spared all the disturbing descriptive language. The film is not as intense as a consequence. Edward’s nightly nocturnal visits to Bella’s bedroom really only amount to [...]
Roger Ebert doesn’t think Edward is virtuous, either….
Here is the beginning of his review….
By Roger Ebert
If you’re a vampire, it’s all about you. Why is Edward Cullen obsessed to the point of erotomania by Bella Swan? Because she smells so yummy, but he doesn’t want to kill her. Here’s what he tells her: He must not be around her. He might sink [...]
Twilight’s Message re: Marriage and Family
As we continue to examine The Twilight Saga in the light of the Gospel, it is worth noting the negative treatment given to marriage and family life in the series.
To begin, it is essential to know that Bella is the child of divorce, but has sought no healing for that wound. The ongoing ramifications of [...]
The Twilight Saga – A Critique
The Twilight Saga is a gateway drug… lowering inhibitions and desensitizing. It creates a fantasy world where girls experience Edward’s advances vicariously within their own imaginations. My review follows:
“The apple on the cover of Twilight represents ‘forbidden fruit.’ I used the scripture from Genesis (located just after the table of contents) because I loved the phrase [...]
Other interesting points…
These are points from another reviewer that I have found interesting – Stephen Isaac at Plugged in Online (media reviews from Focus on the Family). Here are some things he has said about Bella:
- “As interested as I’d become in the inner workings of Bella’s brain—and you do spend most of the saga occupying her [...]
