I love Jason Evert, he's so gentle in explaining everything, so beautifully, i wish i'd heard about him and his books, as well as his wife's, but Crystallina Evert said "it's never too late"
Jason Evert speaks beautifully. He's very gentle in regards to not judging past mistakes and pushing us in the right direction. What a beautiful man. Look up Chris Stefanick as well. He's an amazing Youth Speaker.
Actually he said "I'm not an expert." He may have not read them but still knows what he's talking about. He is making open statements without bashing it. It's objective, clear and concise and it all makes perfect sense. I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss what he has to say.
Very good analysis of Twilight. My daughters are just 10 and 8 and fortunately they have not watched the movie or read the book. But at least I know now how to explain the book/movie to them in the future.
I've read first three Twilight books and read part of the fourth one. I agree that Bella needs to find a life outside of Edward and not be co-dependent on him. There are other problems as well. Edward sometimes forces Bella to do stuff that she doesn't want to do, not sexual though. He also bribes his adoptive sister to hold her hostage while he is away. Edward literally almost kills himself when he is not with Bella. They don't have sex, but intentionally arouse each other.
Natural selection happened, and I don't see why it could be incompatible with faith. In terms of the bible flying in the face of evolution, where's the passage? I've read it from cover to cover more than once, and haven't seen the verse you're alluding to. Catholic saints theorized about evolution long before Darwin. Evolution is not contrary to the faith. It could have happened, and this would not change the fact that God is the creator. What evolution can't explain is where matter originated.
Sir: the _Evolution Theory_ tells us that we come from apes. That means we supposedly came from beasts. In _Genesis_ God makes man in His own image and likeness. If your belief was to be true, it would mean that God's image is the image of a beast. Of an ape. This is blasphemous as it offends God, for it is instead Satan the one who is the *image of the beast.* You can read about that in the _Book of Revelation._
I am a man. Congratulations ! I'm so very proud of you. You define what womanhood is about....it sickens me when a man thinks women need to be "protected". What women truly need is RESPECT and EQUALITY. You're brilliant my dear and I am so happy you said what you did !
It's a pity you believe that. Catholicism is a faith based entirely in reason and logic. The Church has promoted science throughout history and even encourages people to better learn their faith by questioning it, to see why we believe what we do. If you truly want to understand the Church, I suggest you pick a particular topic and read up on it, as there are several books on each topic. Since you seem to show interest in Jason Evert's work, you may want to start with Theology of the Body.
@BuffyWillow760 what he is saying. Because people want to live a life of chastity. If you don't, ok well that's your choice and your life. But the reason he says things like this is because he loves everyone. Including you.
I think Edward Cullen is the only character in young women's literature who prefers chastity before marriage, which is consistent with Jason's and the Catholic Church's views. Yeah, I guess "Twilight" does have redeeming qualities. In my country (the Philippines), bishops actually promoted "Breaking Dawn" parts 1 & 2 because of its anti-abortion message and espoused the defending of children -- in this case, Ed and Bella's daughter.
Have you read Michael Behe's book, Darwin's Black Box? My personal experience is that those who espouse a godless idea of the cosmos don't often read many works that challenge their views on a serious, scholarly level.
just came back from one of his talks. This guy is amazing to see up close. I advise you to go to his seminars anytime he's in the area. He's incredible, his words never left my head.
@atheistexchristian that was actually an attack on whoever reported YOUR comment as spam and not on the comment itself. I was defending your right to have opinions. I agree with you.
Of course, that is my opinion. Since, I am majoring in evolutionary biology, I doubt there is anything you can say to me that will change my mind. So we can agree to disagree, I suppose.
Thanks for your openness to review it. Unfortunately, I think you've just met some fundamentalists, who represent a slim portion of all Christians. Also, in terms of scientific evidence for God, you might want to take a look at "New Proofs for the Existence of God: Contributions of Contemporary Physics and Philosophy" and check out the work of Anthony Flew, who was a famous atheist. See "There is a God, leading atheist concludes" on NBC news. I can't post links in comments, otherwise, I would.
I never took the series that serious, but I understand the argument. If anything, every girl should know they deserve a man who is chivalrous that is sincere and should put themselves on a pedestal. But a guy who also has a pulse. ; ] But come on, we girls aren't that stupid to believe in the idea of Edward and Bella.
I can understand why you'd have a hard time reconciling science with ppl who think the creation account in the scriptures is supposed to be a scientific report, when that early Jewish genre of literature was not intended to be that. After all, the Hebrew word for the "days" of creation (yom) does not often refer to a 24 hour period. If you google "MESSAGE TO THE PONTIFICAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES: ON EVOLUTION," you'll see what the Church says on this.
Obviously, one day could not be made of 24 hours since the 24-hour day is the consequence of the sun rotating upon a flat earth. If the stars were made before the sun, it is obvious that "a day is like a thousand years to God" as St. Peter once said. _But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.’_ 2Peter3:8
Thank you. Truth is that no one, no matter how little and young or disabled, should ever fantasize about being taken care of and protected by someone else other than themselves in the future. I like Twilight, but only to stare at one of the actors in it lol, the story doesn't appeal to me. I've seen Jason in person, he's quite convincing.
@delightfulcheesecake Nope not sexist at all. Some girls like having a guy to protect them and some don't but he is not sexist. If you think about it though Twilight is a rather sexist book as she can't rely on anyone else but Edward. So Jason is merely talking about his opinion as to why girl's like it and sorry to say umm girl's do like it because of that. I wasn't one of them but hey a lot of people are. Also if you don't like him so much why are you even posting?
@delightfulcheesecake What double standards ? And what is so misogynistic about encouraging a woman to cover up to better her chances in falling in love only because the male mind set is so much more visual than they know? . He plays both sides perfectly, trust me i was a huge skeptic, but it all just MAKES SENSE. I just don't see where your coming from, give me examples ?
I don't identify as atheist. I prefer agnostic. Big distinction. "Atheist" implies that I know for sure, which I don't. I simply subscribe to the theory that is currently supported by the evidence, evolution by natural selection. You can pick it apart all you want, but the fact is that it is arguably one of the most well-supported scientific theories in history, and is agreed upon by over 90% of the scientific community. The bible flys in the face of evolution, therefore I discredit it.
Absolutely wonderful. You hit it spot on. You should at least read the first novel. As a Catholic YM, I read all 4 to see what the deal was. It's not a huge literary work of genius, but simply a feeding frenzy of what girls are starved for- like you say. You'll probably be scandalized but, there are other things that are wrong with this book: Edward watches Bella sleep and sneaks around behind her father's back. You lose credibility talking about it and not having read it. God Love Ya!!!!!
that is what i hated about the twilight books. bella's obsessive love. she got all depressed and wanted to die without him. also the fact that she was SO willing to give up her soul for him. ugh. that is why i liked twilight but hated the last three books.
@delightfulcheesecake how bout TAKE A JOKE . Are u actually paying attention to what's being said? and YES women look for partners - thats what hes saying and YES they do look for a protective element in a man, EVERYONE looks for a protective element in their significant other . It seems like you're just unhappy that they're talking about Twilight .
@delightfulcheesecake Woahwoahwoah, ummmm I think we're missing the real problem about this "biting" issue...... me and my boyfriend are big fans of biting
Jason, I have no idea why you decided to give your views on a series you have not read or watched, but as a dedicated Twilight fan, I want to set the record straight. While I agreed with some of your points, you got some details wrong. While Bella did make some dangerous choices under the influence of her untreated depression, Bella was never suicidal. Getting depression after her break-up was not Bella's fault and depression is something that can result when a healthy relationship ends. Bella was an excellent student who took honors classes, got top grades and made plans to attend the University of Alaska. She worked at Newton's Olympic Outfitters and has a passion for literature, especially classic romances. She has friends and family she loves and spends time with. In other words, Bella has a life, and there is nothing wrong with the fact she chose marriage and motherhood over a career. The vampires in Twilight do not practice magic and are not involved in the occult. Finally, Bella does not love Edward just because he's rich, handsome, etc. "I love him. Not because he’s beautiful or because he’s rich! I’d much rather he weren’t either one. It would even out the gap between us just a little bit - because he’d still be the most loving and unselfish and brilliant and decent person I’ve ever met. Of course I love him. How hard is that to understand?" -Bella Swan describing why she loves Edward (Eclipse, Chapter 4, p.110) The Twilight Saga is my favorite fictional series and my favorite romance story. I appreciate how it delves into deep issues such as the value of human life, the qualifications of personhood and the morality of abortion. I appreciate the way sacrificial love is held in high esteem. I admire how the protagonist and her beloved strive to do what is best for the other, putting the other before themselves, rather than merely using each other for emotional or sexual gratification. I admire how the protagonist is viewed by her beloved as a person rather than a prize to be lured, savored and tossed aside. I appreciate that the protagonist is loved by her beloved for who she is, and not what she can give him. I admire the gentleness, tenderness and romance frequently displayed in the exchanges, physical and verbal, between the beloveds. I enjoy the humor, the suspense and the action sewn into the plot line. I appreciate the characters, the depth they are presented in and the rich, historical culture they contribute to the story. Granted, not everything the main characters do is exemplary, and I understand how people can oppose Twilight on this account. It certainly wasn't right for Edward to disable Bella's truck, forcibly drive her home after she fainted in biology or have his sister hold Bella hostage (albeit, the hostage situation was cleared with her father and she was given spa treatment while in captivity). Yet personally, the story's demerits have not driven me to hate the series nor the protagonist and her beloved. I am able to appreciate the beautiful, call out the ugly and identify myself as a Twilight fan without any internal conflict. I feel that indeed most stories are mixed bags, promoting some messages you find wrong or backward. I consider the best books not to be those in which the main characters always act praise-worthily, but rather those which inspire us to think deeper, discover who we are and bring out the best in us. Twilight has indeed inspired me to think deeper, enabled me to discover new layers of who I am and has brought out the best in me. For what it is worth, Bella and Edward do grow in their relationship, apologizing for mistakes and learning to love each other properly in the end, so I would argue even Edward's mistakes are not being promoted as actions to emulate in the series. Not every book in which a character does wrong teach readers to do wrong.The Bible for example is filled with stories about people who do wrong, but I presume we agree the Bible is a good book we should read that teaches us to know, love and serve God and love our neighbor.
@chilemamita The books and movies may only entertain you, but the majority of these little girls or adult women live and die by edward, its insane. It only shows self control in the part of edward not Bella, I bet you read the second book, yeah not the way to handle a break up. Also Evert stated that we can't knock supernatural books for superficial reasons,i suppose he just wants us to be aware of the dangers of the occult if a person is partaking in it.
+Jason Evert Jason, I seriously advise you to actually READ the series. Edward is not "chivalrous" and he does not "want what's best." Nevermind that he wants Bella to wait until marriage- he stalks her, watches her when she sleeps, gives her direct commands, and infantilizes her. Much of what he does could easily be categorized under the five forms of abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, financial, psychological). Regardless of how his sexual views might align with the Catholic Church, this series should IN NO WAY be glorified. Trust me Jason- relationships like Edward's and Bella's don't lead to happily ever afters. They only lead to danger and violence.
This needs to be updated. He totally missed what guys go through. The movie does not protray true masculinity. I really did not like that he did not speak to guys too. Ask guys what they go through. Guys have it much harder than girls and that is the truth.
Remember that the Bible wasn't written to be a scientific book. There are scientific truths in it, but that was never it's primary purpose. Furthermore, Origin of Species as been proven wrong in a number of areas by scientists. But this is besides the point because a person can believe in God and in evolution. But I can't believe in science and atheism because they contradict each other. After all, science says life CANNOT arise from non-living matter. Atheism says it can. I'll go with science.
Wrong. Science and God do NOT go hand in hand, either. They are most opposite to one another when it comes to the major questions. For example, the _Big Bang_ - which is just another flawed and blasphemous theory - is an explosion of unintelligent energy from which all things were generated. This concept completely contradicts the Truth we are called to accept and believe in: that there is One Eternal God in Three Persons; and that this Eternal Mystery Whom we call GOD is the sole author and maker of all that is seen and unseen.
@BuffyWillow760 belief* name one book with evidence to be factual evidence. There is zero. The closest thing to factual evidence is the word of God because he spoke to people who were guided by Him. It's ignorant to think that people are stupid and are blindly believe
I think it is possible to be intelligent in all other respects and still fall into religion, simply because that is what they were taught. In my opinion, if you were to wipe away all preconcieved notions and prior unfluences, and give both the bible and Darwin's Origin of Species to those people, they would easily choose which is fact and which is fiction.
From the Catholic perspective, first chapter of the Book of Genezis are not to be interpreted literally, believing in evolution and the big bang theory is completely fine.
Well, perhaps you have a different view than many christians that I have conversed with. In my experience, they often claim a literal biblical creation (earth is 6000 years old, we coexisted with dinosaurs, humans originated in the garden of eden). If you can reconcile a scientific viewpoint on evolution and your religion, good on you. I respect that. But you are an anomaly. The problem for me is that I don't accept a lack of evidence AGAINST a creator, as evidence FOR a creator.
Jason Evert sickens me sometimes with the sexist things he says. He thinks women should just obey men and obey a book that was written thousands of years ago. God wrote a book? No, some guys with a complex against women wrote a book. I can't believe how stupid people are to blindly believe something with no evidence, and have the nerve to push it on others.
The closest thing to factual evidence is the word of "God"? That's appalling.The bible is not the word of some all knowing deity; it is the word of man. "Faith"=Belief in something that you cannot prove exists. Please educate yourself on evolutionary theory (before you say it, in scientific terms, theory=proven beyond reasonable doubt). Religion would die out if all people were just taught a balanced depiction of religion vs science at a young age. It isn't a hard decision to make.
@aliciaanne Jason's senitivity and lack of roughness is so unappealing. Feminine quilities are more appealing in some men more then others, I prefer men who are not praticularly religous. However I still do believe in God. People need to understand why more women go to chruch than men. This is a joke
I love how he thinks he's such an expert but about 8 miniutes after ranting about the books he goes "yeah... I've never seen the movies or read the books"
Can't stop laughing at how old fashioned he is in his view of girls, some women are very independent and in your face and treat men like dirt and don't need a man to save them.
![ปฏิเสธไม่ไหว (Crush on you) - LIPTA feat. No One Else [TEASER MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/VC689EgdSIw/mqdefault.jpg)
I love Jason Evert, he's so gentle in explaining everything, so beautifully, i wish i'd heard about him and his books, as well as his wife's, but Crystallina Evert said "it's never too late"
Jason Evert speaks beautifully. He's very gentle in regards to not judging past mistakes and pushing us in the right direction. What a beautiful man.
Look up Chris Stefanick as well. He's an amazing Youth Speaker.
Actually he said "I'm not an expert." He may have not read them but still knows what he's talking about. He is making open statements without bashing it. It's objective, clear and concise and it all makes perfect sense. I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss what he has to say.
"Bella needs to find a life." True.
Very good analysis of Twilight. My daughters are just 10 and 8 and fortunately they have not watched the movie or read the book. But at least I know now how to explain the book/movie to them in the future.
Jason, you're doing wonderful work. Keep it up. God Bless you.
I LOVE 7:20-7:50 "If you want to jump into a relationship, jump into a relationship with God."
A faithful Catholic - very good.
Well I'm definitely NOT marrying you! I want a Protector, Provider, and Prayer Warrior!
Way to go Jason Evert! TOB rocks!!!!!
I will absolutely have a look at that book, and consider reading it.
I've read first three Twilight books and read part of the fourth one. I agree that Bella needs to find a life outside of Edward and not be co-dependent on him. There are other problems as well. Edward sometimes forces Bella to do stuff that she doesn't want to do, not sexual though. He also bribes his adoptive sister to hold her hostage while he is away.
Edward literally almost kills himself when he is not with Bella. They don't have sex, but intentionally arouse each other.
Natural selection happened, and I don't see why it could be incompatible with faith. In terms of the bible flying in the face of evolution, where's the passage? I've read it from cover to cover more than once, and haven't seen the verse you're alluding to. Catholic saints theorized about evolution long before Darwin. Evolution is not contrary to the faith. It could have happened, and this would not change the fact that God is the creator. What evolution can't explain is where matter originated.
Sir: the _Evolution Theory_ tells us that we come from apes. That means we supposedly came from beasts.
In _Genesis_ God makes man in His own image and likeness.
If your belief was to be true, it would mean that God's image is the image of a beast. Of an ape.
This is blasphemous as it offends God, for it is instead Satan the one who is the *image of the beast.* You can read about that in the _Book of Revelation._
I am a man. Congratulations ! I'm so very proud of you. You define what womanhood is about....it sickens me when a man thinks women need to be "protected". What women truly need is RESPECT and EQUALITY. You're brilliant my dear and I am so happy you said what you did !
I remember this guy came to my school.
Jason spoke at my school today :)
It's a pity you believe that. Catholicism is a faith based entirely in reason and logic. The Church has promoted science throughout history and even encourages people to better learn their faith by questioning it, to see why we believe what we do. If you truly want to understand the Church, I suggest you pick a particular topic and read up on it, as there are several books on each topic. Since you seem to show interest in Jason Evert's work, you may want to start with Theology of the Body.
@BuffyWillow760 what he is saying. Because people want to live a life of chastity. If you don't, ok well that's your choice and your life. But the reason he says things like this is because he loves everyone. Including you.
I think Edward Cullen is the only character in young women's literature who prefers chastity before marriage, which is consistent with Jason's and the Catholic Church's views. Yeah, I guess "Twilight" does have redeeming qualities. In my country (the Philippines), bishops actually promoted "Breaking Dawn" parts 1 & 2 because of its anti-abortion message and espoused the defending of children -- in this case, Ed and Bella's daughter.
Have you read Michael Behe's book, Darwin's Black Box? My personal experience is that those who espouse a godless idea of the cosmos don't often read many works that challenge their views on a serious, scholarly level.
just came back from one of his talks. This guy is amazing to see up close. I advise you to go to his seminars anytime he's in the area. He's incredible, his words never left my head.
i met him last week, the clips dont do him justice he is so unbelievably beautiful. Changed my life :) thank you jason
@atheistexchristian that was actually an attack on whoever reported YOUR comment as spam and not on the comment itself. I was defending your right to have opinions. I agree with you.
Beautifully said. This man is smart! I like him. SUBBED!
Yes, see Et si on s'aimait vraiment? in the French amazon store
Awesome! Thanks!
Of course, that is my opinion. Since, I am majoring in evolutionary biology, I doubt there is anything you can say to me that will change my mind. So we can agree to disagree, I suppose.
Thanks for your openness to review it. Unfortunately, I think you've just met some fundamentalists, who represent a slim portion of all Christians. Also, in terms of scientific evidence for God, you might want to take a look at "New Proofs for the Existence of God: Contributions of Contemporary Physics and Philosophy" and check out the work of Anthony Flew, who was a famous atheist. See "There is a God, leading atheist concludes" on NBC news. I can't post links in comments, otherwise, I would.
I never took the series that serious, but I understand the argument. If anything, every girl should know they deserve a man who is chivalrous that is sincere and should put themselves on a pedestal. But a guy who also has a pulse. ; ] But come on, we girls aren't that stupid to believe in the idea of Edward and Bella.
He's right :)
Jason spoke at my school today :) God gave him a gift, and he almost made me cry :')
I can understand why you'd have a hard time reconciling science with ppl who think the creation account in the scriptures is supposed to be a scientific report, when that early Jewish genre of literature was not intended to be that. After all, the Hebrew word for the "days" of creation (yom) does not often refer to a 24 hour period. If you google "MESSAGE TO THE PONTIFICAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES: ON EVOLUTION," you'll see what the Church says on this.
Obviously, one day could not be made of 24 hours since the 24-hour day is the consequence of the sun rotating upon a flat earth. If the stars were made before the sun, it is obvious that "a day is like a thousand years to God" as St. Peter once said.
_But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.’_ 2Peter3:8
Does Jason Evert have anything in French?
Watch The Rome Boys Show as we discuss a variety of topics with popular Chastity Speaker Jason Evert! th-cam.com/video/N-VhUowWbew/w-d-xo.html
Sorry but I am a girl and I have never fantasized about a guy protecting me and all that. -____-
haha thank you. its really annoying when people say it is.
@SpetsnazChaplain157 i totally agree with that!
Is that a fact?
Thank you. Truth is that no one, no matter how little and young or disabled, should ever fantasize about being taken care of and protected by someone else other than themselves in the future. I like Twilight, but only to stare at one of the actors in it lol, the story doesn't appeal to me. I've seen Jason in person, he's quite convincing.
he glitters, which is peculiar... and he could bite you. which is a problem... LOL
So, you'd say Einstein, Louis Pasteur, and the founder of the human genome project are just not intelligent to buy atheism?
@delightfulcheesecake Nope not sexist at all. Some girls like having a guy to protect them and some don't but he is not sexist. If you think about it though Twilight is a rather sexist book as she can't rely on anyone else but Edward. So Jason is merely talking about his opinion as to why girl's like it and sorry to say umm girl's do like it because of that. I wasn't one of them but hey a lot of people are. Also if you don't like him so much why are you even posting?
"It is arguably one of the most well-supported scientific theories in history?" But it's still only a theory, therefore I discredit it.
I simply gave my opinion.
You're the one trying to deny mine because you don't like what I said.
Practice what you preach
I wish I could like your comment a million times.
Yes! :D
@delightfulcheesecake What double standards ? And what is so misogynistic about encouraging a woman to cover up to better her chances in falling in love only because the male mind set is so much more visual than they know? . He plays both sides perfectly, trust me i was a huge skeptic, but it all just MAKES SENSE. I just don't see where your coming from, give me examples ?
I agree...chastity should be a guilt free personal choice.
@lagim214 little heavy reading for a 14 year old don't you think?
I don't identify as atheist. I prefer agnostic. Big distinction. "Atheist" implies that I know for sure, which I don't. I simply subscribe to the theory that is currently supported by the evidence, evolution by natural selection. You can pick it apart all you want, but the fact is that it is arguably one of the most well-supported scientific theories in history, and is agreed upon by over 90% of the scientific community. The bible flys in the face of evolution, therefore I discredit it.
Absolutely wonderful. You hit it spot on. You should at least read the first novel. As a Catholic YM, I read all 4 to see what the deal was. It's not a huge literary work of genius, but simply a feeding frenzy of what girls are starved for- like you say. You'll probably be scandalized but, there are other things that are wrong with this book: Edward watches Bella sleep and sneaks around behind her father's back. You lose credibility talking about it and not having read it. God Love Ya!!!!!
that is what i hated about the twilight books. bella's obsessive love. she got all depressed and wanted to die without him. also the fact that she was SO willing to give up her soul for him. ugh. that is why i liked twilight but hated the last three books.
God will bring you the right man as long as you're seeking God first and not the man (:
@delightfulcheesecake how bout TAKE A JOKE . Are u actually paying attention to what's being said? and YES women look for partners - thats what hes saying and YES they do look for a protective element in a man, EVERYONE looks for a protective element in their significant other . It seems like you're just unhappy that they're talking about Twilight .
@delightfulcheesecake Woahwoahwoah, ummmm I think we're missing the real problem about this "biting" issue...... me and my boyfriend are big fans of biting
Jason, I have no idea why you decided to give your views on a series you have not read or watched, but as a dedicated Twilight fan, I want to set the record straight.
While I agreed with some of your points, you got some details wrong. While Bella did make some dangerous choices under the influence of her untreated depression, Bella was never suicidal. Getting depression after her break-up was not Bella's fault and depression is something that can result when a healthy relationship ends. Bella was an excellent student who took honors classes, got top grades and made plans to attend the University of Alaska. She worked at Newton's Olympic Outfitters and has a passion for literature, especially classic romances. She has friends and family she loves and spends time with. In other words, Bella has a life, and there is nothing wrong with the fact she chose marriage and motherhood over a career. The vampires in Twilight do not practice magic and are not involved in the occult. Finally, Bella does not love Edward just because he's rich, handsome, etc. "I love him. Not because he’s beautiful or because he’s rich! I’d much
rather he weren’t either one. It would even out the gap between us just a little bit - because he’d still be the most loving and unselfish and brilliant and decent person I’ve ever met. Of course I love him. How hard is that to understand?" -Bella Swan describing why she loves Edward (Eclipse, Chapter 4, p.110)
The Twilight Saga is my favorite fictional series and my favorite romance story. I appreciate how it delves into deep issues such as the value of human life, the qualifications of personhood and the morality of abortion. I appreciate the way sacrificial love is held in high esteem. I admire how the protagonist and her beloved strive to do what is best for the other, putting the other before themselves, rather than merely using each other for emotional or sexual gratification. I admire how the protagonist is viewed by her beloved as a person rather than a prize to be lured, savored and tossed aside. I appreciate that the protagonist is loved by her beloved for who she is, and not what she can give him. I admire the gentleness, tenderness and romance frequently displayed in the exchanges, physical and verbal, between the beloveds. I enjoy the humor, the suspense and the action sewn into the plot line. I appreciate the characters, the depth they are presented in and the rich, historical culture they contribute to the story.
Granted, not everything the main characters do is exemplary, and I understand how people can oppose Twilight on this account. It certainly wasn't right for Edward to disable Bella's truck, forcibly drive her home after she fainted in biology or have his sister hold Bella hostage (albeit, the hostage situation was cleared with her father and she was given spa treatment while in captivity). Yet personally, the story's demerits have not driven me to hate the series nor the protagonist and her beloved. I am able to appreciate the beautiful, call out the ugly and identify myself as a Twilight fan without any internal conflict. I feel that indeed most stories are mixed bags, promoting some messages you find wrong or backward. I consider the best books not to be those in which the main characters always act praise-worthily, but rather those which inspire us to think deeper, discover who we are and bring out the best in us. Twilight has indeed inspired me to think deeper, enabled me to discover new layers of who I am and has brought out the best in me. For what it is worth, Bella and Edward do grow in their relationship, apologizing for mistakes and learning to love each other properly in the end, so I would argue even Edward's mistakes are not being promoted as actions to emulate in the series. Not every book in which a character does wrong teach readers to do wrong.The Bible for example is filled with stories about people who do wrong, but I presume we agree the Bible is a good book we should read that teaches us to know, love and serve God and love our neighbor.
@chilemamita The books and movies may only entertain you, but the majority of these little girls or adult women live and die by edward, its insane. It only shows self control in the part of edward not Bella, I bet you read the second book, yeah not the way to handle a break up. Also Evert stated that we can't knock supernatural books for superficial reasons,i suppose he just wants us to be aware of the dangers of the occult if a person is partaking in it.
+Jason Evert Jason, I seriously advise you to actually READ the series. Edward is not "chivalrous" and he does not "want what's best." Nevermind that he wants Bella to wait until marriage- he stalks her, watches her when she sleeps, gives her direct commands, and infantilizes her. Much of what he does could easily be categorized under the five forms of abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, financial, psychological). Regardless of how his sexual views might align with the Catholic Church, this series should IN NO WAY be glorified. Trust me Jason- relationships like Edward's and Bella's don't lead to happily ever afters. They only lead to danger and violence.
@lagim214
That's exactly what I was thinking...
That film needs new actors as well
This is not spam.. Please do not deny someone's freedom of speech because you don't like what they said.
Harry Potter is better anyway. There is real love and friendship in those novels.
Although, "Bella needs to find a life." haha, amen.
i dont think the act of chastity has to be only a religious practice.
This needs to be updated. He totally missed what guys go through. The movie does not protray true masculinity. I really did not like that he did not speak to guys too. Ask guys what they go through. Guys have it much harder than girls and that is the truth.
@BuffyWillow760 That is why it is called faith. There is no such thing as a fact. Everything is believe.
@OneGirlRevolution100 Spare me the lecture!
Remember that the Bible wasn't written to be a scientific book. There are scientific truths in it, but that was never it's primary purpose. Furthermore, Origin of Species as been proven wrong in a number of areas by scientists. But this is besides the point because a person can believe in God and in evolution. But I can't believe in science and atheism because they contradict each other. After all, science says life CANNOT arise from non-living matter. Atheism says it can. I'll go with science.
Wrong. Science and God do NOT go hand in hand, either.
They are most opposite to one another when it comes to the major questions. For example, the _Big Bang_ - which is just another flawed and blasphemous theory - is an explosion of unintelligent energy from which all things were generated. This concept completely contradicts the Truth we are called to accept and believe in: that there is One Eternal God in Three Persons; and that this Eternal Mystery Whom we call GOD is the sole author and maker of all that is seen and unseen.
Why cant all men be like him?
HAHAHA I know right?
@BuffyWillow760 belief* name one book with evidence to be factual evidence. There is zero. The closest thing to factual evidence is the word of God because he spoke to people who were guided by Him. It's ignorant to think that people are stupid and are blindly believe
I think it is possible to be intelligent in all other respects and still fall into religion, simply because that is what they were taught. In my opinion, if you were to wipe away all preconcieved notions and prior unfluences, and give both the bible and Darwin's Origin of Species to those people, they would easily choose which is fact and which is fiction.
From the Catholic perspective, first chapter of the Book of Genezis are not to be interpreted literally, believing in evolution and the big bang theory is completely fine.
Well, perhaps you have a different view than many christians that I have conversed with. In my experience, they often claim a literal biblical creation (earth is 6000 years old, we coexisted with dinosaurs, humans originated in the garden of eden). If you can reconcile a scientific viewpoint on evolution and your religion, good on you. I respect that. But you are an anomaly. The problem for me is that I don't accept a lack of evidence AGAINST a creator, as evidence FOR a creator.
Values education teachers should learn from Evert and co
Jason Evert sickens me sometimes with the sexist things he says. He thinks women should just obey men and obey a book that was written thousands of years ago. God wrote a book? No, some guys with a complex against women wrote a book. I can't believe how stupid people are to blindly believe something with no evidence, and have the nerve to push it on others.
BuffyWillow760 I can’t believe there are ignorant people like you either ! The Bible supports woman, maybe if you read then you’ll know !
The closest thing to factual evidence is the word of "God"? That's appalling.The bible is not the word of some all knowing deity; it is the word of man. "Faith"=Belief in something that you cannot prove exists. Please educate yourself on evolutionary theory (before you say it, in scientific terms, theory=proven beyond reasonable doubt). Religion would die out if all people were just taught a balanced depiction of religion vs science at a young age. It isn't a hard decision to make.
LOL"...he sparkels...which is peculiar..."
@aliciaanne Jason's senitivity and lack of roughness is so unappealing. Feminine quilities are more appealing in some men more then others, I prefer men who are not praticularly religous. However I still do believe in God. People need to understand why more women go to chruch than men. This is a joke
I love how he thinks he's such an expert but about 8 miniutes after ranting about the books he goes "yeah... I've never seen the movies or read the books"
freereviews344 He knows more than you from what I see you commented.
Well I didn't ask you to marry me...so don't worry about it , lol
Can't stop laughing at how old fashioned he is in his view of girls, some women are very independent and in your face and treat men like dirt and don't need a man to save them.
Wwwoooow! He's so set in his in his ways. Hilarious analysis. Of coarse vampires and werewolves a far off from reality. Sigh and eyeroll