Comments on: Stephenie Meyer’s Mormonism and the “erotics of abstinence”

By: Wm Morris

Wm Morris — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 15:02:36 +0000

Thanks for your thoughts, Amanda. It is intriguing. Check out Reading Until Dawn if you haven't yet.

By: Amanda

Amanda — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 12:08:32 +0000

I think the different views of the Twilight books are very interesting, to say the least.
The books may not fit into the canon of “Great American Literature,” but even so, there is something utterly engaging about them (to me, anyway, and that might be so perhaps because I can still acutely remember being a teenager and in love) that reaches out and captivates the audience.
Has anyone noticed other themes, beside just abstinence until after marriage?
Perfected bodies after death, families forever, more than one “soul-mate,” (and consequently, more than one choice), (as mentioned in the article) agency to choose right or wrong, good and better, and many other, subtle things.
Now, I don’t know if Meyer intended these themes i her book, or if her beliefs and culture just slipped in, and just happened to fit well with her characters and ideas, but either way, it is intriguing.
Those of you who disapprove of Twilight, or perhaps have never considered it, think about this:
Meyer has written a book with some very critical Mormon doctrine set into the core of its plot, and that book has gone on to become one of the most popular books in the nation- she has in effect, become a missionary for the LDS church, though in an unconventional way, and I, believe (scoff at me if you will) that it is an extraordinary feat, knowing how rare it is for a novel encrusted with doctrinal jewels to hit mainstream media. But, that is just how I see it.

By: eyeswide

eyeswide — Tue, 04 May 2010 15:48:34 +0000

Whether or not Stephenie is Mormon, is kind of beside the point. Are Mormon’s not allowed to write fiction? These are fictional books, with fictional characters. She wrote the characters, as SHE liked, from her interpretation of HER OWN Moral views – being LDS influenced. The fact that a bunch of Mormons are discussing this as a whole, because she’s Mormon, is amusing to me. And it proves a point. Whether you are Mormon or not, you will have your own sense of morality, and opinions based on such. It certainly does make for good discussion.

I love those who have left opinions, and haven’t even read the books. At least read the books first.

I am on the 4th book now, and have found them very entertaining. After all, that’s what they are – fictional entertainment. I’m 47, and a Mom of one 23 year old daughter. She introduced me to the story, by taking me to see “New Moon”. The movie made me curious enough to read the books; so I could see what all the fuss was about.

Now, if I wanted to be disparaging in my thoughts, as to the morality and such of these fluffy novels… I could go on and on AND on. I mean really, you could look at Edward as a Stalking Pedifile, if you so choose. Every Parent’s worst nightmare. After all he’s over a 100 years old, and in an absolutely GORGEOUS 17 year old body (the perfect predator, as even he states). He sneaks into Bella’s room at night to watch her, for crying out loud. He may not be out to hurt Bella sexually – at first appearances, but then he doesn’t have quite enough strength to stay away from her either – does he? Maybe it was all a very cunning plan on his part. I mean after all, by time we get through the first book, Bella’s willing to give up her family and every one she knows for him, and to even die for him. He has ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD to execute the plan. And he enjoys EVERY SECOND of this slow, and completely seducing HUNT.

And Bella, is the PERFECT VICTIM of his charms. She’s a Loner, has NO self esteem, no talents, and can’t seem to walk across a street without harming herself. And on top of that, She’s MORE THAN WILLING to give up her virginity to this vampire. He’s the one that is stopping her, for now. So it seems that poor Bella, is just completely ripe for the taking.

Now, if I were looking to criticize, that would be a start.

But I choose to look at the innocent side of this story; AND as purely fictional fantasy entertainment. There’s a reason that so many have been taken by this series. It’s entirely engaging, suspenseful, romantic, adventurous and full of little twists and turns, that keep you on the edge of your seat. No one will agree entirely with everything they read. But it’s nice to be swept away into a world entirely un-REAL for a time. That’s what good entertainment does. And Stephenie certainly created that for the many fans of this series.

Look – if nothing else, these novels sure have opened the floodgates of communication on such topics with our daughters.

I say bravo Stephenie.

You have managed to write a very ENTERTAINING series, that has been made into a movie series. How many of us can claim that? AND you have given us fodder, for HOURS of fun/ thought provoking discussions with our daughters and beyond.

Thank you!

You are a Genius!

By: Th.

Th. — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 16:47:06 +0000

. As I've said, I myself am not anxious to condemn Stephenie for her style. I'm more prone to blame her editors for letting her books out so unfinished. And I think she has a lot of potential. I hope she reaches it and wish her only the best.

By: Susan Yukon

Susan Yukon — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:45:22 +0000

As I have sat here and read all the comments on the Twightlight series, I am really appalled at most of the criticism. No one has even identified that this is Stephenie’s first attempt at writing, and yes, it was a series, and yes there were mistakes made, and even some ideas that could have been expressed differently. I am a mother of young adult children, and I was raised in the LDS church, and I was pleased that my daughter liked this series. I didn’t understand all the hype and criticism till I actually read the book, but I am very impressed with not only the inclusion of agency, and the lack of “bad” language and such, but her style is impressive, even with the rawness and need for improvement. I disagree with many about the portrayal of Bella. I agreed with Edward, that Bella was just plain good. Her decisions, and choices were based on unselfish reasons. Bella reminded me of myself, when I grew up…the insecurities and feelings I felt about certain boys I went to school with. Maybe this is selfish of me, but I have found in Stephenie’s books many truths that I feel are quite profound, even if they are misunderstood by many. Her development of Bella and Edward was very good. I also liked her assessments of Carlisle, Esmee, Rosalee, Emmett, Alice, and Jasper. She was very non-judgemental, but assessed them as they were what they were, and they based their choices on who they were. Rosalee for instance was a very selfish, shallow-minded person who felt everyone should admire her simply because she was beautiful on the outside. Bella’s beauty came from with-in and Edward was astute enough to recognize that fact. Few men really notice the inner beauty before they can recognize the outer beauty, but this was the case with Edward, he saw Bella’s unselfish nature, her ability to hold no grudge and her great love for both her mother and father and acceptance of their differing personalities. She also accepted the friends at school, even though many of the girls didn’t really like Bella. Bella was totally human with all the good and bad that goes with being human. Stephenie’s insights into this impressed me. Maybe I am misunderstanding the criticisms everyone else has had, but I really found her writings impressive and well done for a first-time novelist. I am still reading “The Host”, so cannot really comment on that book yet, but for the record, I would give Stephenie and A+ for her inclusion of beliefs and abilitity to hold my attention to the point I have read each of the Twilight books around 8 times apiece, and can’t wait for her to get over being upset and finish the “Midnight Sun” version of the story. I think your a very good writer, Stephenie and storyteller!

By: Th.

Th. — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:38:24 +0000

If only I were righteous! Then I would have a bestselling book!

By: Moriah Jovan

Moriah Jovan — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 17:18:59 +0000

@Anon E. Mouse

TL;DR. However, I’m perfectly willing to accept that you are in the majority in your opinion of God as the Great Vending Machine in the Sky who will dispense all the blessings you want, as long as you have exact change.

@Eugene

Yup. Damn shame, too.

By: Eugene

Eugene — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:57:54 +0000

We are all closet Calvinists now.

By: Anon E. Mouse

Anon E. Mouse — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 09:00:26 +0000

Mojo asked, “How do I know these things?” Simple. Stephenie Meyer went to BYU. There are certain minimum qualifications for attending. She has stated in interviews that she was a good girl growing up, though somewhat sheltered by her upbringing. She doesn’t even watch R rated movies (hello). She does not smoke. She does not drink alcohol. She does not use drugs. She did not have sex before her marriage to her husband Christian Meyer. To suggest otherwise is absurd. She is a dedicated Mormon… with a clear conscious. She taught Sunday School. She is Temple worthy and always has been. These are facts that are not even in dispute. If she is Temple worthy than she obviously has and is paying her ten percent… you can’t go to the Temple otherwise. Therefore as she moves toward making a Billion dollars she will pay 100 million dollars to the Church… or she will not be allowed into the Temple. Common knowledge. She clearly has a Testimony that the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints is true. Would you pay 100 million dollars to a Church you do not love? She loves the Church because she lives the commandments. She is happy because she lives the commandments. She makes a choice to be happy, and that is her choice and nobody can take that away from her, ever. That is why she is happy because she chooses to be happy because she chooses to live the commandments as sister Stephenie Meyers has stated in interviews. A little logic and common sense fills in the blanks. Does an Orthodox Jew eat pork? Does a Mormon like Stephenie Meyers who is Married in the Temple and went to BYU someone who hangs out at the bar every Thursday looking for a ride home? I think not. It would be silly to even consider that as a viable possibility. Surely you have eyes to see. Can you not see how her countenance is bright? That there is something about her that sparkles that is typical of Mormon women? Did you not hear about how she stayed home with her third child rather than pursue a career as a lawyer, a seemingly small but in fact a heroic decision considering her families economic circumstances at the time? Can you not see the obvious conclusion that her decisions are often unusual and go against common wisdom yet she makes these hard choices only by trusting in inspiration… the kind of inspiration only the truly righteous receive? Surely you must be able to discern that she lives the commandments like Nephi and Nephi’s wife lived the commandments… she did not and does not even go to R-rated movies. I therefore posed the question, “Is she receiving divine help…” Does this explain the supernatural-like influence that she clearly wields over her fans? I tell you, I have never seen anything like it. The internet is literally littered with videos and blogs with people who have some complaint or other about the Twilight books… and yet they then turn around and admit to having read the whole Twilight series multiple times… and will read it… AGAIN. Is this the case of the windows of Heaven being opened as the scriptures say they will be opened for those that live the commandments and have faith? I furthermore wrote that “…if she was my Sunday school teacher, I would be taking notes… who wouldn’t?” I stand by that sentence. Perhaps Mormons can do more than invent surgical equipment, the transistor, the television, make mega-millions on fiber optics, and Silicon valley land development. Maybe Mormon’s can write popular books as well. Not so good as the Jews in regards to writing, but still worthy of praise. I see no reason that God can not open the windows of Heaven for those Mormons that write books, as much as those Mormons that create diamonds by machine, or the Mormons who run the Huntsman chemical corporation and whatnot. What is more important to God, healing people of cancer and aids, or curing people of hatred and illiteracy? If God can bless a Mormon mommy because she had a dream, or give a farm boy in Palmyra New York a divine visitation of Jesus Christ, who else can God bless… If God has a mind to do so? Who can stop God’s will, when God has it is his power to do anything he wants to do that is right? And can we not read in the Book Of Mormon “… I delight in the chastity of my daughters…” ? It is not the seemingly considerable treasure on Earth that is remarkable about Stephanie Meyers, it is the treasure in Heaven that she has and is accumulating every day that is even more significant. For good and evil people receive treasure in this life, but only the good receive a good treasure in the next life, while the bad receive only a lesser treasure in the next life. And that is the only real lasting wealth… the wealth that comes from being the good Samaritan, while the bad Samaritan will not receive a reward in God’s kingdom. It is safe to say that Stephenie Meyers is a good Samaritan, regardless of her Earthly blessings in mortality. It is her rewards in Heaven in the next life that will be the size of an entire Universe and then some. Which is the same reward as someone who is homeless… but is equally as righteous and is also the good… not the bad… Samaritan. God won’t ask you on judgement day how much money you made down on planet Earth. God will however ask you and judge you on how much righteousness you did (or did not). I think sister Meyers is in for a big payday. Something tells me I’m right.

By: joyce

joyce — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 21:39:47 +0000

You are related to my cildren through the Crandall line