Twilight and LDS communion
I think the case can be made that for LDS author Stephenie Meyer, Twilight is written within the milieu of Mormonism. Thus, much of its symbolism can be seen to have derived from LDS theology. I think there are many points of contact, too many for one blog post, so I will touch on them, bit by bit.
Let me assert that the vampire Cullen family are the good guys in the series. They may have weaknesses, but overall, they are the best. In fact, Bella Swan practically worships them as well
I think they represent an ideal family to Meyer. Their marble white skin has echoes of LDS theology as well, but that's for another time. One thing that sets the Cullen clan apart from most vampire clans is there "vegetarianism." They abstain from human blood. They derive their sustenance from the blood of predators like grizzlies and mountain lions.
In the first book, they encounter typical vampires who get thirsty when they meet Bella, the human. They proceed to hunt her and the Cullen clan tries to hide and defend her.
In the subsequent books there is trouble with the Vampire elite, the Volturi, in Italy.
Their seem to be three kinds of vampires in the books. The non-humna blood sucking Cullens, the regular human killing blood suckers, and the Italian elite. Humans are a sub-kind.
I learned something new about LDS theology today. The symbols used in LDS sacrament, the equivalent to orthodox communion/eucharist/Lord's supper are bread and water, not wine or grape juice, links 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
All this to say, I think the Cullens represent faithful Mormons, the unenlightened suckers of human blood are the Protestants, and the Volturi, who also suck human blood, are the Roman Catholics. The Eastern Orthodox get no respect. I think Bella represents a potential convert. She also has to make a choice regarding an Indian suitor, a Lamanite.
My Mormon friends do not believe I am going to hell. Which is why I ask the "elders" who come to my door to proselytize me "why bother"? I'm simply a less enlightened member of their race, I lack the new revelations of God through their prophets. In fact, in LDS theology, we all live eternally, just that the non-Mormons are stuck on earth. Hell is only for guys like Hitler.
I tell them, however, that Jesus is particular about the conditions for eternal life. He says in his Sermon on the Mount, 13 "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. Matthew 7
I tell them that abstaining from alcohol and coffee do not get you into heaven, Jesus does. Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 38 And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Repentance in the heart, as attested too outwardly in baptism, is the means of entrance. Repent from our sins to our Savior. Simply consent to be loved by God. Our good works flow out of us as the indwelling Holy Spirit works in us and makes us holy. Our good works are a way of demonstrating our gratitude not as a means to reserve our spot in heaven.
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Salvation is a gift to be received, not a wage to be earned.
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Let me assert that the vampire Cullen family are the good guys in the series. They may have weaknesses, but overall, they are the best. In fact, Bella Swan practically worships them as well
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I think they represent an ideal family to Meyer. Their marble white skin has echoes of LDS theology as well, but that's for another time. One thing that sets the Cullen clan apart from most vampire clans is there "vegetarianism." They abstain from human blood. They derive their sustenance from the blood of predators like grizzlies and mountain lions.
In the first book, they encounter typical vampires who get thirsty when they meet Bella, the human. They proceed to hunt her and the Cullen clan tries to hide and defend her.
In the subsequent books there is trouble with the Vampire elite, the Volturi, in Italy.
Their seem to be three kinds of vampires in the books. The non-humna blood sucking Cullens, the regular human killing blood suckers, and the Italian elite. Humans are a sub-kind.
I learned something new about LDS theology today. The symbols used in LDS sacrament, the equivalent to orthodox communion/eucharist/Lord's supper are bread and water, not wine or grape juice, links 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
All this to say, I think the Cullens represent faithful Mormons, the unenlightened suckers of human blood are the Protestants, and the Volturi, who also suck human blood, are the Roman Catholics. The Eastern Orthodox get no respect. I think Bella represents a potential convert. She also has to make a choice regarding an Indian suitor, a Lamanite.
My Mormon friends do not believe I am going to hell. Which is why I ask the "elders" who come to my door to proselytize me "why bother"? I'm simply a less enlightened member of their race, I lack the new revelations of God through their prophets. In fact, in LDS theology, we all live eternally, just that the non-Mormons are stuck on earth. Hell is only for guys like Hitler.
I tell them, however, that Jesus is particular about the conditions for eternal life. He says in his Sermon on the Mount, 13 "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. Matthew 7
I tell them that abstaining from alcohol and coffee do not get you into heaven, Jesus does. Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 38 And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Repentance in the heart, as attested too outwardly in baptism, is the means of entrance. Repent from our sins to our Savior. Simply consent to be loved by God. Our good works flow out of us as the indwelling Holy Spirit works in us and makes us holy. Our good works are a way of demonstrating our gratitude not as a means to reserve our spot in heaven.
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Salvation is a gift to be received, not a wage to be earned.
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