Wednesday, July 8, 2009

A Biblical Look into Twilight: Worship or Relationship?

Bella Swan is the main character and main perspective of the Twilight saga. In the Twilight book, we see Bella as a quiet and introspective teenage girl. She is approaching the close of her adolescent years, yet she exhibits a maturity well beyond a normal high school student. Her life approach moves between two extremes - insecurity and confidence, even though she consistently moves clumsily through life in a physical way. Bella sees herself as different from those around her, using the language of a "brain glitch."

Her entire disposition prepares her for meeting the love of her life - Edward Cullen. From her very first sighting, she notices something different about this teenager, too. He seems above everyone else. She doesn't seem as superior from his own egotistical tendencies; she sees him as supreme for his spectacular beauty. Bella's view of Edward is encompassed by perfection. She sees Edward as perfect, almost like a heavenly or spiritual being. On multiple occasions, Bella describes Edward as looking like a god or some figure taken from Greek mythology. It seems like she worships him.

Worship, as used in the English language, usually denotes a deep reverence or adoration for something sacred. I don't think Edward could be described as sacred because he wasn't a religious figure or holy in any way. He was just different, more than what Bella saw in herself. In some ways Bella's worship of Edward shapes him into her own personal idol. She fantasizes about becoming like him. She overlooks the downfalls of earthly immortality to only see forever with Edward. Could that be the original basis of her love for him - an idolization of Edward?

Bella's relational view seems unequal, yet it doesn't seem to matter in the end. Do you think Bella was able to overcome these feelings and feel equality with Edward?

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