I struggle to make wise choices when it comes to the media I watch, read, and listen to. With so many ways to plug in, tune out, and be entertained it can be really tough to discern which shows, books, and movies are okay and which ones I’d be better off to avoid. Can you relate?

As part of our month-long series on discerning Truth from lies, we’ve been examining the best-selling series Twilight. With over 17 million copies sold and a growing fan base of young women worldwide, it seems that this is a series that many, many young women have given their stamp of approval.

But should they? Should you?

I’ve already given you two reasons why I think we should choose not to read these books or see the movies. Here’s one more—as Christians, it is wise to stay away from “dark” themes.

It is possible to argue that the first book is harmless. The plot stays relatively clean and the storyline is pretty simple. But, this certainly isn’t true in the subsequent books. In the final book “Breaking Dawn” there is an increasing focus on horror and the occult. Bella dies and is transformed into a vampire. How? Edward transforms her by biting her all over her body. The scene is sexually charged and violent. But, it gets worse. Bella soon gives birth to a half-vampire/half-human baby that rips its way out of her womb. This is obviously scary and violent. But, by now readers of the series are so hooked that it seems they are desensitized. This is dangerous indeed.

“Twilight,” is one little word I can’t seem to escape these days. I’m sure you’ve heard of the four book series written about a teenage girl and her vampire boyfriend. Many of you have even written on this blog that you’ve read the series or seen the movie. And you’re certainly not alone. To date there are over 17 million copies of these books in print. The movie based on the series opened last month and garnered over $70 million dollars opening weekend. The announcement of a second movie seemed to be the most exciting entertainment news in weeks. There are hundreds of fan sites, and opening parties, and loads fan gear available in every mall. All of this amounts to a little more than your average best-selling novel. These books have created a cultural phenomenon. But, just because everyone’s reading (and watching) this, should you? Is Twilight something that Christians should avoid altogether?