The vampire is such a versatile metaphor… this curse, or disease, or “gift” has been used to illustrate mankind’s fears regarding sexuality, his fears of societal isolation or outcast status, the seduction of an amoral worldview, our desire for immortality… even the AIDS virus. In a few centuries, the visceral image has been used to image a wide array of our fears… and, possibly, human realities.

Perhaps most poignantly, vampirism has an obvious correlation to the sin nature. Now-classic Anne Rice models Louis and Lestat—one torn between conscience and desire with no way to remedy his condition, the other “given over” to his lusts and depravity—are nothing new. Trapped under a curse that literally brings blood, death, and pain to the world, it’s easy to springboard from the vampire symbolism to the need for a real Savior. The Christian iconic imagery associated with the myth, though often leeched from the legend in the last century, is yet another indelible mark of who really holds power and dominion over evil. It’s obvious, then, that the Christian community should have a stake in vampire flicks, and is part of why we’re engaging the film adaption of the popular book series “Twilight” at our upcoming Film and Theology event August 21.

While this newest stab at the vampire mythos may sparkle more than smolder, and have more to do with ogling washboard abs than draining vital fluids, it’s an interesting way to look at how these made-up monsters, this fictional affliction, has evolved and been co-opted since its origin in religious and repressed roots. With Twilight, True Blood, The Vampire Diaries and a wealth of other fanged fiction pouring out in multimedia, it’s a good time to examine what this reflects about us: why drinking blood, fighting urges and enjoying immortality keep spilling out into our narrative and making people see red. With the sequel, New Moon, swooping into theaters this November, it’s a good time to get your fingers on the pulse of this franchise.

As with Star Wars geeks, Lord of the Rings fanatics, Trekkers and Potter-heads, there is a toothy contingent of vampire aficianados who love to come to these films in costume. Feel free to come dressed as your favorite vampire – from a nosferatu to a glampire from Team Edward – and win Twilight prizes for best costumes in a variety of categories. For a trailer of the film, click here.