Vampires are mythological or folkloric beings who subsist by feeding on the life essence (generally in the form of blood) of living creatures. Although the subject matter gives some Christians pause, they are not demons; they are fictional. However, the notion of vampirism has existed for millennia; question is, what it is about blood and immortality that keeps drawing us back to this legend? Pastor James got the chance to examine how this bloody fantasy has cut through our culture and flowed through generations, all the way to it’s latest incarnation in the popular series “Twilight”.

Twilight’s popularity is not simply teenage girl fascination and Edward Cullen’s perpetual Blue Steel expression (mom said if you made that face long enough it would stick that way, bro). The nature of the vampire has often been used as one of culture’s most potent metaphors for the sin nature, but Stephanie Meyer has added a vampire resistant to his temptations. With the point of view of protagonist Bella, the vampire is shifted – semi-successfully – from commentary on sin nature to commentary on supernatural savior.

Journey with us over centuries of vampire lore, through the popular characters from Dracula to Dark Shadows, Blade to Buffy, and finally to the polarizing film Twilight in this film and theology audio presentation. (NOTE: the last segment contains spoilers regarding the film).

Some people view movies as “mindless” entertainment when the reality is, more often than not, screenwriters and directors are expressing themes and worldviews that are powerful or curious to them. Film and Theology exists to point to these themes, as well as what compels us to tell stories. Entertainment is not mindless, it is engaging our mind; the real question is are we mindful of it – are we engaging it, or is it engaging us?

Listen to the message here by clicking the image above, or download it by right-clicking HERE. Choose from other options by visiting the Mars Hill Media Library.