1. Natural Man
Published by Heather under on 10:20 PM For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.
Mosiah 3:19
Mosiah 3:19
I thought this was one of the most obvious gospel principles that emerged from the series. Traditionally, vampires have been thought of as blood-sucking beings that have no control over themselves. It is true that Meyer's vampires have the innate urge to feast upon human blood. However, the Cullens clan has tapped into the idea that one can overcome one's natural tendencies to become something more. In the LDS faith this is done by accepting and activating the atonement of Jesus Christ in one's life. In the book, it is done by sheer willpower and practice. The vampires that choose this path are able to control their urges, and instead feed on wild animals.
I thought this was a very clever way for Meyer to comment on the idea that in today's world we can't help how we feel, that people are victims of their feelings and drives. If someone is driving past MacDonald's, and they really want a Big Mac, they should get one. If you feel angry, it is okay to freak out. If you are physically attracted to someone, it is okay to be intimate with them, even if you are not married to them (or are married to someone else). If you really want a huge house, you should be able to get a loan for one, even if you can't make the monthly payments. (Heck, someone will bail you out, right?)
It is easy to see how "the natural man" is expressed in our culture. I find it very interesting, and painfully ironic that the vampires in Meyer's books are the ones to "put off the natural man." In fact, they use the super powers that come with the whole "vampire act" to protect and aid humans. In a sense, their weaknesses become strengths (Ether 12:27). Those who should be devilish, are actually god-like (not so unlike Elphaba in Wicked). It is interesting to see Jacob's "conversion" to the vampires as he comes to understand them.
So, what do you think?
7 comments:
Heather! You are a genius, not to mention a life saver. In order to get more interest in our Ward Book Club, we decided to read the Twilight seriers. We have gotten a lot of complaints because of the whole Vampire thing :) Our meeting for Book Club is actually tonight, and I'm totally going to take the discussion in this direction!! Thanks Cuz'
hahaha... I'm just laughing because our stake cancelled book clubs based purely on the fact that many of them were reading Breaking Dawn and someone didn't find it appropriate reading material to discuss at church - ugh... I will refrain from further comment based solely on the fact that I support my local church leaders.
I like your views on the natural man - I think that's a large part of the appeal of these books. I avoided them for a long time because they were in that vampire genre - which I usually avoid. That the Cullens have chosen to go against their natural state is a testament that it is possible for any of us to put off natural man and conquer that McD's craving! (or any of those other ones you mentioned as well!)
If the Cullens are natural man, what role do the Volturi play? Satan?
Hmmm... reading the Twilight series for a church group. I wouldn't open that can of worms without some serious disclaimers. My biggest beef, that I plan on writing about specifically is that Bell and Edward put themselves in some very stupid situations, that don't really jive with the guidelines in the FSY pamphlet. That said, I think that by teaching young people to recognize that you can help them be more savvy and righteous partakers of media.
Jess, about the Volturi: I think they represent an aspect of the great and abominable church/secret combinations. They embody the powers and principalities we fight against. More on that later.
Heather, you rock, Girlfriend. We are definitely on the same page!!
I like your comments about the natural man, and did find it inspiring that the Cullen's didn't give into their desires to feed on humans because they didn't like who they became when they did that. I, too, think that our society has become a "want" interpreted as a "need" society. What a great message to send--that we don't "need" all that stuff, and we can overcome any temptation.
Oh yes! I totally agree. This aspect was one of my favorite things about the books. I love how the Cullens were able to overcome their natural state AND they are the Heroes because of it.
As you said that is a much needed message in our society...it is a good reminder to me as well. I have seriously thought of Edward a few times when chocolate was calling to me.
Post a Comment