We simply see this differently. I look at the world philosophically using my Christian faith as the filter (I too am Southern Baptist). My job as a Christian parent is to guard the minds and hearts of my children. Just as I wouldn’t introduce my children to anti-American, anti-capitalist ideas, I won’t introduce them to anti-Christian ideas either. I work hard to teach them the truths of Scripture and to set them on a path of righteousness. Why, in the name of empty entertainment, would I ever intentionally expose them to the ideas of cultists? There is plenty of wholesome entertainment out there that does not involve twisting God’s word, vampires, and the occult.
In Proverbs it says, “Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.”
Proverbs also instructs, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
And then 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 says this:
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”
Finally, Romans 12:1-2
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Here are a couple more links for you:
http://www.albertmohler.com/2009/03/31/has-the-twilight-phenomenon-reached-your-home-2/
“Why Christians Should Oppose: The Twilight Saga – New Moon”
http://deliveredbygrace.com/?p=872
If you tell them it's "cultist" and "anti-Christian" that's how they will evaluate the books. If you tell them it is science fiction/fantasy and not reality that's how they will evaluate the books.
It's quite simple.
You have to trust your prior guidance and their intellects to understand the difference.
I enjoyed the books, as they were entertaining, raised interesting/thought provoking issues and gave an insight into the mind of teenage girls. (never a more scary place to visit for a father)
I had no idea the author was mormon. Since I still think Mormons are morons, that Mitt is a POS and that Christ died for my sins I'd say either the author sucks as a brainwasher or that was not her intent.
Regards.