No, I am not a rabid book-burning, narrow-minded fundamentalist.

But I am learning to discern between good and evil. Are you?

The March/April issue of World News and Prophecy contains my article, "Twilight on the Land." The Stephenie Meyer books of vampire teen romance have captivated millions of readers. Reader comments on the article are coming in, and there are mixed reactions, which is what I expected.

One writer comments in appreciation: "Thank you so much for your article on Twilight in World News and Prophecy. Several of my Christian friends are reading these books and are excited about the movies. One friend in particular is against Harry Potter and The Golden Compass, but she embraces these vampire novels. I have had discussions with my daughter about the danger that resides within these kinds of stories after she had heard about the supposed coolness of Meyer's books.

"I am relieved to see someone on the same page as me when it comes to this topic. While I was reading your article, my head kept nodding in agreement. It certainly is a 'subtle deception' with a presentation of good trying to win out over evil. Reading these kinds of stories invites unwanted beings into your life."

Not everyone agrees with my point of view. Another reader says: "I read the article Darris McNeely wrote in reaction to the movie and book Twilight. I was very disappointed with his approach... I think the approach should have been that there is a mix of good and evil—like in most movies and books today. The job of God's people is to discern between these things... Encourage their ability to discern as they take in popular culture..."

Exactly! You and I are to learn to discern between good and evil as we are bombarded with all the elements of our popular culture. The subtlety of evil in today's world is such that we begin to see it as something acceptable to allow into our minds and lives.

You must remember we are in a spiritual war for our minds and lives! We see only the physical and miss the spiritual dimension of this struggle. "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:11-12).

I said in my article that in my youth I would watch occult-type movies. Over the years I have moved away from that form of entertainment. I am not into burning books or censorship. I believe in the freedom of the individual to choose his or her reading and entertainment. I also believe that God expects us to choose life, not death—to choose what is good and righteous in all areas of our life.

Read the article "Twilight in the Land." Ask yourself how good a job you are doing in raising the spiritual standards of your life. Your peace of mind and quality of life is important. Then write and let me know what you think about the subject.

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