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How far is too far in our Twilight series fandom? With newspapers gaggling over film stars Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson's choice of wardrobe and hairstyle on a near-daily basis, a readership of Stephenie Meyer's hit series that has reached over 30 million, the film reaching the number one spot for the year (see here), and children running around biting other children in the name of Twilight (supposedly - see here), we have to step back and wonder, when is our fandom getting to be too much?
Pillow Biters, one my favorite Twilight blogs, is reporting that the so-called Cullenist religion might be going "overboard to a realm that would make Mormon mom Stephenie Meyer cringe."
Cullenism, as a term, stems from the name of the wildly popular characters Edward Cullen (played by Robert Pattinson in the film adaptation) and his family (Carlisle, Esme, Alice, Emmett), fictional vampires from the series, who come into and change the life (pun) of one Bella Swan (portrayed by Kristen Stewart in the film), whose narration of the story takes us through a very suspenseful and winding few thousand pages at the edge of our seats. I love Twilight just as much as the next person, but is it possible for the devotion to have gotten out of hand on this one?
These Cullenists believe "[j]ust like any other religion," that there is some spirituality to be had in the Twilight series, forming rules and principles upon which to base their tenets. Their creed, say the Cullenists, includes a base set of beliefs that "Edward and the rest of the Twilight characters are real," that "[t]he Twilight series should be worshipped," and that "[i]f you are good in life, you will be bless[ed] with eternity with the Cullens." Other than that, say the Cullenists, there "is not a limit to what you can believe in when it comes to the Cullenism religion . . . we will accept any other Cullenism beliefs you may have." Cullenists are also expected to read some of the books on a daily basis, "like the Bible" and make a pilgrimage to Forks.
While religion and spirituality are a first-hand and very personal experience, and others who formulate their own principles and guidance to help them maneuver through and stay afloat in this challenging, frustrating, and sometimes depressing thing we call life are often praised for their individualism and bravery, the Cullenists might be stretching it a little.
It is one thing, in our fandom of the series, the film, its cast, etcetera, to spend inordinate amount of time, say the fans, on reading, re-reading, discussing, and watching things about the series, but it is a whole other to devote the core of one's faith to a set of fictional books and films, don't you think?
What do you think? Does this "Cullenism" go too far? Comment below and give us your thoughts!
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Comments
Hrmm, thats a worry. Why cant people just enjoy the books and movie(s) and leave it at that! Sure, talk about it with your mates, but seriously, to form a religion based on it, its just silly.
Then again, the Bible is just a book and millions on people have based a religion on that.....
Way too far. Teenagers can't make the difference between real life and fiction anymore. It's scary actually, freaks me out a little bit. Still, I see it happen all around and not just with Twilight.
However, I think they are smart enough to realise (sooner or later) it's just fiction. A place for them to escape and be whatever they want - a vampire in this case - for a while is good from time to time. I guess.
Not all teenagers. Very few actually, only the deluded idiots who are obsessed with twilight. I am a teenager who hates twilight and I am offended that you seem to think all teenagers are a bunch of idiots who love twilight and can't tell the difference between fantasy and real life. There are a lot of teenagers who don't like twilight or hate it and even most fans of the saga are not this extreme. I can't believe that some of them have been brainwashed by twilight enough to create a whole religion based on it. What is the world coming to?
I think it's a joke. I don't think these people take it serious. "James Cave", come on....
If it's not a joke, it is something to worry about. But I'm pretty sure, it is
I'm not a teen. Far from it actually. I find this all to be a little frightening. If these kids can't tell the difference between real and fiction then there is a problem. I was on another site and there is a rumor going around about Rob and Nikki from the movie and this girl was talking about killing Nikki because of it. I think some of these girls/fans have gone to far with this. Even my seven year old knows that this is just a movie. I don't know.. I hope this is just a ruse. For the sake.
twilight is awesome idc who says its not twilight rulez and anyone who has a problem with it then can just be ignored cuz we all love twilight (twilight fans. whoever u r who doesnt enjoy a good sexy vampire then we dont want ya lol jk i love twilight! vampires rule!
Really? I mean, come on. Stephanie Meyer wouldn't know a "good sexy vampire" if he bit her on the butt. Sparkles? SPARKLES?! Spike was a "good sexy vampire" and he damn sure didn't sparkle. Cullenism is ridiculous. I'm not attacking anyone, my sister happens to love Twilight and that is her choice, but creating a RELIGION is going too far.
Wow. What's happening here is that these kids are becoming OBSSESSED. That is a problem. I would suggest doing an intervention, especially for the ones who need a daily 'fix.'
Get the kids some therapy, and take them to the park for some fresh air.
um...wow...that is too far. The first thing that comes to my mind is "it's a book". wow. Speachless about this....haha.
Oh, wow. I've never heard of something so moronic in my life. I am a die-hard fan of the books, but this is a little bit out of hand, what kind of person can really worship something fictional, like a book.
Is it against their religion to bite someone? Maybe that biting kid in Iowa was in on this crap. -cringes-
Ya,well scientology is based off a book; that's crazy too.
That is just sad. Enough said.
This makes me incredibly sad. It really does. I don't have words to express how upset this makes me..
And Jes.. Christainity is a religion based on a BIble.. its a relationship with a Creator that loved us enough to send His Son to die for us and our sins. The Bible is the story of that,yes, but thats not what we based the religion on. Their were Christians even before the Bible as we know it today was even written.
Sorry just had to get that out there.
Wow. Im am one of those Twilighters that cant stop talking about the books, movie, and characters. My friends do say Im obsessed and I will admit that. But after reading this, I think people are taking this way too far. This is rediculous that people think a VERY fictional book is real and that they can go on to live with FICTIONAL characters if they are good????? That is the stupidest thing Ive ever heard of. People that cant separate real life from a fictional book need to get serious help!
Well.. I'm an obsessed twi-hard fan. But this is crazy. I mean, it's a very fictional based upon untrue stories. And the things that they have said (sent to james cave ect) Seem childlike. I mean, it's a funny joke, but if you're serious.. you need help. I'm as obsessed as hell but I mean come on.. a religion? Twilight is a good escape from reality but that's what makes it special. Basing your life around twilight... almost ruins it. And stephenie would cringe! I am a teen. And obsessed teen. My brain ran on twilight for a little while. If it's a joke it's funny. If it's not, its VERY worrying.
I can't think of a better imaginary friend than a Cullen! Sign me up!
Wow! That's all i can say about the religion thing, i'm speechless. I think enjoying the series and movies is ok with moderate and healthy obsession :) However, i do think that some people have taken it way too far. I have read excerpts from interviews where fans are writing Robert Pattinson and others saying they will kill themselves if they cant meet them or something. Parents should take an active role in these situations and get their children the assistance they need. I mean I love the books, actors and all too and its all in good fun but come on, its fiction after all.
LMFAO - yup blatantly the religion for me...
to be honest this is a bit far and creepy. as much a fan as i am, i think it's insane. I cant understand why people have to take it so far!
Edward Cullen is real, pigs can fly and as long as we are living in fantasyland Robert Pattinson lives under my bed! HAHA. Come on give me a break it's okay to love this series and the film...but you know lets stay tuned into reality....but just incase Edward - if you are real - my husband leaves for work at about 6:15 am - just grab Bobby from under the bed as your climbing in with me! :-)
Erm, crazy much!? Who would believe in that?
You're kidding right?! Was this something that was going to be posted on April Fool's Day?
Laura, 'fraid not.
I intentionally did not post this yesterday because it was so out there people might've thought it was April Fool's... nope.
3 words- THAT IS CRAZY!
I LOVE THE TWILIGHT SERIES! I LOVE THE MOVIE! I LOVE THE CULLENS!
But this is just insane. It's a fictional novel based on a woman's dream. Yes so was the Passion of the Christ but that scenario is totally different because there were scriptures before that told the story in a different light.
We mustn't get too ahead of ourselves. Would you create a Barney religion because you were obsessed with Barney as a little kid? Absolutely not, or atleast I hope that's the answer.
all I have to say is...Church of Scientology... to each his own right??
"but it is a whole other to devote the core of one's faith to a set of fictional books"
Some would say that about Christanity.
This is a little crazy in all honesty. I love the books to bits, litterally. I am a MASSIVE fan, obsessed is a better word for it, and the film is amazing...but a religion based on the cullens...that's a bit farfetched. It would be uber cool if the cullens were real, but they're not. Some people are just going way to far.
Team Edward all the way.
Ok this is freaky now. This is a FICTIONAL book series people. Talk about teens needing role models, parents need to take more of a part in their kids lives. This is way too far gone now.
This people are sick, too bad they can enjoy a good book, something bad is happening in their heads. I like the saga and the movie, I think Robert makes a good job but he's Robert playing a fictional character Edward, get your feet on earth please...
Whoa, that's just plain creepy! I love the books, truly I do. But some people are taking this WAY too far! It's a fantasy novel for the love of all things! Stephenie Meyer just dreamed it. I adore the books, but seriously be resonable.
This is rediculous! whahah!
The moms of these people probably dropped them a lot when they were baby's! I mean come on!!
They're crazy!!!!
this is a piece of crap. yes, i am an overlyobssesed fan of the twilight saga. but seriously, it`s getting way too much. the twilight saga are books that stephenie meyer wrote to entertain us. making it as a religion ?! oh come on people, this is reality ! the cullens are not real (although, yes, we wish they were). this is getting way out of hand. we have to have our limitations. we can only scream our lungs out for this obssesion, but making it as a religion for our lives ? no we cant. we enjoy twilight and we love them. but please, let`s not take this twilight obssesion seriously to make it some religion ! no offense guys. just saying what i really think. but this is crap !
Wow.... That is very, very sad. I can understand re-reading something and staying updated on websites(and other such) that are related to the books... but to start a new religion? It almost makes me want to drop out of the Twilight fandom. Or, if nothing else, hide my books and any other Twilight stuff I may get in the future(don't have any yet) under my bed so no one sees them and associates me with Cullenism! That is absolutely ridiculous. Speaking as an avid Twilight fan, no one might believe what I'm about to say... But I'll say it anyway: The Twilight books are just BOOKS. They aren't real. I don't think that even Harry Potter has a religion!
Please... be a Twilighter/Twihard, but don't be a Cullenist.
@Laura: Sadly it's true. Not to mention that some of these 'Cullenists' attack people who say, or even remotely mention, their dislike or disinterest of the book. I'm not one for crushing peoples religious beliefs, but 'Cullenism' is just too far out there, more so for being based completely after a group of fictional characters that people are willing to abuse the non-fans bad enough to get arrested.
-This violence over the dislike of a story is going too far.-
Yeah, that is taking it WAY WAY to far.. I mean for real it makes me not want to let anyone know that im a fan of twilight, and the seris, for fear that people will Associate me with this.. I mean its ridiculous.. The Cullens are great FICTIONAL characters, but they shouldnt be worshiped. (neither should Rob and Kristen for their Portrayals) I love the books and movie like everyone eles.. but im going to stay true to my religion.. Christianity!
O.O Im totally a Twilight fan, but this went waaaaaaaaaaay too far >.> I said it once and Imma say it again: that's totally nuts!
i personally am a twilioghter (team jacob) and even though i LOVE twilight, i concurr with everyone else. wdh? cmon people seriously? this is too much.Religion shouldnt be based on fake characters. yes i would LOVE for them to be real but its obv not so why "pray" to fake stuff? snap out of it -_-
ok this isnt really as bad as it sounds i guess. its called haveing fun, just something the fans can have fun with, i think. its harmless..let them have there fun..=)
if hes real then im The Easter Bunny.
this is taking things wayyyyyy to far.completely over the edge.i like twilight but its not something to make a religion of.they are ruining the twilight series reputation.i can see it in tomorrows news now
"twilight series brainwashing teens."
i wish edward was real so he would slap the hell outta these crazy loons
Crazy, I love the Twilight books as much as Anyone but THIS IS CRAZY..... if u can't understand the difference between real life and fictional they need some help.... this has gotten crazy!!!!
All religions are based on fake characters anyhow. Why should this be any different?
woww, thats very shocking i mean i love twilight its amazing, but a religion thats is wayyyyy to far. and i agree they are deff messing up twilight's reputation!... i mean people already think that we as teenagers or "young adults" are kinda crazy, and this is wow nuts crazy the poeple that came up with this shud really be locked up in a crazy house because they have completely lost it.
Twilight fans thats a yes!
cullenism... completely SCARY
i agree with alex. yess its a little wierd. but if you think about it,swish it in your mouth a little, its kinda cool in a way, i mean fun like, interesting,something new. im all for it.
I am a Christian Twilighter. I believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God. Here's a challenge/dare to the Cullenists:
I've read your bible. Read mine.
What next? pffft
LOL! Ok-this is funny...in a sad way. Maybe all of the Cullenists can get together and ride off in a Volvo into a brick wall to be with the Cullens a little sooner. Just sayin'.
I would join this any day! SIGN ME UP!!!!!!!
Religion is just a comfort blanket that gives hope to people that there IS something on the other side. No one wants to believe that when you die, it's the end. Just let the Cullenists have their own blanket of comfort. It's absurd that they physically attack people; but there's other organizations that do the EXACT same thing. IE: PETA and Pro-Choice activists. No one really gives them crap for it....
This is beyond silly. Methinks the Cullenists need to take a look at Scientology's history.
Great. This is what our society has been reduced to?
Of course, we've already taken to worshipping fictional characters on a daily basis as seen with cosplaying and harry potter but now..
To actually name a religion over a series that reads like bad fanfiction?
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