Q & A
Questions for Jane Wells about Glitter in the Sun: A Bible Study Searching for Truth in the Twilight Saga
Why did you decide to write Glitter in the Sun?
I didn’t set out to write a Bible study based on someone else’s best-seller; instead the genesis of Glitter in the Sun was organic, almost accidental in nature. In fact, initially I had no intentions of reading the Twilight books. I had dismissed them out of hand as something I didn’t want to carry around in my head. It took an NPR review and immense peer pressure from my friends before I even considered reading a series of books about vampires. However, after reading the books, I found scenes and characters from the series to be natural illustrations of spiritual truths I was teaching to my Bible study group. After a few weeks of “it’s just like in Twilight when…” I stated in mock exasperation that I should just write a book. At least three of the women said together, “You should!”
So, you’ve read the Twilight saga. Are you Team Edward or Team Jacob?
If any, I’d probably choose Team Jasper…
Before the movies came out, the choice wasn’t between Robert Pattinson or Taylor Lautner. Instead the choice was between the qualities of love presented by the characters: Edward’s eternal love and Jacob’s unconditional love. The problem is this is a false choice. We need both, a love that is unconditional and eternal, and can only be found in God.
Since Glitter in the Sun came out of a Bible study, is it also a Bible study?
Yes. Glitter in the Sun is set up as a 16 week Bible study for small groups. Each chapter has fantastic small group follow up questions at the end that will challenge the members to grow deeper spiritually as well as closer to each other. There are also suggested “break out” themes for groups who must keep their studies to a shorter time.
But, if you don’t have a small group, Glitter in the Sun also works as a personal devotional, and makes a great gift for Twilight fans.
Do I have to know everything about Twilight to understand Glitter in the Sun?
No. There is a handy-dandy “cheat sheet” included that summarizes each of the Twilight books and gives a brief biography of the saga characters I mention in Glitter in the Sun.
How about the Bible? Do I need to be a scholar to appreciate your book?
Again, no. I wrote Glitter in the Sun to introduce readers to the wonder and power that the Bible contains. I do not expect you to bring a seminary’s worth of education to the table. That said, I do think even lifelong church attendees may learn a thing or two in the small group experience.
What is your hope for Glitter in the Sun?
My dream is to change the way people, especially young women, see themselves. If we could really grasp how valuable we are to God as individuals we would treat ourselves and the people around us so much better than we do now. I imagine a generation of young women so sure of their intrinsic value they don’t put up with abusive behavior and walk confidently in the skin they were born in.
It’s an audacious dream. But I like it a lot.
