Wrong for Christians to read Dracula?

[SoldierOfSoul]

I have felt a bit of guilt in my spirit for reading this book, does that mean the Holy Spirit is offended at my reading?...it is about a great evil. But I also understand that it is fiction and to be taken lightly. Should a Christian read a book such as Stoker's Dracula?

 

[bsd31]

I'll just answer with a scripture...

By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God - 1 John 3:19-21 (ESV)

and provide a little commentary...

It sounds like your heart is condemning you and you don't have confidence before God in this particular matter.

 

[Solomon Kane]

To be honest, I think every person needs to decide for themself what material does, or does not, harm their walk with God.
Having said that, I first read Dracula when I was around 10 years old. It took a lot of work and multiple trips to the library to understand the context of the setting and some of the more obscure terminology of the time. Since then I've read the novel a number of times, usually with greater insight into the subtext and ideas Stoker was presenting.
At no time have I ever felt that reading Dracula has led me astray in my own personal search for the Truth.

 

[pennyfromheaven]

To be honest, I think every person needs to decide for themself what material does, or does not, harm their walk with God.
Having said that, I first read Dracula when I was around 10 years old. It took a lot of work and multiple trips to the library to understand the context of the setting and some of the more obscure terminology of the time. Since then I've read the novel a number of times, usually with greater insight into the subtext and ideas Stoker was presenting.
At no time have I ever felt that reading Dracula has led me astray in my own personal search for the Truth.

I absolutely agree. Well said. Plus, this book is a classic and is in the lexicon, so if you have a chance, you may want to check it out. I was just reading the "banned books list" because it was recently banned books week, and some of the titles on there, like To Kill a Mockingbird are great books where I see no conflict. But you obviously have your own decision to make and should follow your heart.

 

[Takkles]

To be honest, I think every person needs to decide for themself what material does, or does not, harm their walk with God.
Having said that, I first read Dracula when I was around 10 years old. It took a lot of work and multiple trips to the library to understand the context of the setting and some of the more obscure terminology of the time. Since then I've read the novel a number of times, usually with greater insight into the subtext and ideas Stoker was presenting.
At no time have I ever felt that reading Dracula has led me astray in my own personal search for the Truth.

Very, very well said.

 

[JCFantasy23]

Why would it be wrong at all? I just read it a few weeks ago and it was great. The people who are fighting against Dracula were very big on God, purifying souls, and holiness. It's a classic piece of literature that was well written and influenced much since. Knowledge is always a good thing.

 

[DandyDandelion]

I started reading it when I was ten, and then read it again when I was fifteen. I, personally, don't think there's anything wrong with it. I believe it all depends on how strong your faith is. I think God is a lot more understanding and a lot more fun than people give Him credit for, haha. As long as you're not running around, drinking people's blood and trying to avoid wooden stakes and crucifixes, I think you're okay.

 

[Miserere]

I read Dracula a long time ago, but I never saw anything that could be construed as being totally awful about it.

 

[Toasted Sandwich]

if it upsets you .... don't read it