Theology of Horror

Nyhet

The Hidden Depths of Popular Films

Häftad, Engelska, 2026

AvRyan G. Duns, SJ,Ryan G. Duns Sj,Sj Duns

429 kr

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Theology of Horror explores the dark reaches of popular horror films, bringing to light their implicit theological and philosophical themes.Horror films scare and entertain us, but there's more to be found in their narratives than simple thrills. Within their shadows, an attentive viewer can glimpse unexpected flashes of orthodox Christian belief. In Theology of Horror, Ryan G. Duns, SJ, invites readers to undertake an unconventional pilgrimage in search of these buried theological insights.Duns uses fifteen classic and contemporary horror films—including The Blair Witch Project, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Candyman, and The Purge—as doorways to deeper reflection. Each chapter focuses on a single film, teasing out its implicit philosophical and theological themes. As the reader journeys through the text, a surprisingly robust theological worldview begins to take shape as glimmers of divine light emerge from the darkness. Engaging and accessible, Theology of Horror proves that, rather than being the domain of nihilists or atheists, the horror film genre can be an opportunity for reflecting on "things visible and invisible," as Christians profess in the Nicene Creed.

Produktinformation

Utgivningsdatum2026-08-15
Mått152 x 229 x undefined mm
FormatHäftad
SpråkEngelska
Antal sidor344
FörlagUniversity of Notre Dame Press
ISBN9780268208561

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Religion: allmänt inom Filosofi och religion
Kristendom inom Filosofi och religion
Film inom Kultur
Radio / podcasts inom Kultur
Litteraturvetenskap inom Skönlitteratur

Eldritch AcknowledgementsIntroduction1. Intimations of Mystery (The Blair Witch Project)2. Mystery's Malevolent Depths (Insidious)3. Sordid Soulfulness (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre)4. Is it Possible? (The Exorcism of Emily Rose)5. Purging Violence (The Purge)6. Overreaching Into Darkness (I Am Legend)7. An Inhuman Incarnation (Rosemary's Baby)8. Disfiguring Discoveries (A Nightmare on Elm Street)9. Confirmation Class (The Devil's Doorway)10. Confronting Ourselves (Night of the Living Dead)11. Monstrous Mystagogy (Candyman)12. A Symptomatic Evil (The Conjuring)13. Sacraments and Superstition (Hellraiser)14. Let Us Prey (The Black Phone)15. Pedagogy of the Possessed (The Exorcist)A Posthumous Postscript

"Theology of Horror has much to teach, both in the author's approaches to particular titles and in the wider lessons he draws from any one film. Beyond its undoubted contribution to theological discussion, the book will stir fevered conversations among horror fans who are immersed in the genre." —The Christian Century"Good horror films raise questions about both the depth and the frailty of human reality. Here a fine teacher and pastorally engaged Jesuit priest shows how the metaphysical preambula fidei, the human condition and the Christian gospel breakthrough, are variously illuminated across a wide range of the best cinematic horror. A Catholic theological education from the perspective of scary movies." —Scott Cowdell, author of René Girard and the Nonviolent God"An excellent foray into the increasingly complex world of religion and horror. By pushing the boundaries of how we choose to define both fear and faith, Duns demonstrates that we find the latter in the most unlikely examples of the former. In doing so, he continues the reimagining of these most important aspects of the human experience." —Douglas E. Cowan, author of America's Dark Theologian