Theology, the Paranormal, and Popular Culture

This book argues for seriously considering the paranormal as religious expression. Unfortunately, due to various forms of religious and cultural privilege, the general category of the paranormal, and various, individual subjects of it, are treated as less than serious in the study of religion. Richard W. McCarty resists this turn, arguing that the study of the paranormal is the study of religion. Moving beyond familiar, scholarly approaches, McCarty consider the paranormal through popular culture and folklore, delving into television series, books, streaming services, podcasts, and online resources. Taking a phenomenological approach, this book wields popular culture and folklore to prioritize the experiences of those with paranormal experiences.