Overview

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.

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Reviews

“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

“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

"“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"

Author Information

Ryan G. Duns, SJ, is an associate professor of theology at Marquette University. In addition to many articles and book chapters, he is the author of Spiritual Exercises for a Secular Age: Desmond and the Quest for God (University of Notre Dame Press, 2020).

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