Thank you for writing around themes of Christianity and horror, a neglected space in pop culture discourse. This is one of the more interesting pieces I've read along those lines. I've been a horror fan for years, and most of the discourse I've read immediately wants to shift away from the abyss (and look toward heaven) in their analysis, using a crass version of the creation/fall/redemption matrix (stressing redemption) to evaluate a genre that resists proselytizing, whose hellish details must be contented with, held in tension as you say. I'm excited to pick up Lee's book.
I just read Numbers 21 this morning: "So Moses made a serpent of bronze and put it upon a pole, and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live" (v.9). There's something about staring death right in the face that brings life
Horror is one of my favorite genres of film, despite the fact most horror films are terrible. When it's done well, it can be great, because it cuts right to the heart of reality and good/evil. Another good one with overtly religious themes is the series Midnight Mass on Netflix.
I used to loathe horror and everything to do with horror cinema. Perhaps that was downstream of being led to believe that by scaring yourself, you might unknowingly invite evil in, or something like that. However, as I've gotten older, I can't help but see horror as a parable for those parts of us that we can't seem to make sense of. Case in point, the Netflix series "The Haunting of Hill House." Anyway, really good stuff, Ben 👏
I’ve always had a bit of a fascination with a good horror story but tbh have been slightly embarrassed by my occasional desire to read something bone chilling thinking it too philistine. This article was so interesting and now has me thinking.
Thank you for writing around themes of Christianity and horror, a neglected space in pop culture discourse. This is one of the more interesting pieces I've read along those lines. I've been a horror fan for years, and most of the discourse I've read immediately wants to shift away from the abyss (and look toward heaven) in their analysis, using a crass version of the creation/fall/redemption matrix (stressing redemption) to evaluate a genre that resists proselytizing, whose hellish details must be contented with, held in tension as you say. I'm excited to pick up Lee's book.
Well then Justin is your man!
🙏🏼
A very interesting read!
I just read Numbers 21 this morning: "So Moses made a serpent of bronze and put it upon a pole, and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live" (v.9). There's something about staring death right in the face that brings life
Horror is one of my favorite genres of film, despite the fact most horror films are terrible. When it's done well, it can be great, because it cuts right to the heart of reality and good/evil. Another good one with overtly religious themes is the series Midnight Mass on Netflix.
I used to loathe horror and everything to do with horror cinema. Perhaps that was downstream of being led to believe that by scaring yourself, you might unknowingly invite evil in, or something like that. However, as I've gotten older, I can't help but see horror as a parable for those parts of us that we can't seem to make sense of. Case in point, the Netflix series "The Haunting of Hill House." Anyway, really good stuff, Ben 👏
Thank you! Relatable progression there.
i like a good horror.
I’ve always had a bit of a fascination with a good horror story but tbh have been slightly embarrassed by my occasional desire to read something bone chilling thinking it too philistine. This article was so interesting and now has me thinking.
I couldn't get into it here, but Lee has a more sophisticated defense of the genre that will get you past the fear of being too philistine: https://theopolisinstitute.com/conversations/the-horror-to-end-all-horrors/