Theology of Horror

The Hidden Depths of Popular Films

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 filmsincluding The Blair Witch Project, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Candyman, and The Purgeas 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 robu