Sacred Terror - by Douglas E Cowan (Paperback)

About the Book

It answers a simple but profound question: When there are so many other scary things around, why is religion so often used to tell a scary story? In this lucid, provocative book, Douglas Cowan argues that horror films are opportune vehicles for externalizing the fears that lie inside our religious selves: of evil; of the flesh; of sacred places; of a change in the sacred order; of the supernatural gone out of control; of death, dying badly, or not remaining dead; of fanaticism; and of the power--and the powerlessness--of religion.

Book Synopsis

Sacred Terror examines the religious elements lurking in horror films. It answers a simple but profound question: When there are so many other scary things around, why is religion so often used to tell a scary story? In this lucid, provocative book, Douglas Cowan argues that horror films are opportune vehicles for externalizing the fears that lie inside our religious selves: of evil; of the flesh; of sacred places; of a change in the sacred order; of the supernatural gone out of control; of death, dying badly, or not remaining dead; of fanaticism; and of the power--and the powerlessness--of religion.

Review Quotes

Sacred Terror will prove a compelling and necessary read for a motley audience....For those interested in religion and film, this is a must read as it investigates and legitimizes an oft-overlooked niche of the film world. Further, the revelation of cultural ambivalence towards and fear of religion necessitates dialogue and study in theological and sociological environments.

-- "Nova Religio"

Well written and expertly organized, this book will certainly be exciting to movie buffs, and, because of its central emphasis upon the cultural and religious angst inherent in horror movies, will appeal to the intelligent thinker. American Studies scholars may find it a welcome exploration into a topic little explored in American scholarship.

-- "Journal of the American Studies Association of Texas"

Cowan's analysis of the horror film genre reveals that our primary concern is not secular or rational behavior, but a deep ambivalence toward religion.

--Kate Rae Davis "Anglican Theological Review"

Crisply organized and well written, Sacred Terror is an excellent introduction for general readers and especially undergraduates to the academic study of horror, the basic concerns of religion, and how religion informs film.

--Sybil A. Thornton "Entangled Religions"

For anyone interested in the intersection between religion and horror cinema, and an exploration of the fears that lie behind our quest for meaning, this is a superb book to have on hand.

--J. Todd Kingrea "Video Watchdog"

For those interested in religion and film, this is a must read as it investigates and legitimizes an oft-overlooked niche of the film world.

--Mark Lambert "Nova Religio"

Readers should take up this darkly pleasurable book...A remarkably engaging colloquial work on the salience of religion for the neglected genre of horror films...Recommended. All readers, all levels.

-- "CHOICE"

About the Author

Douglas E. Cowan is Professor of Religious Studies and Social Development Studies at Renison University College. His publications include Sacred Space: The Quest for Transcendence in Science Fiction Film and Television (Baylor University Press, 2010).