Sacred Terror

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).

Preface 1. Tickets, Please An Introduction to Sacred Terror 2. Lying at the Heart of Horror Religion and Horror on the Silver Screen 3. Angels to Some, Demons to Others Fear of Change in the Sacred Order 4. No Sanctuary Ambivalence and the Fear of Sacred Places 5. Stalking Life The Fear of Death and of Dying Badly 6. Mainstreaming Satan Fear of Supernatural Evil Internalized and Externalized 7. The Unholy Human Fear of Fanaticism and Fear of the Flesh 8. Curtain and House Lights Possibility Persists in the World Outside the Frame Filmography Bibliography Index

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 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 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 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 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 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 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