I have been trying to figure out this 'Christian Horror' thing…

Posted by Ms Harker | Filed under Horror Genres

As I was thumbing through my copy of Rue Morgue , still lamenting the fact that my Fangoria subscription has STILL NOT ARRIVED! There was an article in the issue by Lea Lawrynowicz, discussing the phenomenon, nay genre, nay cash cow that is ‘Christian Horror’. Also known as ‘faith-based horror’ it is aimed at christian audiences and follows strict guidelines of no nookie, no potty mouthed slurries, and violence is alluded to and not seen (not unlike children should be… unless they are hiding under your sink!). The stories largely follow a philosophical path of the protagonist needing redemption, or detail a gospel message. Usually the director is an open christian, but not always. The recent example of this is ‘The Exorcism of Emily Rose’ directed by Scott Derrickson (open about his faith). The article talks about the booming phenomenon of ‘Christian Horror’ and sites that there is a multi billion dollar industry forming behind it, in films, books, music and web based media. The point that is made but not overly emphasised, of which I would like to highlight, that those who are not christian also enjoy these films. The films are often about the dichotomy of good and evil within us, temptation, superstition and the supernatural. In my opinion these themes make for good horror generally. If these films take up some of the ‘torture porn’ (Saw, Hostel) space on our screens hallelujah I say hallelujah!  So I ask the question which I may go to Hades for… why the need to differentiate ‘Christian Horror’ or ‘Christian Directors’?

Jesus by Caravaggio

Jesus by Caravaggio

Permalink | March 25th, 2009

5 Responses to “I have been trying to figure out this 'Christian Horror' thing…”

  1. hagiblog Says:
    March 26th, 2009 at 11:24 am

    Why the need to differentiate is the question I’m always wondering about everything. Completely off topic but my brother suffers from very poor eyesight but is more than capable of living for himself. That and I can’t keep track of the number of 300 bowling games the guys had. So why the need to point out his handicap? He’s just a person like you or I and so are these movies. They’re movies. Plain and simple.

    Some of them are much better than non-christian horror flicks but why bother pointing out that they’re christian. Why can’t they just be good horror movies and not good christian horror movies?

    I assume there’s a selling point to a certain audience that knows it’s a ‘christian’ flick but I can also imagine that it may prevent some people from seeing what might otherwise be a great film.

    In essence, can’t we all just get along?

  2. Brittney-Jade Says:
    April 3rd, 2009 at 2:11 am

    I agree with Hagiblog. I just feel as if it gives the audience something to appreciate. I dated a guy who was the lead of youth worship for a church, and he refused to see horror films unless it was a “christian horror” film. I guess you don’t have anything unexpected coming at you if you have a christian director. It’s the same way with music. I know plenty of people who refuse to listen to that screaming type music but then will listen to a band called underOATH because yeah they may be screaming, but its for Jesus!

    I personally don’t look that deep into whether or not a horror film has a christian director, if the trailer amuses me…I go. I loved Emily Rose, especially because she played my favorite classical piano piece when she was possessed. Who knew that Rachmaninoff’s Prelude in C# Minor was a song Satan would force someone to play?

  3. jessbo88 Says:
    April 3rd, 2009 at 9:00 am

    ‘Screaming for Jesus’ I love that Brittney-Jade I’m going to use that at pub tonight! I agree with you both re: good horror is good horror no matter what the source. Its an interesting phenomena the industry that has built up behind people’s faith, I need to see ‘Emily Rose’, some classical music thrown in at the right moment is fabulous.

  4. House « Hagi’s Movie-a-Day Says:
    April 6th, 2009 at 7:45 am

    [...] horror. I won’t go into the whole thing here but everyone should check it out right here - Christian Horror. Anyway, when I read about House that certain blog popped up in my head and I thought I would check [...]

  5. jessbo88 Says:
    April 6th, 2009 at 12:33 pm

    People should also check out the blog Day of the Woman, her new post looks into the role of religion in Horror films : http://tinyurl.com/dayofthewoman

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