Redeeming horror
Confronting the fears many of us grew up with
October is drawing to a close, which means that Halloween will soon be upon us. You’re probably already looking for a good scary movie to watch on October 31st. Or maybe you’re not. It’s been my experience that most Christians tend to stay as far as they can from the horror genre. Growing up, we are taught by the church and our parents that horror movies are “evil;” I can’t count the number of times I’ve been told that watching these films will “let the devil in,” but are horror films really as taboo as Christians make them out to be?
Scott Derrickson is the director of such films as Hellraiser: Inferno and The Exorcism of Emily Rose. He is also a devout Christian. While you may find it weird that a Christian writes and directs horror films, Derrickson does not. In an interview with Christianity Today, Derrickson explains his belief that horror is the perfect genre for Christians: “this genre deals more overtly with the supernatural than any other genre, it tackles issues of good and evil more than any other genre, [and] it distinguishes and articulates the essence of good and evil better than any other genre.” Derrickson goes on to explain that the reason he believes that most Christians avoid the genre is simply because it’s built around unpleasantness. He believes that horror movies make you confront your fears, which is something a lot of Christians aren’t eager to do.
In the preface of his book The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis warns of two great dangers that can befall us when thinking about things demonic: “One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them.” Lewis makes a good point. Ignorance, in this case, is just as dangerous as obsession. With this in mind, Derrickson proposes a diet-like approach to horror material: not too little, but not too much.
David O. Taylor, in another article for Christianity Today, makes some good suggestions as to how Christians should approach the genre. First off, he stresses that horror films are a neutral form; like any other genre, they can be used both for good and evil. Secondly, we need to be discerning about what we ingest; some horror films can be edifying, while others are a waste of time. Others still can be dangerous and we need to be careful when viewing the genre as evil is very real and not something to be taken lightly or dismissed. Lastly, it’s very much a personal decision whether or not you want to involve yourself with the genre; some can’t handle horror movies, and others simply don’t want to.
When dealing with horror as Christians, it’s important to be discerning. That being said, there is no reason for this culture of avoidance that believers have adopted. Horror, like any other genre, can provide a thought-provoking (and sometimes profound) entertainment experience, so don’t be afraid to throw in a good horror film on All Hallow’s Eve. Just try not to get too caught up in it.
October is drawing to a close, which means that Halloween will soon be upon us. You’re probably already looking for a good scary movie to watch on October 31st. Or maybe you’re not. It’s been my experience that most Christians tend to stay as far as they can from the horror genre. Growing up, we are taught by the church and our parents that horror movies are “evil;” I can’t count the number of times I’ve been told that watching these films will “let the devil in,” but are horror films really as taboo as Christians make them out to be? Scott Derrickson is the director of such films as Hellraiser: Inferno and The Exorcism of Emily Rose. He is also a devout Christian. While you may find it weird that a Christian writes and directs horror films, Derrickson does not. In an interview with Christianity Today, Derrickson explains his belief that horror is the perfect genre for Christians: “this genre deals more overtly with the supernatural than any other genre, it tackles issues of good and evil more than any other genre, [and] it distinguishes and articulates the essence of good and evil better than any other genre.” Derrickson goes on to explain that the reason he believes that most Christians avoid the genre is simply because it’s built around unpleasantness. He believes that horror movies make you confront your fears, which is something a lot of Christians aren’t eager to do.In the preface of his book The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis warns of two great dangers that can befall us when thinking about things demonic: “One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them.” Lewis makes a good point. Ignorance, in this case, is just as dangerous as obsession. With this in mind, Derrickson proposes a diet-like approach to horror material: not too little, but not too much.David O. Taylor, in another article for Christianity Today, makes some good suggestions as to how Christians should approach the genre. First off, he stresses that horror films are a neutral form; like any other genre, they can be used both for good and evil. Secondly, we need to be discerning about what we ingest; some horror films can be edifying, while others are a waste of time. Others still can be dangerous and we need to be careful when viewing the genre as evil is very real and not something to be taken lightly or dismissed. Lastly, it’s very much a personal decision whether or not you want to involve yourself with the genre; some can’t handle horror movies, and others simply don’t want to. When dealing with horror as Christians, it’s important to be discerning. That being said, there is no reason for this culture of avoidance that believers have adopted. Horror, like any other genre, can provide a thought-provoking (and sometimes profound) entertainment experience, so don’t be afraid to throw in a good horror film on All Hallow’s Eve. Just try not to get too caught up in it.
Andrew Stewart
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