Religion and Its Monsters

Religion and horror are deeply intertwined, with religion having its monsters and monsters having their religion. Timothy Beal's book explores this relationship, highlighting the contributions of the field to emerging conversations and featuring a new chapter on cultural fascinations and anxieties about technologies of artificial intelligence and machine learning. It is essential reading for students and scholars of religion and popular culture.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 11 November 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Religious encounters with mystery can be captivating, yet also profoundly unsettling. Similarly, when it comes to encounters with the enigmatic creatures that lurk within Jewish and Christian traditions, the realm of religion intertwines with fear in unsettling ways. Religion and horror share a profound connection, and horror, in turn, has a profound impact on religious beliefs and practices. Religion possesses its own set of monsters, and these monsters, in turn, find solace and significance within religious narratives. In this unique and thought-provoking book, Timothy Beal delves into the intricate relationship between religion, horror, and the monstrous.

This revised edition has been carefully updated to reflect the advancements in the field over the past two decades and to emphasize its contributions to emerging discussions. Additionally, a new chapter, titled "Gods, Monsters, and Machines," has been included, engaging with cultural fascinations and anxieties surrounding the technologies of artificial intelligence and machine learning as they relate to religion and the monstrous at the dawn of the Anthropocene.

Religion and Its Monsters is an indispensable resource for students and scholars of religion and popular culture, as well as for anyone with an interest in horror theory or monster theory. It offers a profound exploration of the complex interplay between these three realms, shedding light on the ways in which they shape and influence each other. Through its engaging and insightful narrative, this book provides valuable insights into the human psyche and the enduring power of the monstrous.

Weight: 410g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367440541
Edition number: 2 ed