Titles of Interest – The Monster Stares Back: How Human We Remain through Horror’s Looking Glass
The Monster Stares Back: How Human We Remain through Horror’s Looking Glass (Inter-Disciplinary Press, 2015), edited by Mark Chekares and Marcia Heloisa When we look at monsters from a safe distance, it is nothing but a glance. To preserve our pristine human identity, whenever we find the monstrous Other, we search for difference, not similarity. […]
Titles of Interest: Science Fiction Theology
James McGrath recently drew attention to this volume on his blog. Science Fiction Theology: Beauty and the Transformation of the Sublime (Baylor University Press, 2015) by Alan Gregory Science fiction imagines a universe teeming with life and thrilling possibility, but also hidden and hideous dangers. Christian theology, often a polemical target for science fiction, reflects […]
Interview with Jess Peacock on “Such a Dark Thing: Theology of the Vampire Narrative in Popular Culture”
Recently Jess Peacock got in touch with me to let me know about his new book, Such a Dark Thing: Theology of the Vampire Narrative in Popular Culture (Resource Publications, 2015). It is a good read, and for those interested in exploring various theological aspects of the vampire, this book is worthwhile, bringing together an […]
Religion and Transhumanism: The Unknown Future of Human Enhancement
Religion and Transhumanism The Unknown Future of Human Enhancement by Calvin Mercer and Tracy J. Trothen, Editors November 2014 Praeger This book comprises essays that explore transhumanism and the issues that surround it, addressing numerous fascinating questions posed by scholars of religion from various traditions. How will “immortality” or extreme longevity change our religious […]
Spirit Possession around the World: Possession, Communion, and Demon Expulsion Across Cultures
Glad to be a contributor to this one with several entries related to the work of demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren. My thanks to Joe Laycock for the opportunity. Spirit Possession around the World Possession, Communion, and Demon Expulsion across Cultures by Joseph Laycock, Editor June 2015 ABC-CLIO Beyond addressing the Christian tradition of possession […]
Forthcoming Title of Interest – Such a Dark Thing: Theology of the Vampire Narrative in Popular Culture
I’m privileged to promote a forthcoming book, Such a Dark Thing: Theology of the Vampire Narrative in Popular Culture (Resource Publications, 2015) by M. Jess Peacock. Look for an interview with Peacock here in the near future. Here is the back cover description and endorsements: Evil, death, demons, reanimation, and resurrection. While such topics are […]
My forthcoming book – The Supernatural Cinema of Guillermo del Toro: Critical Essays
I haven’t seen the proofs yet, but my latest book has an official title, a cover photo, and is included in the forthcoming Spring catalog for McFarland. The Supernatural Cinema of Guillermo del Toro Critical Essays Edited by John W. Morehead Foreword by Doug Jones Print ISBN: 978-0-7864-9595-5 Ebook ISBN: 978-1-4766-2075-6 photos, notes, bibliography, index […]
Titles of Interest – Religion in Science Fiction: The Evolution of an Idea and the Extinction of a Genre
Religion in Science Fiction: The Evolution of an Idea and the Extinction of a Genre by Steven Hrotic (Bloomsbury Academic, 2014) Religion in Science Fiction investigates the history of the representations of religion in science fiction literature. Space travel, futuristic societies, and non-human cultures are traditional themes in science fiction. Speculating on the societal impacts […]
Titles of Interest – Holy Sci-Fi! Where Science Fiction and Religion Intersect
Holy Sci-Fi! Where Science Fiction and Religion Intersect by Paul J. Nahin (Springer, 2014) Can a computer have a soul? Are religion and science mutually exclusive? Is there really such a thing as free will? If you could time travel to visit Jesus, would you (and should you)? For hundreds of years, philosophers, scientists, and science fiction writers […]
Titles of Interest – Fear and Learning: Essays on the Pedagogy of Horror
Fear and Learning: Essays on the Pedagogy of Horror (McFarland, 2013), edited by Aalya Ahmad and Sean Moreland This groundbreaking collection of new essays presents critical reflections on teaching horror film and fiction in many different ways and in a variety of academic settings–from cultural theory to film studies; from women’s and gender studies to […]
