Sacred Terror

Cowan proves that the genre of horror film belongs firmly in the interest of religious studies.

~S. Brent Plate, Associate Professor of Religion and the Visual Arts, Texas Christian University, and author of Religion and Film: Cinema and the Re-creation of the World

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

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

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

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