Theology and H.P. Lovecraft (Theology, Religion, and Pop Culture) by Austin M. Freeman


Theology and H.P. Lovecraft (Theology, Religion, and Pop Culture)
Title : Theology and H.P. Lovecraft (Theology, Religion, and Pop Culture)
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 1978711700
ISBN-10 : 9781978711709
Language : English
Format Type : Hardcover
Number of Pages : 290
Publication : Published August 15, 2022

While still relatively unknown to the general public, early twentieth century American horror author H.P. Lovecraft left an indelible stamp upon popular culture. Images of tentacled horrors, forbidden tomes, and protagonists struggling against the insanity that comes with the revelation of the terrible truth of reality–Lovecraft pioneered all of these. Best known for his short story “The Call of Cthulhu,” Lovecraft instantiated his philosophy of cosmicism into every one of his tales. This collection of fourteen essays is the first sustained academic engagement with horror author H.P. Lovecraft from a theological perspective. Covering the major themes of Lovecraft's work such as nihilism, xenophobia, dark cults, and unimaginable horrors beyond the stars, the book is divided into five sections corresponding to each of the divisions of biblical, historical, systematic, practical, and comparative. With responses ranging from admiration to critique, the contributors explore the dark uncharted regions of Lovecraft’s dark mythology in the service of theological truth.

Theology and H.P. Lovecraft (Theology, Religion, and Pop Culture) Reviews

  • James

    An excellent theological investigation of the works and philosophy of Twentieth-century, American horror writer H. P. Lovecraft. Given Lovecraft’s wide influence on popular culture today, and his own full acknowledgment of putting forward his “cosmic indifferentism” philosophy within his fiction, such a study was due (i.e., “the stars were right”). Austin Freeman has assembled an excellent array of scholars from various disciplines (theology and related humanities). As with any collection, some essays were better than others; but the overall quality of insightful discussion here was excellent. Much food for thought with a full panoply of bibliographies for deeper research.

    Though I think this book will profit anyone interested in Lovecraft or horror studies, for those from a theological worldview who have enjoyed the works of Lovecraft, this book goes a long way in explaining why such can so find the works of this atheist, horror writer so attractive.

    I hope this volume encourages more theological and philosophical interaction with Lovecraft and his fabulous works. For surely, “that is not dead which can eternal lie”!